The last few years have brought incredible challenges to our community.

Record setting inflation disproportionately impacted those living in low-income households, with many having to choose between which meal they would skip and which bills they would pay.

The Covid-19 pandemic left many feeling isolated, alone, and disconnected from their friends and neighbours.

Local charities experienced decreases in donations while, in many cases, seeing an increased need for their services. On top of that, many had to continually pivot and reinvent how they deliver on their mission and vision.

These have been dark times – but as the song goes you’ve “got to kick at the darkness ‘til it bleeds daylight.”

So many “bleed daylight” into our community.

Regular people who made a commitment to strengthen their community by making charitable donations to organizations doing good work for those who need it most. Local businesses who stepped up during times of unprecedented uncertainty to continue to direct funds towards causes that their employees believe in.

To all of the individual donors and corporate sponsors who chose to continue to support your United Way in 2022, thank you. You are making a difference in communities across Simcoe Muskoka.

By giving to your United Way, you’re moving individuals from poverty to possibility; because of you, people are given the opportunity to realize a better future.

Thank you.

By giving to your United Way, you’re helping kids be all that they can be; because of you, children and youth receive the supports they need to reach their full potential.

Thank you.

By giving to your United Way, you’re building strong and healthy communities; because of you, people experience a greater sense of belonging to one another.

Thank you.

By giving to your United Way, you’re investing in lasting change across our region; because of you, local charities receive funds they need to have an even greater impact.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. By giving to your United Way, YOU are making a difference.

Sincerely, 

Brian Shelley
Chief Executive & Philanthropy Officer
United Way Simcoe Muskoka/United Way Donor