Skip to main content

News

Latest news, insights and stories from
United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County

Ford Windsor Operations, UNIFOR Locals 200 & 240,business partners raise $508,189 in support of United Way

Ford Windsor Operations, Unifor Local 200 and Local 240, Leadec Industrial Services and Penske Logistics are proud to announce a $508,189 donation to United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County as part of its annual fundraising efforts in support of local children and youth.

Release: 2023 Impact Report to the Community

Thanks to local residents and donors, United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County is helping kids succeed from Cradle to Career. We released our 2022-2023 Annual Impact Report to the Community, highlighting the progress that has been made to help local children overcome barriers to academic success.

February 13, 2024

United Way receives $180,000 from Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefit Plan for school lunch program

United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County is proud to announce that we have received $180,000 in funding to deliver a free school lunch program in two Sandwich area schools a minimum of one day a week throughout the school year.

Bringing Affordable Housing Home: An Action Plan for Housing Stability in Ontario

400 Ontario nonprofit leaders — in collaboration with United Ways across Ontario, Canadian Centre for Housing Rights, Ontario Alliance to End Homelessness, Ontario for All & Ontario Nonprofit Network — have identified 7 high-impact ways government can make a difference for Ontarians in most dire need of affordable housing.

RELEASE: Fifty-one local projects funded through the Community Services Recovery Fund

Fifty-one innovative capacity building projects were announced across Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent as part of the Community Services Recovery Fund.

RELEASE: Local leaders gather for community breakfast event to advance school meal programs.

including MP Irek Kusmierczyk to a community breakfast to discuss opportunities and challenges related to enhancing school meal programs for Windsor-Essex students.

September 19, 2023

Cleaner & Greener: United Way’s successful clean-up campaign to support downtown residents

In an inspiring display of community spirit, United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County, the City of Windsor, CUPE 82 and Rocket Innovation Studio, came together to host over 70 people for a community clean up on September 13th, 2023. Volunteers

RELEASE – Charles Brooks Award honours dedicated retiree activist, Tony Sisti

On Thursday, November 9, 2023, United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County, in partnership with the Windsor & District Labour Council (WDLC), will host the 46th annual Labour Appreciation Night at the Ciociaro Club of Windsor, honouring the recipient of the Charles E. Brooks Labour Community Service Award, Tony Sisti, Chair of Unifor Local 1973 Retired Workers Chapter.

United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County funds 31 community service organizations through the Community Services Recovery Fund

The Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF) is a $400 million investment from the Government of Canada to support charities and non-profits as they focus on how to adapt their organizations for pandemic recovery. United Way Centraide Canada was one of three national intermediaries, selected to administer funding.

United Way Makes Last-Minute Push for Donations

United Way Windsor-Essex County is making a strong final fundraising push for their summer programs and ask the public for help reaching the goal

United Way launches annual summer programs across Windsor-Essex County – Summer Eats for Kids & Backpacks for Success

United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County launches their annual summer programs fundraising campaign this month. United Way’s Summer Programs include two innovative strategies that support children throughout the summer months and help prepare them for their upcoming school year.

John Toth Award honours dedicated United Way champion – Roger Dzugan

On Thursday June 15th, United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County in partnership with the Windsor & District Labour Council presented the 3rd Annual John Toth Community Champion Legacy Award to longtime United Way supporter Roger Dzugan.

Charles E. Brooks Labour Community Service Award Nominations

To honour the memory of Charles E. Brooks as an outstanding community-minded citizen, United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County created the Charles E. Brooks Labour Community Service Award. Nominations for the Award are invited from all local unions in Windsor and Essex County – any member in good standing of a bonafide Trade Union will be eligible for consideration.

July 4, 2023

We’re Recruiting: Join our Board of Directors or Committees

Are you passionate about helping children and families reach their potential in Windsor-Essex County?

April 27, 2023

On Track To Success – changing families’ lives for the better

A key pillar of the On Track To Success (OTTS) program is the wrap-around supports available to each student and their family. You might ask, what exactly does wrap-around supports mean? Danielle, the parent of an OTTS student, tells us in her own words what these supports are and the positive impact they have had on her daughter as well as her whole family.

April 4, 2023

Release: Cradle to Career gets boost from Caesars Windsor Cares

Caesars Windsor Cares is providing a corporate gift of $20,000 to support this important program. Parents and caregivers play a critical role in their child’s educational journey towards graduation and a successful future. Caesars Windsor Cares recognizes the importance of providing supports to parents and caregivers as they help their children navigate and pursue their education.

March 30, 2023

On Track to Pay it Forward – Mohamed’s Story

The On Track to Success program provided support that was crucial for Mohamed to succeed and had a big impact on his life. He was able to connect with a tutor who understood his learning style and helped him get through that very difficult time. “Without that help, I would not have been able to pass my class. I am forever thankful for the support that I received from the OTTS program.” says Mohamed.

