United Way Leeds & Grenville Calls on Community to Help Reach $900,000 Goal This Giving Tuesday

Tanya Noyes • December 1, 2025

54% raised to date — essential programs rely on campaign success

United Way Leeds & Grenville Calls on Community to Help Reach $900,000 Goal This Giving Tuesday


54% raised to date — essential programs rely on campaign success


Leeds & Grenville, ON — As Giving Tuesday approaches, United Way Leeds & Grenville (UWLG) is calling on the community to help power the campaign over the finish line. With 54% of the $900,000 goal already raised, UWLG is confident that together, our region will get the job done.


Across Leeds & Grenville, United Way-funded programs provide critical, life-changing services every single day. From ending hunger, to supporting at-risk youth, to ensuring vulnerable seniors receive meals and transportation, to delivering mental health and addictions support, these programs are strong, effective, and deeply relied upon.


To keep these essential services fully funded and accessible, UWLG must reach its $900,000 goal — and the organization is confident the community will rise to the moment.


“This is a region that shows up for one another,” said Hailie Jack, Executive Director of United Way Leeds & Grenville. “We believe wholeheartedly that with the strength and generosity of this community, we will reach our goal and ensure every vital program continues without interruption.”


This Giving Tuesday, every donation will be doubled thanks to a generous matching donor. Gifts of all sizes will go twice as far — and 100% of every dollar stays local, directly uplifting families, youth, and seniors across Leeds & Grenville.


United Way is encouraging everyone to give what they can and be part of the momentum.


“We are already more than halfway there. With your support, we will finish strong. Your donation is an investment in your community — in stability, in dignity, and in hope,” said Ian McFall, UWLG Board Chair.


Donations can be made at uwlg.org, by phone, or in person at the UWLG office from 8am to 6pm today.


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United Way Leeds & Grenville is a non-profit organization dedicated to intentional impact on community needs through collaborative partnerships. For the 2025 campaign, priority areas include housing and homelessness, food security, children and youth, and mental health and addictions. We rely on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community leaders to drive meaningful impact and build a stronger, more resilient community.

Community Investment Portal Now open

By Tanya Noyes • January 1, 2026
Apply now for 2026-2027 funding from UWLG

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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