On September 9, our local health unit issued a press release indicating that 31% of local residents are experiencing food insecurity. This means that nearly one in three people at some point over the past year reported to not know where their next meal is coming from. This is concerning in that it represents an increase over previous data and is higher than the Provincial average.

However, while this new data is concerning, it should not be a surprise to anyone.

Living Wage for a two income household is estimated to be $22.75 /hour in Simcoe County and $20.60/hour in Muskoka. This means that there are folks working upwards to forty hours a week who simply cannot make ends meet. As a result, individuals are forced to decide which meals to skip.

How can you help?

You can support charitable organizations providing emergency food support. For example, your United Way provides modest one-time micro-grants to folks experiencing food insecurity and other financial challenges through our Urgent Needs Fund.

You can also advocate for systemic change.

Something has to change – either the cost of living needs to come down and/or wages need to come up.

To learn more about food insecurity across Ontario, go to Household Food Insecurity Snapshot | Public Health Ontario

Truth and Reconciliation

At United Way Simcoe Muskoka, situated on the sacred lands of the Anishinaabek—comprising the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatomi nations, as well as the Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee Nations—we are committed to truth and reconciliation. Understanding and acknowledging the history and current experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples is vital to our work. This awareness helps us address the impacts of colonization and work towards meaningful repair.

Take time to remember and honor the Indigenous children who never came home and the survivors of residential schools. Join us in supporting local events across Simcoe Muskoka to show your commitment to Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 and beyond.

Events Across Simcoe Muskoka

Your United Way in Action: Getting Ahead Across Muskoka

Did you know the median employment income in Muskoka is 21% lower than the Provincial Mean, and 13% of Muskokans are living in Poverty? The sprawling nature of the Muskoka District, and its many rural communities would benefit from a more robust apparatus of social support and more opportunities to connect with community.

Getting Ahead Across Muskoka aims to support community members in achieving their individually defined goals through group support, community connection and developing tools, resources and problem solving strategies.

“The program gives you the tools you need to make the choices necessary for you to become a better version of yourself. It helps you see life from a different perspective. I needed that! It gives resources and actually gives you the ability, the courage and confidence to reach out and take action. – Getting Ahead Alumni.

Your United Way has committed to fundraising $315,151.45 to support the launch of Getting Ahead Across Muskoka over the next three years. This is one of seven community collaborative projects your United Way has committed $2.1 million to over the next three years to support our efforts to bring together community partners to address complex social issues across Simcoe Muskoka.

This project will lead a life stabilization program focusing on the rights, respect and resources to shape the lives of women, youth and Indigenous people living on low income in rural Muskoka. By providing tools for self-analysis, coping strategies, and goal-setting, the project seeks to empower community members, fostering a sense of value, connection, and collective problem-solving. The project envisions an improved network of support, increased opportunities for marginalized groups, and expanded access to the program for those experiencing food insecurity, economic instability, and mental health impacts from isolation or feeling stuck.

The People and Partners Behind United Way Simcoe Muskoka

We are incredibly grateful to the LCBO for their remarkable generosity and continued support through their workplace campaign. Their contributions account for an impressive 10% of our overall fundraising efforts, helping to strengthen our impact in the community. Thank you, LCBO, for your dedication to making a difference! Be sure to check out the inspiring moments captured at the Spirit Awards, where we celebrated the incredible partners like LCBO who fuel our mission.

Employee Spotlight: Brian Shelley, Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer

Brian Shelley is United Way Simcoe Muskoka’s Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer. Brian has been a member at the United Way since 2022, prior to which he was a member of the Senior Leadership Team at the YMCA of SImcoe/Muskoka.

Brian is a believer in building strong and vibrant communities through collaboration; it was the United Way’s focus on bringing together community partners to bring about social change that drew him to the organization.

A proud graduate of Queen’s University, Brian and his partner Maaike live in Midhurst with their two young boys. In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar, being active, and coaching his boys’ baseball teams.