May 3, 2023

CELEBRATING WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US EVENT

Women United’s annual Celebrating Women Who Inspire Us presented by Green Shield Canada luncheon is the signature event of United Way’s Women United program. It brings together people in the community for an inspirational event, featuring a keynote speaker, as well as information about the Women United and its impact in the community.

March 23, 2023

Release: Ford Windsor Operations, UNIFOR Locals 200 & 240, business partners raise $500,907 in support of United Way Windsor-Essex County

Ford Windsor Operations, Unifor Local 200 and Local 240, Leadec Industrial Services and Penske Logistics are proud to announce a $500,907 donation to United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County as part of its annual fundraising efforts in support of local children and youth.

March 10, 2023

iMove for United Way raises over $25K for Ignite Academy

Windsor, ON – United Way’s third annual signature fundraising event – iMove for United Way presented by St. Clair College and St. Clair College Alumni Association – raised $25,415 (and counting) throughout February and March. Funds raised through the event will help local children through Ignite Academy.

February 15, 2023

3rd Annual Virtual iMove for United Way to raise funds for local kids in Ignite Academy

Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County wants the community to get up, get moving, and challenge themselves to be physically active as part of the third annual virtual fundraiser, called iMove for United Way presented by St. Clair College and St. Clair College Alumni Association, focused on raising much needed funds for Ignite Academy. Registration is open NOW and the event starts Monday, February 20, 2023.

February 2, 2023

Tampon Tuesday

On Tuesday, March 7th from 4pm to 8pm, join United Way/Centraide Windsor Essex County and the Windsor & District Labour Council at Harbour House Waterfront Eatery for Tampon Tuesday!

January 12, 2023

On Track to Success Continues to Shine

The On Track to Success program continues to make an incredible impact on hundreds of local youth in West Windsor, Downtown Windsor and Leamington. It’s because of donors – like you – that we’re able to support these incredible students in their journey through high school and into post-secondary education.

January 17, 2023

Community Services Recovery Fund – Local Information Sessions

United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex will be administering the Community Services Recovery Fund in both Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent. Join our local Zoom information sessions in January & February.

January 6, 2023

United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County takes part in the Community Services Recovery Fund – a $400 million investment in charities and non-profits

Now more than ever, Community Service Organizations (charities, non-profits, and Indigenous Governing Bodies) are playing a key role in addressing persistent and complex social problems faced by all Canadians. The Community Services Recovery Fund is a $400 million investment from the Government of Canada to support charities, non-profits, and Indigenous Governing Bodies as they focus on how to adapt their organizations for pandemic recovery.

December 7, 2022

Give or Get Help this Holiday Season from 211

Our partners at 211 have created the Holiday Sharing Guide – a tool that provides information on how to give help to those in need and how to get help during this holiday season. Learn more about local gift and toy programs, food drives and community holiday meals available throughout Windsor-Essex County.

October 26, 2022

Release: 2022 Impact Report to the community

Thanks to local residents and donors, United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County is helping kids succeed from Cradle to Career. On Tuesday, we released our 2021-2022 Annual Impact Report to the Community, highlighting the progress that has been made to help local children overcome barriers to academic success.

November 29, 2022

United Way celebrates 75th anniversary with 75-hour campaign to raise funds for Ignite Academy

To celebrate this incredible milestone, they are taking the opportunity to raise funds to help local kids. Starting today on Giving Tuesday, and for the next 75 hours, United Way will be spreading the message about Ignite Academy, a new out-of-school program that will support local kids from Grades 2 to 7 to help them succeed academically, while wrapping other supports around the kids and their families.

November 25, 2022

Summer Programs Report

This past summer, we delivered the Summer Eats for Kids and Backpacks for Success programs in three priority neighbourhoods of West Windsor, Downtown Windsor and Leamington. We are pleased to be able to share the 2022 Summer Programs Impact Report with you.

October 18, 2022

Get Out to Vote | a ProsperUs Initiative

On October 24, 2022 you have the power to vote for Mayor, and your City Councillor and School Board Trustee. Your vote is your tool for selecting who is representing you in making decisions that impact your life. Find voter information at  www.weunlockpotential.com/vote

October 17, 2022

The Reality of Poverty

October 17 marks the International Day from Eradication of Poverty (IDEP). In Windsor-Essex County, just like around the world, thousands of children and youth are experiencing poverty or are stuck without a clear path to success. In some local neighbourhoods, as many as 1 in 3 children are growing up in low-income households.

September 26, 2022

Charles Brooks Award honours avid community activist

On Thursday, November 3, 2022, United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County, in partnership with the Windsor & District Labour Council (WDLC), will host the 45th annual Labour Appreciation Night at the Ciociaro Club of Windsor, honouring the recipient of the Charles E. Brooks Labour Community Service AwardPhil Lyons, CUPW Local 630.

August 15, 2022

United Way’s Summer Eats for Kids and Backpacks for Success Continue in August across Windsor-Essex County

As planned, United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County will continue their summer programs for the next two weeks, until the end of August.

