United Way Niagara announces $5,100,000 fundraising total to date

Niagara, ON, March 4 – As another fundraising campaign draws to a close, United Way Niagara has announced a $5,100,000 campaign total to date at the annual Campaign Celebration, roughly three per cent short of the 2024 fundraising goal. While donations continue to trickle in, United Way Niagara is hopeful that the target will be met before the campaign officially ends on March 31.

Led once again by Campaign Chair and President of Beatties Brad Steeves, the message at the campaign celebration event was an emphasis on the difference the funds raised will make for some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

“While we haven’t yet hit our goal for 2024, the more than five million dollars raised to support our community is going to make an immense impact on those who are struggling throughout Niagara,” says Steeves. “We still believe in our vision of a community where everyone is taken care of – and we’re going to keep on the path to meeting our goal and funding local agencies that are making a real, tangible difference right here in our community.”

Requests for United Way funding from local agencies still strongly outweigh the amount available to grant. United Way Niagara CEO Frances Hallworth believes the challenges that United Way faces to reach its own fundraising goals are reflective of the challenges the local community faces.

“As we witness an unprecedented rise in demand for food programs, shelters and mental health crisis calls, we know our mission to raise funds for local community agencies is vital,” says Frances Hallworth. “It stands to reason that if more of our community is accessing social services than ever before, there will be less room for local people to support organizations like United Way. We want to give our sincere appreciation for all of those who did contribute to the 2024 campaign and recognize that many of our donors did not cut back and, in fact, increased their donation in response to the rising need for support.”

The Campaign Celebration gathered local donors, supporters, businesses, labour partners and agencies to reflect on the impact made on hundreds of thousands of community members in 2024 and recognize those who went above and beyond for Niagara.

2024 Campaign Award Winners: