UWLG Celebrates Volunteers

Tanya Noyes • May 1, 2025

United Way Leeds & Grenville celebrates volunteers

UWLG Celebrates Volunteers!

BROCKVILLE, ON – May 1, 2025 – United Way Leeds & Grenville (UWLG) proudly launched its 2025 campaign, Hope Starts with You, with an unforgettable Volunteer Breakfast on May 1 at the Brockville Country Club. The sold-out event brought together over 100 supporters, community leaders, volunteers, and agency partners, all united by one shared mission: to build a more compassionate, resilient Leeds & Grenville.


Board Chair Ian McFall opened the morning with powerful reflections on the energy in the room, noting, “There is incredible energy in the room this morning. This is volunteer week in Canada. Volunteers make waves. A big thank you to all in attendance today, for your spirit of giving and volunteerism.”


The event, generously sponsored by Brockville Hyundai, marked the official unveiling of the Hope Starts with You campaign—an inspiring call to action that emphasizes the power of individual and collective impact. Attendees were gifted beautifully packaged seed pods donated by Developmental Services of Leeds & Grenville (DSLG), symbolizing how even the smallest acts of kindness can grow into lasting change.


The morning also featured three outstanding guest speakers—David Beatty, Chris Curry, and Jordi Wills—each sharing personal stories of leadership, service, and the transformative power of community. Their heartfelt messages underscored the campaign’s theme and reminded guests that hope truly does start with each of us.


United Way Leeds & Grenville was proud to present its 2024 Volunteer Awards to individuals and workplaces that demonstrated exceptional leadership, generosity, and community spirit throughout the year. Workplace awards—known as the Chairs Cups—were presented to organizations that led the way in their sectors through successful United Way campaigns. Individual and special recognition awards celebrated those who went above and beyond in their commitment to making a difference.


Award recipients included:

 • Chairs Cup – Finance: TD Bank Brockville

• Chairs Cup – Industrial: 3M Canada, Brockville

• Chairs Cup – Public Service: Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign

• Chairs Cup – Health & Social Service: Leeds Grenville Community Family Health Team

• Rural Strong Award: Stoodley’s Kitchen and Beverage


Special Volunteer Awards included:

• Gord Brown Memorial Award: Darren Gallacher

• Unsung Hero Award: Barb Geggie


These recipients exemplify what it means to lead with heart, and we thank them for their incredible contributions to building a stronger Leeds & Grenville.


UWLG proudly announced its 2025/2026 funded community partners. The total investment of $354,459 will support a variety of essential programs and services across Leeds & Grenville. This diverse group of programs represents the wide-reaching impact of United Way donors and the collective strength of the Leeds & Grenville community.


2025/2026 Funded Partners & Programs:

1. Big Brothers Big Sisters – One to One Matching Program – $20,000

2. Beth Donovan Hospice – Expanding Caregiver Support – $8,459

3. CPHC – Senior Support Services – Subsidy Program – $20,000

4. CRCHC – Country Roads Community Health Centre – Meals to Go – $10,000

5. Connect Youth – Core Program – $30,000

6. DIFA – Do it for Aaron - Music Lending Library – $10,000

7. FCSLLG – Family and Children Services LLG - Camp Program – $12,500

8. FCSLLG – Family and Children Services LLG - Family Counselling – $15,000

9. Gananoque Food Bank – Weekend Bundle Program – $15,000

10. Girls Inc. – The Girls Inc. Experience – $25,000

11. Interval House – Children’s Programming – $10,000

12. KYC – Kemptville Youth Centre – Healthy Minds, Body and Spirits – $25,000

13. LLGAMH – Lanark Leeds Grenville Addictions and Mental Health – United Way Cares for Leeds & Grenville – $30,000

14. Thousand Islands Playhouse – Young Company Program – $10,000

15. Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation – Outdoor Education Access – $10,000

16. RNJ Youth Services – Connections Program – $30,000

17. SCS – Seniors Community Services – Senior Care Access – $10,000

18. Volunteer Centre Rideau St. Lawrence – Community Income Tax Program – $20,000

19. YMCA of Eastern Ontario – Bermout Program – $13,500

20. YMCA of Eastern Ontario – Teen Drop-In Program – $30,000


What’s Next?


United Way Leeds & Grenville’s 2025 campaign continues throughout the year with exciting events, workplace campaigns, and volunteer opportunities. Everyone is invited to get involved— because hope really does start with you.


To donate, volunteer, or learn more about UWLG’s work, please visit www.uwlg.org or call 613- 342-8889.

Planning Responsibly for the Future

By Tanya Noyes • January 29, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Leeds & Grenville, ON - United Way Leeds & Grenville Exploring Sale of Current Building as Part of Long-Term Sustainability Planning United Way Leeds & Grenville (UWLG) is exploring the sale of its current building as part of a broader effort to ensure long-term financial sustainability and continued community impact. United Way Leeds & Grenville emphasizes that it is not closing and not leaving the community. As part of this process, UWLG will be issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for local realtors to support the sale of the building. Once a realtor is selected, the organization will take thoughtful, measured steps toward identifying a new space that aligns with its operational needs and mission. “This decision is about being good stewards of our resources,” said Hailie Jack Executive Director. “Our commitment to the people of Leeds & Grenville remains unchanged. We will continue to operate locally and invest in programs and services that support our community’s most pressing needs.” There will be no disruption to United Way’s programs, funding, or services because of this decision. Staff will remain in place, and community partners and donors can expect continuity throughout the transition. United Way Leeds & Grenville will share updates as the process moves forward and remains committed to transparency every step of the way.

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 . 
More Posts