2025 United Way Campaign Chair Announced
Long-time volunteer and local business owner, Leanne O’Mara, to lead this year’s fundraising campaign
Kingston, ON (April 29, 2025) – The United Way Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington is pleased to announce the appointment of long-time United Way volunteer and local business owner, Leanne O’Mara as the Chair of the 2025 Campaign.
“I am excited to take on the role of campaign chair this year. I am looking forward to working with the incredible volunteers on the Campaign Cabinet and in the community to build on the success of last year,” said O’Mara. “I know that our community can do great things when we come together and we can continue to help our fellow community members throughout KFL&A.”
O’Mara has been an active volunteer with many organizations in our community for over 20 years. She is a past chair of the United Way Board of Directors (2020) and volunteered as a member of the Citizens Review Process for the distribution of United Way funding for many years. As the chair for the 2025 campaign, she will be working with volunteers and the community to build on the success of the 2024 campaign.
“This community is fortunate to have such strong volunteer leadership every year,” says John DiPaolo, President & CEO, United Way KFL&A. “Leanne is an incredibly special person, and I am truly humbled to be able to work alongside her and our dedicated Campaign Cabinet and all our amazing volunteer again this year. With all the craziness going on globally right now around tariffs and trade wars, I take great comfort in knowing we have an incredibly generous community who support our most vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours.”
The annual campaign raises funds that are then invested locally in programs supporting individuals in vulnerable situations. United Way KFL&A works collaboratively with agencies and community partners across sectors to address complex social issues and the most pressing needs – homelessness, food security, addictions, and mental health.
“We know that there is a lot of uncertainty and agencies and programs in our community are continuing to see an increase in demand for their services,” added O’Mara. “I have seen firsthand how the generosity of this community can make an impact on both agencies and individuals and I am confident that this year we will have another successful campaign.”
The 85th annual United Way KFL&A Campaign will kick off on Friday, September 5th, 2025. Stay tuned for more details.
About United Way KFL&A
United Way Kingston Frontenac Lennox & Addington works closely with community partners to ensure that people have the opportunity to reach their full potential and live with hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging. This vision is realized by building on deep-rooted local community knowledge and relationships to empower people to make an impact.
The United Way raises funds for programs that support immediate needs while also tackling complex social issues collaboratively. Led by volunteers, driven by a small professional staff team, the United Way KFL&A is a unifying force, encouraging people to get involved to support our most vulnerable.
Thanks to the continued generous support of the community, United Way KFL&A is proud to rank fourth among United Ways across Canada in dollars raised related to the size of our market.
Stay up to date by following their social media channels – Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn or visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca
Media Contact:
Mandy Pasch, Director, Marketing and Communications
United Way KFL&A
613-876-3088, marketing@unitedwaykfla.ca
About Leanne O’Mara
Leanne O’Mara is the proud owner of six local Tim Hortons restaurants under J.E. Agnew Food Services Ltd and is a dedicated business leader and community champion.
Beyond business, she is a driving force for local philanthropy. Leanne is a long-time volunteer with United Way KFL&A, serving six years on the Board of Directors and as Board Chair in 2020. She has also been a key participant in initiatives including Success by 6 and has also been a member of the Citizens Review Process for the distribution of United Way funding for many years and is an active member of Women United. She is also always willing to generously support United Way events, meetings and volunteers with coffee, sandwiches and donuts – keeping everyone fueled and ready to fundraise!
Her leadership and commitment to Kingston earned her the 2024 Business Person of the Year Award from the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce, recognizing her passion for making our community a vibrant place to live and work. As an employer, Leanne is committed to fostering inclusive workplaces and providing meaningful opportunities for today’s diverse workforce.
Her and her team have been top fundraisers for Tim Hortons campaigns such as Smile Cookie and Camp Day for many years that give back to our local community. Additionally, her dedication to youth empowerment has helped send countless young people from Kingston to Tims Camps each summer.
Leanne completed her Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Urban & Regional Planning at the University of Waterloo. Leanne lives on Howe Island with her husband John. They have two grown sons. In her spare time Leanne enjoys spending time in the 1000 Islands, traveling, reading, and doing yoga.
