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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
November 20, 2023
This past Saturday, United Way Simcoe Muskoka hosted its third annual “Holiday with a Hero” event. Eighty vulnerable children and youth were connected with heroes (firefighters, paramedics, police and military) for a unique holiday party designed to break down barriers. The holiday spirit could be seen in all the smiling and laughing faces of the children and heroes alike.
November 9, 2023
This week the Ontario Living Wage Network announced that a living wage in Simcoe County is now estimated at $22.75 and in Muskoka it is $20.60. With the cost of everything from groceries to rent and everything in between continuing to rise, we should not be surprised by this news.
October 25, 2023
On November 8th, the Poverty Reduction Task Group for Simcoe County will hold its second annual “Rethink Poverty” event at The Common Roof in Orillia. United Way Simcoe Muskoka will be co-hosting the event in partnership with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, Simcoe Muskoka Skillforce, and District of Muskoka and Town of The Blue Mountains agencies and organizations.
October 3, 2023
United Way Simcoe Muskoka’s Real2Reel Film Festival presented by the RBC Foundation is wrapping up its season with a screening of the documentary “Four Feet UP”. This moving Canadian made film, which focuses on childhood poverty, will be screening at the Orillia Opera House on October 24, 2023.
September 8, 2023
United Way Simcoe Muskoka’s Youth United program is looking for the next generation of community changemakers. Youth aged 15-30 can apply for one-time micro-grants of up to $5,000 each to support small-scale innovative youth-led community service projects.
August 25, 2023
United Way Simcoe Muskoka will be screening the award-winning film Birth of a Family at the Midland Cultural Centre on September 26, 2023, as part of the 2023 Real2Reel Film Festival. The local charity is partnering with the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle and Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin to host the evening in recognition of Truth and Reconciliation Week.
August 22, 2023
United Way Simcoe Muskoka is excited to share that it is one of the lead partners for this year’s Everest Challenge at Blue Mountain. On October 15, teams of 2-10 will come together to complete the challenge of climbing 29,092 feet – equivalent to the height of Mount Everest.
August 4, 2023
United Way Simcoe Muskoka continues to offer tax preparation clinics to individuals from low-income households across Simcoe County. This free tax preparation service is offered by the local charity through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.
August 2, 2023
Communities across Simcoe and Muskoka are facing new and evolving challenges; as a result local charities and nonprofit organizations are being asked to respond to increased community needs. This is why United Way Simcoe Muskoka is pleased to share that it is increasing its funding to local initiatives designed to address issues related to poverty and social inclusion through its Community Collaborative Grants over the next three years.
June 27, 2023
United Way Simcoe Muskoka will recognize the achievements of the 2023 fiscal year with its Annual General Meeting on June 27, 2023, at the County of Simcoe Administrative Building in Midhurst.
June 12, 2023
On Saturday June 3rd, members of your United Way staff team joined dozens of organizations in participating in the 2023 Barrie Pride Parade. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, we got to engage with hundreds of members of our community, and to be honest, we had a lot of fun doing it, too.
June 8, 2023
Community Collaborative Projects are critical to United Way Simcoe Muskoka’s commitment to mobilize collective action in our communities through initiatives that address poverty and social inclusion.
May 29, 2023
Your United Way is committed to advocating for a “net living income” for everyone in our community. One of the ways we do this is by promoting a living wage for workers; but it also means promoting social benefits that guarantee sufficient income to afford a decent standard of living for those who cannot work full time.
May 17, 2023
United Way Simcoe Muskoka is pleased to announce that filmmaker Selina McCallum will be joining the panel discussion following the charity’s upcoming screening of “Traffick on 401”. The film is the second in a series of screenings as part of the United Way’s Real2Reel Documentary Film Festival presented by the RBC Foundation.
May 15, 2023
United Way Simcoe Muskoka is partnering with the Barrie Baycats for the 2023 IBL Season through 50/50 draws at each home game of the season. Every dollar raised through our Barrie Baycats 50/50 draws will be reinvested into our communities through local initiatives that promote social inclusion and support poverty reduction efforts.
May 11, 2023
United Way Simcoe Muskoka announces the release of YOUR Community, YOUR United Way the Strategic Plan for 2023-2026. Over the past several months, your United Way has engaged with our community to best understand how we can deliver on our charitable mission “to improve lives and build communities”.
