Earlier this month, United Way Simcoe Muskoka held our Annual General Meeting a chance to reflect on the year behind us, celebrate milestones, and look ahead with purpose. I’m proud to share that the evening was a resounding success, not just in turnout, but in the stories and impact we were able to highlight.

This past fiscal year was one of tremendous achievement. Together, we launched seven new Community Collaborative projects, bringing local partners together to address the root causes of poverty in innovative, lasting ways. Through our role administering over $4 million in Reaching Home funding, we helped strengthen supports for individuals and families facing homelessness. We also co-hosted the third annual ReThink Poverty event, bringing community leaders, advocates, and change-makers into an important conversation about what it truly means to tackle poverty in Simcoe Muskoka. And through our social enterprise call centre, we administered over $7 million in grants to households experiencing energy poverty real dollars making a real difference for thousands of our neighbours

As I shared at the AGM, none of this is possible without you our partners, donors, volunteers, and community champions. Your belief in our mission fuel’s everything we do. The year ahead holds great promise, and I’m excited to continue this work alongside all of you.

Your United Way in Action

At our Annual General Meeting, we were delighted to celebrate our exceptional partners who are making remarkable progress in transforming lives from poverty to possibility.

We proudly recognized their efforts with our Stronger Communities Awards and Spirit Awards.

This year’s Spirit Awards were dedicated to the memory of Stephen Loftus, honouring his invaluable support and lasting impact on our region.

Allow us to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of our partners. Thank you for the work that you do.

Spirit Awards: 

The Champion of Change Award:
– Deb Fitzsimmons – Tatham Engineering
– Laurie Stopay – Ontario Provincial Police GHQ

The Community Builders Award:
– Township of Lake of Bays
– RBC Group

The Game Changer Award:
– Enbridge Gas Inc.
– BMO Group

The Rising Star Award:
– IG Wealth Management

The Pillar of Community Award:
-Sonny Martin – Attitude Communications

Stronger Communities Awards
Impact Innovator: Making a Difference in Poverty Reduction
– Community Builders

Catalyst for Change: Advancing Solutions to Social Inclusion
– North Simcoe Arts

Champion of Collaboration: Uplifting Youth, Shaping the Future
– Making Change

The People Behind United Way Simcoe Muskoka

We’re proud to share that Crystal Kyabaggu has recently been promoted to Chief Financial Officer at United Way Simcoe Muskoka!

A passionate advocate for social impact, Crystal brings her nonprofit expertise and deep community commitment to this role. For over a decade, she has empowered women and youth through financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship workshops.

As a founding member of The Women’s Nonprofit Network and a planning committee member for Western University’s Leaders Network, Crystal champions collaboration and leadership across sectors.

In her new role as CFO, Crystal will drive innovative financial strategies and sustainable growth to advance our mission of improving lives and building stronger communities.

Take Action Now

Fueling Hope Through Women United Grants

Women United has invested more than $83,000 into programs that empower women and children across Simcoe Muskoka. From building financial autonomy to supporting literacy, mental health, and nutrition, these grants help break cycles of poverty and create lasting change.

Applications are open for the Women United 2025 Grants! Local organizations serving women and children in Simcoe County, the Town of the Blue Mountains, and the District of Muskoka are invited to apply for up to $10,000 in funding.

Applications close October 13, 2025; don’t miss this opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Stronger Communities Start Here: Apply for Reaching Home Funding

The next call for applications for Reaching Home funding opens soon for projects starting April 2026.
With $2 million available, this funding helps organizations in rural and remote communities prevent and reduce homelessness.

Applications close November 28, 2025.