June 29, 2022

VIDEO: On Track to Success Ujima Initiative in full swing

Students participating in the On Track to Success Ujima Initiative have been busy over the last few months, and we wanted to share the highlights. Richie and Subomi share how On Track and the Ujima initiative have helped them so far.

June 20, 2022

United Way launches annual summer programs across Windsor-Essex County

RELEASE: United Way launches their annual summer programs fundraising campaign this month – Summer Eats for Kids & Backpacks for Success.

May 31, 2022

ProsperUs Collective launches first Cradle to Career solution

RELEASE & VIDEO: ProsperUs, a collective of Windsor-Essex community partners is launching Ignite Academy, a new out-of-school solution designed to improve math and literacy skills for children between Grades 2 and 7, while providing wrap-around support for families. A large gathering of community partners celebrated the long-awaited announcement at General Brock Public School.

May 18, 2022

3 Windsor-Essex residents drive away with new lease on life

RELEASE: Rebuilding Wheels Rebuilding Lives, a community partnership that supports local families with a reliable vehicle, is handing over the keys to three donated cars this week, while the student mechanics who helped refurbish them celebrate their own accomplishments.

April 29, 2022

Stellantis employees and retirees pledge largest donation for United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County 2021-22 campaign

RELEASE: Stellantis employee and retiree combined contribution to the annual United Way campaign totals $831,216.22…

April 13, 2022

Volunteers have a positive impact on On Track to Success students

We’re celebrating our volunteers this week – and every week! Holley is a volunteer tutor in On Track to Success. She and one of her students, Tatianna, talk about how they both grew as a result of their involvement in the program.

April 13, 2022

Ford Windsor Operations raises $508,059 for Building a Brighter Future campaign in support of United Way

RELEASE: Ford Windsor Operations, Unifor Local 200 and Local 240, Leadec Industrial Services and Penske Logistics are proud to announce a $508,059 donation to United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County as part of its annual fundraising efforts in support of local children and youth. WATCH VIDEO

March 31, 2022

$7.8 million secured for Cradle to Career strategy in support of local children

RELEASE: ProsperUs community leaders have reached a $7.8-million fundraising milestone in the ongoing effort to eliminate child poverty in the Windsor and Essex County region.

Monthly E-News

Stay up to date on news, insights, local events and how to get involved.

March 24, 2022

iMove for United Way raises over $40K for youth mental health

RELEASE: United Way’s second annual youth mental health fundraising event – iMove for United Way presented by St. Clair College and St. Clair College Alumni Association – raised $40,320 (and counting) throughout February and March.

January 17, 2022

Open Letter in advance of the provincial-municipal housing summit on January 19, 2022

In advance of the provincial-municipal housing summit planned for January 19, our broad partnership of social service organizations, grassroots and community networks and United Way Centraides across Ontario are calling on elected provincial and municipal representatives and officials for urgent action on affordable housing.

December 8, 2021

Student earns life-changing opportunity

An On Track to Success graduate has been awarded a valuable provincial LGBTQ scholarship.

January 24, 2022

Understanding the experiences of local residents key to building more resilient families

For United Way, it’s important that families have access to supports that can strengthen children in reaching their potential, including nutritious food and mental health counselling, social inclusion, and access to transportation and housing to build more stable, resilient families.

More News Stories

December 1, 2021

The Ujima Initiative: Black Youth Empowerment

United Way is committed to collaborate with, support and empower Black youth in the community. One way we’re taking action is the Ujima initiative.

December 3, 2021

#UNEVENT4UJIMA raises over $30K for Black youth in United Way’s On Track to Success Program

RELEASE – United Way’s Emerging Philanthropists hosted its second annual UNevent fundraiser, raising over $32K towards the launch of the Ujima initiative for Black youth in United Way’s On Track to Success program.

November 25, 2021

Meaningful conversations with family can start with a planned gift

United Way donor, Kyle Kootstra, says conversations about philanthropy can help create a sense of identity and legacy among family members, specifically the younger generation.

November 2, 2021

Rocket Innovation Studio Teams Up with United Way to Create ‘Living in My Shoes’ Simulation

RELEASE: Rocket Innovation Studio and United Way announce the launch of the ‘Living in My Shoes’ simulation – a program enabling the public to get a glimpse of what life is like for those living with barriers such as a lack of access to fresh and nutritious food, technology, reliable transportation and mental health support.

November 19, 2021

Charles Brooks Award honours unionist with ties to migrant workers

RELEASE – United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County, in partnership with the Windsor & District Labour Council, will host the 44th annual Virtual Labour Appreciation Night next week, honouring the recipient of the Charles E. Brooks Labour Community Service Award, Elizabeth Ha, OPSEU Local 154.

September 1, 2021

Message to the Community – Discoveries at Residential Schools

Over the past several months, gruesome discoveries of unmarked graves continue to be made at the sites of previous residential schools in Canada.