Financial stress leaving people vulnerable beyond their wallets: United Way Centraide Canada calls for stronger community supports

Tanya Noyes • October 15, 2025

New survey finds 42 per cent of people living in Canada could cover expenses for less than a month if their income was lost 

OTTAWA, ON - October 15, 2025 - New survey findings from Léger and United Way Centraide Canada reveal that financial stress is leaving people living in Canada vulnerable far beyond their wallets, deepening the risk of poverty for many who are already struggling to make ends meet.


According to the United Way Centraide Financial Anxiety Survey conducted by Léger, more than half (55%) of people living in Canada feel anxious about their personal finances. Nearly as many (41%) report physical stress symptoms when talking about money, and 42% say they would only be able to cover their basic expenses for less than one month if they lost their main source of income.


“Across Canada, as affordability challenges deepen and economic uncertainty grows, United Way Centraides and essential community services are seeing an increasing demand for support. These findings underscore the significant financial stress facing people in Canada— especially low-income individuals and families,” said Dan Clement, President and CEO of United Way Centraide Canada. “This stress is taking a toll on mental health and well-being, driving a rising need for strong, community-based supports."


Financial stress hits home and is hardest for lower-income people living in Canada. The survey shows how financial strain disrupts daily life. More than one-third (35%) of people living in Canada report trouble sleeping, nearly a third (32%) experience family conflict or tension, and three in ten (30%) say money-related worries make it difficult to focus at work or school.


The burden is sharpest for lower-income households: nearly half (47%) of those with household income under $40,000 lose sleep because of money issues, and two-thirds (67%) report feeling anxious about their finances. By comparison, 27% and 47%, respectively, of those earning over $100,000 report the same experiences.


Yet financial stress cuts across all income levels. Behaviours like avoiding conversations about money and experiencing household conflict remain consistent regardless of earnings.


United Way Centraide Canada

116 Albert St., Suite 900 | Ottawa, ON | K1P 5G3

613-236-7041 | 800-267-8221

unitedway.ca | centraide.ca

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By Tanya Noyes • January 1, 2026
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United Way Leeds & Grenville Asks Community to Help Carry Hope Across the Finish Line

By Tanya Noyes • December 16, 2025
Leeds & Grenville, ON - United Way Leeds & Grenville Asks Community to Help Carry Hope Across the Finish Line As 2025 draws to a close, United Way Leeds & Grenville is pausing to say thank you. Because of the generosity of donors, volunteers, workplaces, and partners, hundreds of local programs and services were supported this year — helping families access food, supporting children and youth, keeping seniors connected, and strengthening mental health and addiction supports across Leeds & Grenville. “We have seen the very best of our community this year,” said Hailie Jack, Executive Director of United Way Leeds & Grenville. “And we are so close to reaching our campaign goal.” With the finish line in sight, United Way is asking those who can consider making a gift — or an additional gift — to help close the remaining gap. Reaching the $900,000 goal will provide stability for local agencies and ensure vital supports are in place as we head into 2026, a year many know will continue to bring real challenges for individuals and families. “This final stretch matters,” added Jack. “It means local programs can plan with confidence, frontline staff can continue their work, and people who rely on these services know their community has not forgotten them.” Every contribution, no matter the size, helps turn uncertainty into stability and compassion into action. Community members are invited to help carry this momentum forward and ensure help is there when it’s needed most. Donations can be made online at uwlg.org , in person at 42 George Street , or by phone at 613-342-8889 . 

United Way Leeds & Grenville announces the Ultimate Burger Battle campaign raised over $5,000

By Tanya Noyes • December 11, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Leeds & Grenville, ON – December 11, 2025 United Way Leeds & Grenville announces the Ultimate Burger Battle campaign raised over $5,000 with more than 2,000 burgers sold at participating establishments during the November 1–30, 2025 Thank you to our event sponsors: Henderson Digital Marketing & Printing, Hometown TV12, Giant FM 103.7 and MyFM 104.9 for bringing Leeds and Grenville a burger month with purpose, blending flavour with philanthropy and competition. We are grateful to our community partners who elevated this event and made it possible with more than $7,000 provided through gift in kind support. The 2025 campaign saw 13 eateries participate, each devising a unique burger creation to sell throughout the month. At the end of it all, United Way Leeds & Grenville delivered special awards to the top performing restaurants and thanked everyone for their participation by celebrating their efforts with a big cheque. The most coveted award is ULTIMATE BURGER of the YEAR. After tallying the scores, Stoodley's Kitchen and Beverage (9 Water St, Elgin) came out on top, making their Smoke Show the Ultimate Burger of 2025. It featured: two 3oz fresh chuck smash patties seared to perfection and stacked with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, crispy fried onions, shredded lettuce, pickles, and a sweet smoky BBQ sauce — all on a toasted brioche bun. Big crunch, bigger flavor. Over the course of the month, 7 ambassadors were asked to sample the burger menu at each restaurant and rank them on presentation, taste, originality and overall execution. Cedar Valley Golf & Country Club (7041 County Rd 29, Elizabethtown), was runner up with their True North Burger and 1000 Islands Brewery (65 King Street West, Brockville) took 3 rd with their Better Mac Burger. The title of Most Ultimate Burgers Sold will be awarded to Karra’s Burgers & Fries (329 Stewart Blvd, Brockville), who sold a total of 431 Pump Up the Jam burgers. Finally, throughout the month, fans were able to vote for their favourite burger, with the top three receiving the People’s Choice award. People’s Choice Ultimate Burger will be awarded to: • 1st Place: Karra’s Burger & Fries (329 Stewart Blvd, Brockville) • 2nd Place: Stoodley's Kitchen and Beverage (9 Water St, Elgin) • 3rd Place: Sam’s Grill (50 King St E, Brockville) On December 12, local leaders from Rideau Lakes joined us at Stoodley’s Kitchen and Beverage to celebrate their impressive accomplishment in this years Ultimate Burger Battle. Mayor Hoogenboom recognized the restaurants strong contribution to local economic development, while United Way highlighted how their participation demonstrates the strength of rural communities and what is possible when an establishment fully embraces this event. Located in the heart of Rideau Lakes a municipality of nearly 11,000 residents Stoodley’s delivered outstanding results. Not only did they earn the highest scoring burger at 92% but they also achieved the second highest number of burgers sold and the second highest number of People’s Choice votes. Funds raised through the Ultimate Burger Battle support local food initiatives that provide nutritious food to individuals families and seniors in need throughout our community. To learn more please visit https://www.uwlg.org/ . About United Way Leeds & Grenville United Way Leeds & Grenville is dedicated to improving lives and building a stronger community. We focus on critical issues such as food security, homelessness, housing, mental health, addictions, and supports for children and youth. Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to community, we strive to create vibrant, caring communities where everyone can thrive. – 30 – Media Contact: Melissa Hindman, Director of Resource Development for United Way Leeds & Grenville Phone: 613-342-8889 ext.26 Email: melissa.hindman@uwlg.org
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