Your Impact, April 2022

Good afternoon!

This week is National Volunteer Week. I’d like to thank the thousands of volunteers across the region who give their time and talent to helping non-profits in this area. If you can, please take time this week to celebrate, acknowledge and say thanks to the volunteers in your community and across the country.

In this month’s update, I’d like to share information about youth programs as well as work being done towards food security. More information can be found in our Community Impact Report which has just been completed, compiling information about all the programs and initiatives.

Youth Programs

We held our first Women United panel discussion, featuring a virtual tour of One Roof and other programs serving youth. You can watch the full panel discussion if you have time, or just the virtual tour of One Roof through the links below:

The full Panel Discussion (90 min)
Virtual tour of One Roof Youth Hub (12 min)

We have also included a link to an indigenous creation story “Through the eyes of Moshomis” that describes the hand painted wall mural at One Roof.

Food Security

This week I’d like to share some of the work being done to address food security in KFL&A. Since the start of the pandemic the need for meal and food programs has grown exponentially. Almost 1 in 7 Canadians indicated that they lived in a household where there was food insecurity. In addition, 1 in 3 children in Canada are at risk of going to school hungry (up from 1 in 4 pre-pandemic).

United Way is working closely with agencies and programs to respond to this increased need, working collaboratively on ways to best address food security and help people throughout KFL&A. In this month’s update you can read more about some of the solutions that support people facing food insecurity. Many of these responses are in four key areas:

Food reclamation and redistribution
Meal programs
Food boxes
Programs for children and families

More information about these programs can be found here.

Community Impact Report

Every year, we get a chance to look back on the year that has passed and the impact you, United Way donors and supporters, have made.

We are delighted to share the impact of your support through our Community Impact Report. Thank you for your generosity that has had a significant positive impact on people in KFL&A.

THANK YOU!!

We will continue to provide you with monthly updates, communicating how you are changing lives and supporting much needed programs and making a difference in the lives of your friends, neighbours, colleagues and fellow community members.

I look forward to your feedback; please also let me know if there are areas you’d like to learn about. Please feel free to reach out if you would like more information or just want to chat – I can be reached at 613-929-4828 or by email bvarma@unitedwaykfla.ca

Take care and stay safe.

Bhavana

You can always stay up to date by following our social media channels – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and you can find videos at www.unitedwaykfla.ca/videos/. Watch for regular updates on our website at www.unitedwaykfla.ca

Community Impact Report

In 2021, United Way KFL&A supported over 74,000 people in the community through 61 agencies and 127 programs. Find out how your local love and support impacted local lives.

Community Resources

Frontline agencies and programs work hard to ensure our community is able to serve all residents, especially those who are in vulnerable situations. Click for lists of services and community resources that are being provided in the KFL&A community

Day of Caring - June 17, 2022

For the past 22 years, United Way volunteer teams have shown their local love and helped agencies with gardening, renovations, and more at the annual Day of Caring. In 2022, the United Way Day of Caring will continue this tradition, but will also allow for different opportunities, ensuring health and safety protocols are followed.

"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."

"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"

“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.”