May 5, 2023
United Way Simcoe Muskoka is pleased to announce the next screening in the Real2Reel Film Festival presented by the RBC Foundation. The screening will take place at the Five Points Theatre in Barrie, featuring the film Traffick on 401, followed by a panel discussion with local advocates and experts from local agencies and law enforcement to open a dialogue and shine a light on this local issue.
March 17, 2023
United Way Simcoe Muskoka tax sites in Essa Township and New Tecumseth are now open and will continue to run for the months of March and April. This vital, free tax preparation service is offered to individuals and families, seniors and persons with disabilities with low incomes in partnership with the Canada Revenue Agency Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP).
March 10, 2023
United Way Simcoe Muskoka is proud to announce the launch of the Real2Reel Documentary Film Festival. The first screening of the festival will take place at the Simcoe Street Theatre in Collingwood featuring Connecting the Dots: A Global Conversation About Youth Mental Health. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion to create a dialogue and shine a light on the youth mental health crisis. The panel will include the Canadian filmmaker Noemí Weis and local mental health advocates.
March 6, 2023
During the month of March, United Way Simcoe Muskoka is running a campaign in support of their efforts to break the cycle of poverty across the region. “The Month of Hope” reflects on the lives impacted through United Way funded initiatives and works to bring awareness to the needs of the most vulnerable in our region.
February 8, 2023
Every day our local communities face complex and evolving challenges. 100 Women South Georgian Triangle recognizes these challenges which is why they chose United Way Simcoe Muskoka’s Urgent Needs Fund as one of their recipients.
January 17, 2023
Poverty is an everyday reality for more than 60,000 of our friends, family and neighbours, limiting potential, increasing physical and mental health risks and raising obstacles that most people never even have to think about. That’s why for the second year in a row United Way Simcoe Muskoka will be hosting the Coldest Night of the Year event in Bradford. This winterrific family-friendly walk raises money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.
January 11, 2023
The Community Services Recovery Fund is a historic one-time investment of $400 million that will help community service organizations to adapt, to modernize and to be better equipped to improve the efficacy, accessibility and sustainability of the community services that they provide, so they can continue to support communities across Canada through the pandemic recovery and beyond.
November 4, 2022
Whether it’s the impacts of pandemic, the absence of loved ones, mental health struggles, or any other number of circumstances, the last two years have been challenging for local families and children. That’s why after a 2-year hiatus, United Way Simcoe Muskoka and Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions are pleased to announce the return of Holiday with a Hero, a one-of-a-kind even where vulnerable children from Barrie and surrounding areas are partnered with uniformed personnel for a positive and fun holiday experience.
On the morning of November 19th, 80 local children will be matched with a hero from the Barrie Police Service, South Simcoe Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police Service, Simcoe County EMS, local fire services, or Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden to shop for presents for family and friends with a $150 Walmart gift card. The only rule? The children must also buy a gift for themselves.
October 26, 2022
On November 2nd Nancy Griffin’s Women, Worth and Wellness initiative is partnering with United Way Simcoe Muskoka’s Women United program for the Women For Women: Finish the Year Strong! event. This 2-hour experience is open to the public; all are invited to be inspired, empowered, and motivated to use philanthropy to create social change, and help transform the lives of Simcoe Muskoka, women, girls, and their families.
August 10, 2022
To align with Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, United Way Simcoe Muskoka (UWSM) is hosting a documentary screening and panel discussion at the Algonquin Theatre in Huntsville. Flood: The Overdose Epidemic in Canada is a powerful film that tells the human story behind the overdose epidemic and explores potential solutions. The panel discussion will include the filmmaker Adam D’Addario, local advocates and first responders, and Shari Dubois, a Huntsville mother who lost her son to an overdose and is now an advocate for youth mental health and addiction awareness.
July 19, 2022
The Town of Midland donated $10,000 through their 2022 Community Grant Program to United Way Simcoe Muskoka’s Urgent Needs Fund
“These funds will directly support some of Midland’s most vulnerable individuals and families,” said United Way Simcoe Muskoka (UWSM) Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer, Brian Shelley. “We are grateful that the municipality has made this level of financial commitment to support the work that we do in the area.”
