Thanks to generosity of individuals, workplaces and leaders, fundraising campaign continues to support community members
KINGSTON, ON (Nov. 27, 2025) The annual United Way campaign has surpassed the 2025 campaign goal! United Way Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington announced this morning that the annual campaign has raised a historic $4,150,663 surpassing the goal of $4,085,000 million announced in early September – the first time the goal had been set over the $4 million mark.
2025 Campaign Chair, Leanne O’Mara, made the announcement during a campaign touchdown event with approximately 400 volunteers and community members in attendance at the Double Tree by Hilton on Princess Street. This achievement will enable agencies to continue to do the important and essential work that is needed in the KFL&A community.
“This amazing community continues to show their support for each other and individuals throughout KFL&A,” O’Mara said. “Thank you to all the volunteers, workplaces, and individuals for their donations and for their time – holding events and raising awareness. It was great to see so many people coming together and coming up with creative ways to get involved. This achievement is incredible for our community and will have a lasting impact, but it wouldn’t be possible without everyone here. Together, we are changing our tomorrow, today.”
The campaign received a big boost through generous matching grants from The Britton Smith Foundation, with the Leadership Challenge Grant, and from Judith Gould with the Women United Leadership Challenge Grant. Their respective support matched new leadership donors (those who give $1,200 or more) and boosted existing “leaders” who increased their donations by 10 per cent or more over the previous year. New this year, donors also had an opportunity to increase the impact of their donation thanks to Alliance Security and Communications generously providing a Friends of United Way Challenge Grant to encourage community members to give at the Friend level (donations of $500-$1,199). By making a donation at this level for the first time, donations were matched by 50% up to a maximum amount.
“Thanks to The Britton Smith Foundation, Judith Gould, and Alliance Security and Communications for continuing to show an incredible level of commitment to the United Way through their leadership,” added O’Mara. “Together, these generous grants helped our community surpass this year’s goal.”
On top of surpassing this year’s goal, United Way KFL&A announced additional funds raised through one-time gifts totalling $643,500. These funds, from generous donors in the community, are above and beyond the campaign total and the majority have been directed to Youth Homelessness.
“This is incredible for our community,” added O’Mara, who announced the additional funds following the announcement of the campaign achievement. “We know the needs are great and this will help agencies and programs continue their important work addressing Youth Homelessness in our community and continuing to provide essential services.”
The funds raised through the 2025 campaign will be distributed to local agencies immediately and volunteers have been hard at work on the allocation process, reviewing applications and visiting agencies. Funds continue to be stretched this year as United Way works closely with local partners to tackle their immediate needs. United Way volunteers focus on programs that address the growing areas of need in the community, such as food security, mental health and addictions support, and homelessness.
“Thank you to all the United Way agencies for their hard work, dedication, and support,“ added O’Mara. “And to the amazing volunteers on the cabinet, working to ensure our community achieved this year’s goal, United Way staff and to the committee members working to make sure the funds are allocated where they need to be – thank you. We know the needs in the community continue to grow, but with your support we can continue to support each other.”
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.
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
