Media Releases

Media Releases

Stay up to date with United Way Simcoe Muskoka’s latest news. Click the links below to download individual media releases.

Media Contact

Deborah Neary, Marketing & Communications Specialist, United Way Simcoe Muskoka

C. 647.545.9703 | Email: dneary@uwsimcoemuskoka.ca

Season two of local poverty podcast Resilience Rising also on TV

April 15, 2025

The second season of the podcast Resilience Rising, a co-production of CFS Counselling + Wellbeing (CFS) and United Way Simcoe Muskoka, drops this month across podcast platforms, with new broadcast partner Rogers TV airing all eight episodes on its Simcoe County network and YouTube channel.

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United Way Simcoe Muskoka Connects organizations with $12M disbursement to Address Housing and Homelessness in Rural and Remote Communities

March 24, 2025

United Way Simcoe Muskoka is proud to announce financial support for 22 projects across rural Ontario through Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada’s Reaching Home funding. This critical disbursement of 12.1 million over the next three years will help reduce homelessness and improve housing stability in rural and remote communities across the Province.

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Nourishing Minds: United Way Simcoe Muskoka Supports School Food Programs

February 12, 2025

United Way Simcoe Muskoka, in partnership with United Way East Ontario, United Way Northumberland, United Way Elgin Middlesex, United Way Stormont, Dundas, & Glengarry, and United Way Windsor-Essex-Chatham-Kent, is pleased to announce that applications for the School Food Infrastructure Fund (SFIF) are now being accepted.

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Coldest Night of the Year Returns to Midland

December 13, 2024

The Guesthouse Shelter in partnership with United Way Simcoe Muskoka is excited to announce their Annual Coldest Night of the Year event on February 22, 2025, in Midland. This family-friendly, “winterrific” walk through the heart of town is an opportunity for community members to come together to make a significant impact on local charities supporting individuals facing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.

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Local United Way Urges Community to “Embrace the Possibility of a Brighter Future” on Giving Tuesday

November 29, 2024

December 3rd is Giving Tuesday, a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of people and organizations to transform communities. Staff at the United Way of Simcoe Muskoka is encouraging its community to embrace the possibility of a brighter future for all by joining the Giving Tuesday movement.

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Holiday with a Hero: United Way Simcoe Muskoka Brings Joy to Vulnerable Children and Youth

November 25, 2024

United Way Simcoe Muskoka hosted its fourth annual Holiday with a Hero event this past Saturday, bringing together vulnerable children and youth with local heroes, including firefighters, paramedics, and police officers, for a heartwarming holiday celebration designed to break down barriers.

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United Way Simcoe Muskoka Champions Collaborative Initiatives to Combat Poverty and Promote Inclusion

November 18, 2024

Over the last few weeks United Way Simcoe Muskoka joined community members and partners to celebrate two transformative initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and promoting well-being for underserved residents across the region. The organization announced substantial funding contributions to Getting Ahead Across Muskoka and The Art Engagement Project, both are part of the United Way’s commitment to fostering collaborative efforts that address critical social issues across Simcoe Muskoka.

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United Way Simcoe Muskoka Opens Applications for Home Relief Bank Partners

November 12, 2024

United Way Simcoe Muskoka is pleased to announce that Expressions of Interest are now open for their Home Relief Bank, a new initiative to support residents in Simcoe Muskoka who are struggling to maintain stable housing. Local community organizations can now apply to be a part of this innovative program that aims to improve housing stability across the region.

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United Way Simcoe Muskoka Introduces First Annual Novemburger Fundraiser

October 30, 2024

The ultimate burger extravaganza is coming this November! United Way of Simcoe Muskoka is excited to announce Novemburger – a month-long fundraiser that combines the joy of great food with the power of giving back. Throughout November, eight local restaurants will participate in this exciting initiative, each showcasing a unique burger creation.

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United Way presents encore screening of “Traffick on 401”

October 22, 2024

United Way Simcoe Muskoka is featuring an encore presentation of the powerful documentary “Traffick on 401” as an extension of its successful Real2Reel Film Festival during the Town of Innisfil’s Crime Prevention Week. The documentary series, presented by Enbridge and RBC Foundation, continues its mission of raising awareness about complex social issues through film.

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United Way working with the Government of Canada to address Housing and Homelessness across Rural and Remote Communities in Ontario

October 8, 2024

United Way Simcoe Muskoka has announced the availability of $3,554,700 for programs addressing the current housing crisis through Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy. Specifically, the United Way is looking to fund programs for those experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness in rural and remote communities across Ontario.

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United Way Partners with Local Car Dealers for Thanksgiving Food Drive

October 2, 2024

United Way Simcoe Muskoka has announced that it is partnering with the Performance Auto Group for their Thanksgiving food drive, which runs until October 10th. To help local families experiencing food insecurity, community members are encouraged to donate non-perishable items or make cash donations in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving at one of three car dealerships located across Huntsville.

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United Way to launch New Program to Address Local Housing Crisis

September 6, 2024

United Way Simcoe Muskoka has announced that they will be launching a “Home Relief Bank” to prevent evictions and foreclosures by offering interest-free loans and individualized support services to those at risk of losing their homes.

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United Way Delivers $238,916 Boost to North Simcoe Community Effort

August 23, 2024

United Way Simcoe Muskoka joined community members and partners on Friday, August 16th, at Creative Nomad Studios to celebrate the “Arts Immersion for Mental Wellness and Social Inclusion” project. Hosted by North Simcoe Arts, the event highlighted the transformative power of the arts in fostering community reconnection for individuals receiving mental health support.