May 10, 2022
United Way Simcoe Muskoka (UWSM) is embarking on the development of their next three-year strategy on community investment. In 2019 the Community Investment Plan laid out a shift in focus to a single priority under “Poverty Reduction and Inclusion”. An investment framework and funding model were constructed, consisting of multi-year collaborative projects designed to have significant impact within each of their sub-regions.
March 30, 2022
United Way Simcoe Muskoka (UWSM) is pleased to announce that Brian Shelley has been selected as our new Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer, effective April 13th.
March 25, 2022
After eleven years with United Way Simcoe Muskoka (UWSM), Dale Biddell has announced her retirement from her role as Chief Executive & Philanthropy Officer, effective March 31, 2022.
March 2, 2022
During the month of March, United Way Simcoe Muskoka is running a campaign in support of their Urgent Needs Fund (UNF). “The Month of Hope” reflects on the lives impacted through the fund and works to bring awareness to the needs of the most vulnerable in our region. Every day in Simcoe Muskoka, more than 60,000 people are living under the strain of poverty and isolation and sometimes the immediate, most pressing needs go unaddressed.
February 16, 2022
February 14-20, 2022, is the first ever Nonprofit Appreciation Week in Ontario. It’s intended to celebrate the vital role nonprofits play in creating and maintaining healthy, vibrant, and inclusive communities. United Way Simcoe Muskoka (UWSM) is pleased to celebrate and support all the remarkable nonprofit and community organizations that serve our region every day.
January 6, 2021
Over the course of 2020, United Way Simcoe Muskoka distributed more than $1,744,000 in funding to 61 local charities in Simcoe County and Muskoka. These organizations are responding to the pressing needs of the most vulnerable in our community while dealing with a sector-wide decline in revenue that puts their own future in question.
October 21. 2020
As part of the $350 million Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) announced earlier this year, Canadian Red Cross, Community Foundations of Canada and United Ways across the country are distributing more than $850,000 throughout Simcoe Muskoka as part of Phase Two of the ECSF. Nearly $2 million was distributed to more than 125 programs and services in our communities in Phase One of the ECSF.
August 18. 2020
Between June 10 and July 15, United Way Simcoe Muskoka (UWSM) distributed nearly $1,200,000 into Simcoe Muskoka communities, through the Emergency Community Support Fund. This funding will help local residents who have been made vulnerable by COVID-19 by enabling charities and nonprofits to adapt their services or launch new programs in response to the pandemic.
May 25. 2020
United Way Simcoe Muskoka is accepting funding applications for the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). The fund provides financial support to charities and other qualified donees adapting their frontline services to support vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ECSF was announced by the Government of Canada and is administered in collaboration with United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Red Cross.
May 19. 2020
While the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all residents of Simcoe Muskoka, many of our senior residents are particularly at-risk with potential impacts to their physical and mental health as well as their social wellbeing. To help vulnerable seniors (aged 55 and older) in our communities, United Way Simcoe Muskoka is funding several local services and resources. These programs have been funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.
May 5, 2020
On May 4, 2020, United Way Simcoe Muskoka launched the second phase of our Urgent Needs Fund, an initiative that was successfully piloted from October 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020. In light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Urgent Needs Fund is being expanded to help even more Simcoe Muskoka residents.
November 4, 2019
United Way Simcoe Muskoka (UWSM) is pleased to partner with Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden and Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions to bring Holiday with a Hero to our communities this November 30. UWSM will be helping children who have suffered trauma make this holiday season unforgettable for them and their families with this heartwarming event.
Holiday with a Hero will pair up to 75 Simcoe Muskoka children with local Heroes, including military, police, paramedics and firefighters on the morning of November 30. The children and Heroes will then be given a gift card so the children can buy gifts for their family and friends. The only rule? The children must also buy a gift for themselves.
August 19, 2019
On Wednesday, August 28, 2019, Wasaga Beach businesses will be participating in the first annual Local Businesses, Local Love challenge. These community-minded businesses will be donating 10-15% of the net sales on the 28th to United Way Simcoe Muskoka, doing their part to make local issues like poverty #UNIGNORABLE.
March 12, 2019
Sixty years ago, John Diefenbaker was Prime Minister of Canada, Fidel Castro rose to power in Cuba, and Doris Day and Frank Sinatra were big stars. That same year, United Way came to Simcoe County as Barrie United Appeal.
The political and cultural leaders of 1959 have faded into the past, but United Way is still on the job, building a new future for citizens by tackling poverty head-on.
