UNITED WAY LEEDS & GRENVILLE LAUNCHES EMERGENCY RESPONSE GRANT TO SUPPORT FIRE VICTIMS

Tanya Noyes • August 27, 2025

Local Mayor Leads Community Appeal for Urgent Support

Leeds & Grenville, ON – United Way Leeds & Grenville, alongside Mayor Matt Wren, is calling on the community to come together in response to the devastating fire that has displaced and impacted local families. To meet this urgent need, United Way Leeds & Grenville is taking immediate action through two vital programs:

1. Urgent Needs Fund – Immediate Relief for Families Through the Urgent Needs Fund, United Way provides direct financial assistance to fire victims. These funds are used quickly and flexibly for essentials such as emergency housing, food, and clothing—helping families stabilize and begin rebuilding their lives right away.

2. Emergency Response Grant – Strengthening Community Recovery United Way is also launching a new Emergency Response Grant, designed to help local nonprofits deliver critical relief and recovery services. These grants will be fast-tracked to ensure organizations on the frontlines have the resources they need to respond effectively. While inspired by this fire, the grant will remain in place as a standing resource for future emergencies, ensuring our region is prepared to respond quickly when disaster strikes.

How the Process Works

• Step 1: Community Appeal for Donations – United Way will serve as the trusted hub for emergency donations, ensuring contributions are coordinated and managed transparently.

• Step 2: Opening Agency Applications – Once funds are secured, eligible local agencies engaged in disaster response will be invited to apply for support.

• Step 3: Accountability and Recovery – Agencies receiving funds will report back on how dollars were used and the impact achieved, ensuring both transparency and measurable community outcomes.

“Families need help today, but our community also needs the tools to recover tomorrow,” said Mayor Matt Wren. “These two programs work hand in hand to ensure no one is left behind in this crisis.”

United Way is urging residents, businesses, and community leaders to contribute. Every donation will go directly toward relief and recovery, ensuring both immediate support for families and long-term community strength. Donations can be made online at www.uwlg.org or by calling 613-342-8889.

“United Way has always been here to support our most vulnerable,” said Hailie Jack, Executive Director of United Way Leeds & Grenville. “This initiative brings together both emergency aid and community recovery—because our neighbors need help now, and they will continue to need us in the months ahead.”

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About United Way Leeds & Grenville

United Way Leeds & Grenville invests in programs and initiatives that address the most pressing needs in our communities. Through collaboration, accountability, and compassion, United Way helps build a strong social safety net that ensures residents have the support they need to thrive.

Media Contact: Hailie Jack, Executive Director | ed@uwlg.org | 613-342-8889

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Local NHL Alumni to Join Gord Brown Memorial Golf Tournament

By Tanya Noyes • July 8, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Local NHL Alumni to Join Gord Brown Memorial Golf Tournament LEEDS & GRENVILLE, ON –United Way Leeds & Grenville (UWLG) and the Brown family are excited to announce that NHL alumni Chris Neil and Alyn McCauley will participate in the 6th Annual Gord Brown Memorial Golf Tournament on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Smugglers Glen Golf Course. “We are thrilled to welcome NHL Alumni Chris Neil and Alyn McCauley to this year’s event,” said Jeff Brown, Honorary Chair and Gord’s brother. “Their participation brings an added level of excitement and creates a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.” While the tournament is currently sold out, a waitlist is available and limited sponsorship opportunities remain, including access to the VIP Reception with NHL Alumni and golf spots. For more information, visit www.uwlg.org or contact Melissa Hindman. Chris Neil, one of the most recognizable players in Ottawa Senators history, played his entire 17-year NHL career with the organization, appearing in 1,026 games. He now serves as the Senators’ Vice President of Business and Community Development. Alyn McCauley, born in Brockville and raised in Gananoque, enjoyed a 10-year NHL career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, and Los Angeles Kings. A former Ottawa 67’s star and two-time World Junior gold medalist, McCauley remains actively involved in hockey operations today. “On behalf of United Way Leeds & Grenville, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our sponsors, especially Canarm Ltd. and Shorelines Casino, for their generous support,” said Ian McFall, Board Chairperson, United Way Leeds & Grenville. “We also thank the Brown family and the Winter Classic Committee for helping recruit these talented professionals.” Now in its sixth year, the tournament honours the legacy of the late Gord Brown, former Member of Parliament for Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. The event brings together golfers, community leaders, and supporters to continue Gord’s legacy of giving back. The Brown family is proud that more than $1 million raised in his name to date and the tournament proceeds support United Way Leeds & Grenville initiatives addressing housing and homelessness, food insecurity, mental health and addictions, and programs for children and youth throughout the region. – 30 – 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. Media Contact: Melissa Hindman Director of Resource Development United Way Leeds & Grenville 613-342-8889 ext. 26 melissa.hindman@uwlg.org