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Conquer the Everest Challenge: Adventure and Charity for United Way Simcoe Muskoka and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

July 15, 2024

Get ready for an exhilarating day of adventure and charity at the Everest Challenge on Sunday, October 6th, 2024. This unique event, taking place at the picturesque Horseshoe Resort in Horseshoe Valley, will see teams of climbers conquering the combined height of Mount Everest. Funds raised will support United Way Simcoe Muskoka and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, the largest trauma center in Canada.

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Barrie Baycats and United Way Simcoe Muskoka Hit a Home Run for the Community in Second Year of Partnership

May 15, 2024

United Way Simcoe Muskoka is pleased to announce the continuation of their partnership with the Barrie Baycats for a second consecutive year. This collaboration aims to make a positive impact on the local community by supporting youth engagement.

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New collaborative podcast seeks to educate and spark advocacy

May 9, 2024

A collaboration between CFS Counselling + Wellbeing (CFS) and United Way Simcoe Muskoka has resulted in a new podcast designed to inform listeners about poverty-related issues and assist them in getting involved in solutions. The first installment of the eight-episode first season of Resilience Rising drops today across podcast platforms.

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United Way Simcoe Muskoka Connects 30 Organizations with Funding to Address Housing and Homelessness in Rural and Remote Communities

May 1, 2024

United Way Simcoe Muskoka is announcing the funding of thirty projects focussed on addressing housing and homelessness in rural communities across Ontario through Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy.

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United Way’s Real2Reel Film Festival Presents “Traffick on 401”

April 23, 2024

United Way Simcoe Muskoka has announced the upcoming screening of “Traffick on 401” as part of its Real2Reel Film Festival. The documentary film series, which launched its second season with a screening of “Four Feet Up” in Collingwood in March, is presented by Enbridge and the RBC Foundation.

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United Way Simcoe Muskoka Seeks New Board Members to Drive Community Change

April 5, 2024

United Way Simcoe Muskoka is currently accepting applications for new Board Members.

“Our Board is critical in guiding our efforts to address complex issues across Simcoe Muskoka,” says Brian Shelley, Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer, United Way Simcoe Muskoka.

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“Four Feet Up” explores generational poverty through the eyes of a child

March 27, 2024

Last night in Collingwood, United Way Simcoe Muskoka presented a screening of the film “Four Feet Up” as part of its second annual Real2Reel Film Festival. Directed by Nance Ackerman, “Four Feet Up” follows Isaiah as he contemplates what being “less fortunate” means and finds his voice through his own drawings and photography.

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United Way Simcoe Muskoka launches Second Annual Real2Reel Film Festival with the film “Four Feet Up”

March 11, 2024

Today, United Way Simcoe Muskoka announced the launch of the 2024 Real2Reel Documentary Film Festival, presented by RBC Foundation and Enbridge. The film festival presents thought-provoking documentaries that shed light on complex social issues and inspire positive change. Each screening is followed by a panel discussion, connecting the subject matter to local challenges and opportunities.

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March is the “Month of Hope” at United Way Simcoe Muskoka

March 4, 2024

During the month of March, United Way Simcoe Muskoka is running the “Month of Hope” campaign to reflect the lives impacted through United Way-funded initiatives and to bring awareness to the needs of the most vulnerable in Simcoe Muskoka.

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Local United Way Empowers Youth with Funding for New Innovative Projects

February 14, 2024

United Way Simcoe Muskoka announces funding to a series of dynamic youth-led initiatives as part of its ongoing commitment to inspire the next generation of leaders across the region. These projects, spearheaded by youth aged 15-30, aim to drive positive change across Simcoe, Muskoka, and Town of The Blue Mountains.

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Coldest Night of the Year Returns to Bradford

February 6, 2024

United Way Simcoe Muskoka is excited to announce its Third Annual Coldest Night of the Year event on February 24 in Bradford. This family-friendly “winterrific” walk through the heart of town is an opportunity for community members to come together to make a significant impact on local charities supporting individuals facing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.

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United Way Simcoe Muskoka Unveils ‘Living in My Shoes’ Experiential Simulator Built by Rocket Innovation Studio

January 19, 2024

United Way Simcoe Muskoka today announced the launch of its first fully-virtual ‘Living in My Shoes’ simulation. The online program was developed by Rocket Innovation Studio, a Windsor-based tech provider that designs and builds customized digital solutions for Rocket Companies. ‘Living in My Shoes’ is intended to enhance public awareness of systemic barriers to poverty – like lack of access to healthy foods, technology, reliable transportation and mental health support – illuminating the struggles faced by some individuals living in the Simcoe Muskoka area.

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Local United Way Commits $2.1 Million in Funding for Community Initiatives across Simcoe Muskoka

January 15, 2024

United Way Simcoe Muskoka is proud to announce a significant commitment of $2.1 million in funding to seven community collaborative projects over the next three years.

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United Way Simcoe Muskoka Launches “Gifts of Warmth 50/50 Raffle”

January 5, 2024

United Way Simcoe Muskoka is launching the “Gifts of Warmth 50/50 Raffle” to raise funds for new program initiatives addressing housing, food security, income stability, and mental health supports across Simcoe, Muskoka, and the Town of the Blue Mountains.

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