Dozens helped by United Way holiday campaign in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Milton

More than 100 families in Hamilton, Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills were helped by this year’s projects supported by the United Way Halton& Hamilton.

The UWHH supported 12 holiday projects that included more than 105 volunteer opportunities through the Holiday Helping Hand program. Community members rallied together to help fill volunteer opportunities such as sorting and packing community food bags for Food For Life Halton & Hamilton and stuffing holiday stockings for Community Living Burlington.

The program supports community members from young families with infants, to single elderly individuals, and all ages in between, including community members living with disabilities and newcomers.

“This year’s program was a tremendous success, thanks to the support of our generous community members. Their contributions not only supported the most vulnerable but also assisted our agency partners in meeting the growing demand,” said Brad Park, President and CEO of United Way Halton & Hamilton. “We are immensely grateful for the dedication and compassion shown by our community volunteers. This program would not be possible without them.”

A spokesperson for the Unite Way said that in a year marked by surges in inflation, economic pressures, heightened poverty rates, and escalating mental health challenges, many in our community are grappling with increased needs this holiday season.

The Holiday Helping Hand program brought together 14 local social service agencies, working collectively to make the season brighter for those in need.

United Way successfully engaged community members in volunteer opportunities, fulfilled holiday wish lists, and gathered essential items such as toys, clothing, and non- perishable food items for individuals and families facing challenges.

“This past holiday season posed unprecedented challenges for many families and individuals in our community,” said Park. “The weight of economic challenges, housing and food insecurity, and mental health struggles have deepened the need in our community, putting our agency partners under significant strain.”