Across the communities we serve, rising costs for housing, food, and essentials are putting more people at risk. Increasingly, individuals and families are turning to community supports not only in times of crisis, but to maintain stability.

In response, your United Way invested in programs and services that connected people—and the organizations that support them—with the resources needed to move forward:

• • Nearly $1M for Community Collaborative Projects and other local grants addressing complex community needs
  • Nearly $9M in direct financial support through the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, Urgent Needs Fund, and Home Relief Bank
  • Over $4M for rural housing and homelessness initiatives through Reaching Home funding

In the coming year, we will expand support for low-income households, continue investing in housing and homelessness solutions, and sustain funding for our Community Collaborative Projects.

We will also work with partners and community members to develop a new five-year strategic plan, informed by lived experience and local data, to guide investments and advance long-term solutions that reduce poverty and improve quality of life.

Thank you to our donors, partners, funded agencies, volunteers, and staff. Your generosity and commitment make both immediate support and lasting change possible across Simcoe Muskoka.

Your United Way in Action

This year’s AGM was all about celebration. We had so many incredible changemakers to celebrate! We were proud to honour the community partners, supporters, and volunteers who go above and beyond: transforming lives, raising vital funds, and championing the mission of United Way Simcoe Muskoka. A heartfelt thank you to all our recipients.

Stronger Communities recipients:
🏠My Friend’s House – Catalyst for Change – Advancing Solutions to Social Inclusion for their vital work creating transitional housing for women and children.
🏪The Helping Hand Food Bank – Impact Innovator – Making a Difference in Poverty Reduction for spearheading Bradford’s first Anti-Poverty Summit that produced the Anti-Poverty Action Plan.
👏Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka – Champion of Collaboration – Uplifting Youth, Shaping the Future for their exceptional work addressing housing security and youth homelessness through the Muskoka Youth Trusteeship Program.

Spirit Award recipients:
The Game Changer Award – District Chair of Muskoka, Jeff Lehman, for the creation and success of the first annual District Chair’s Dock Party
The Community Builder Award – Scotiabank, for their outstanding workplace campaign
The Rising Star Award – Fowler Construction, for support of the District Chair’s Dock Party
The Pillar of Community Award – Glueckler Metal, for their community support
The Champion of Change Award – County of Simcoe’s Elite Event Planning Team, Jennifer Swaile, and Michelle Denne, for their work on and the success of the Warden’s Gala

The Volunteer Excellence Award

David Mayers was recognized with the Volunteer Excellence Award for his nine years of incredible support of United Way Simcoe Muskoka! David has worn many hats over the years, serving as Board Chair, Treasurer, and on numerous committees. He’s been a phenomenal supporter of our film screenings, tackled mountains (literally!) as part of our Everest Challenge, and gone above and beyond for fundraising. Thank you, David, for your unwavering commitment. You will be missed!

Take Action Now

It’s Back Again!
The 2nd Annual District Chair’s Dock Party, hosted by District Chair Jeff Lehman, a sophisticated 1920s Gatsby inspired event set against the stunning backdrop of Port Cunnington Lodge on Lake of Bays. Join us for a gourmet dinner, Monte-Carlo Casino, live and silent auctions, trivia, and more!

📅 Saturday, July 18, 2026
🕛 4:30pm – 10:30pm
📍 Port Cunnington Lodge-1679 Port Cunnington Rd

Purchase your tickets 

Save the Date

Poverty in Muskoka event
This September 22nd in Port Carling, we’re bringing together residents, community organizations, municipal leaders, and neighbours from across Muskoka for a powerful day of dialogue and discovery. Poverty in Muskoka is a community awareness event exploring the realities of poverty, how it affects individuals and families, locally. The goal? That every person who walks through the door leaves with new knowledge and real actions to take.

Hockey Night in Muskoka Returns!
Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 13, 2026, and join us at the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre in Bracebridge for this year’s Hockey Night in Muskoka-an exciting, family friendly event in support of United Way Simcoe Muskoka’s programs in Muskoka and the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation.