Initiatives

United Way undertakes a number of community initiatives and drives. Click on any of the boxes below to learn more about 211, the backpack program, donation drives, Leadership Development Services, Social Services Recovery Task Force, Tampon Tuesday and others.

Day of Caring

With public health measures in mind, this year’s Day of Caring will look a bit different. The United Way Day of Caring volunteer committee has been hard at work putting together different ways for community members to engage and continue to show their local love.

Community Food
Redistribution Warehouse

The goal of this initiative is to provide space and infrastructure to collect and distribute healthy food to local agencies that provide food and meals as part of their programs.

Success By Six

Success By Six activities are aimed at engaging young children and their families and having fun together in tune with the message of “Take the time, make the moments matter™”

Quaranteens

The pandemic has been hard for everyone and adapting to virtual interactions, social distancing, and safety protocols is tough. As everyone tries to navigate their own feelings you may be feeling alone, isolated, confused, angry, frustrated – all of this is ok. .

Leadership Development Services Public Workshops

United Way strengthens the voluntary sector by offering training and workshops to non-profit organizations throughout KFLA.

Tampon Tuesday

Tampon Tuesday is a program about dignity. The grassroots movement began in 2009 and continues to grow as an opportunity to collect products for people experiencing period poverty.

Pink Shirt Day

This year, Pink Shirt Day is February 24, 2021. This day encourages everyone to practice kindness and wear pink to symbolize that you do not tolerate bullying.

Social Services Recovery Task Force

The Social Services Recovery Task Force started by United Way in May 2020 explore opportunities for stabilization, collaboration and coordination among agencies in the social services sector in KFL&A.

211

Free, confidential service helps people impacted by life's challenges and COVID-19 navigate available community and government supports.

Senior Helping Seniors

Since the beginning of the pandemic, our community has been quick to respond and help those who are most vulnerable.

Backpack Campaign

Every year United Way KFL&A provides funding for the Backpack Campaign, an annual program that provides families and children with supplies for another school year.

Gift of Hope

Tis the season of giving and there are many ways to give back to people in your community who are in need.

United Together

United Together – Show your Local Love, wear a mask. United Together that aims to provide masks to the most vulnerable members of our communities

Community Donation Drive

Acceptable donations include: non perishable food, clothing items, new hats, mittens, and socks, new and gently used winter boots, coats and hygiene products

Coat Drive

Clean, new or gently used adult coats. Coats must be washable only. No leather, heavy wool or other clothing please. Distribution will be done by agencies serving vulnerable population.

"My wife and I have always donated to the United Way KFL&A because we know the donated funds are used in our community. In my retirement, I have become more aware of the people in need in our community. I encourage you to support these vital programs by volunteering and by making a donation. Through the United Way you make a difference in the lives of so many." - Jim Parker

"With our United Way funding, we go right to the grocery store or a local supplier and purchase the food that helps a student take advantage of everything school has to offer. You can be confident that your donation to the United Way stays here, in KFL&A and supports students in our community" - Brenda Moore, Food Sharing Project

“United Way came in and adopted us and things changed dramatically, we didn’t have people waiting on the step for a bed in the winter. They stay as long as they need to and we help them get into transitional housing. We provide them with structure and help them. Because of United Way we get to help raise these children and I feel honoured and so proud to know them.” - Denise Lamb, Kingston Youth Shelter