UWLG Celebrates Volunteers at Sold-Out Appreciation Breakfast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – UWLG Celebrates Volunteers

Leeds & Grenville, ON – April 23 – United Way Leeds & Grenville (UWLG) proudly celebrated its 2025 campaign, Hope Starts with You, with an unforgettable Volunteer Breakfast on April 23 at the Cedar Valley Golf & Country Club. The sold-out event brought together over 125 supporters, community leaders, volunteers, and agency partners, all united by one shared mission: to build a more compassionate and resilient Leeds & Grenville.

Generously sponsored by Brockville Hyundai, the event showcased the power of the Hope Starts with You campaign—an inspiring call to action highlighting both individual and collective impact. Attendees enjoyed beautifully decorated cookies from Pastry King’s Princess in Elizabethtown and handmade caramels from Pickle & Myrrh in Merrickville— thoughtful tokens of appreciation that reflected the generosity and spirit of the community.

The morning featured keynote speaker Wendy Galloway, Employment Services Manager at Career Services and recipient of the Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award from the Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce. A dedicated United Way volunteer, Wendy previously served a decade as Chair for the Health & Social Service Sector on the Campaign Cabinet. Her heartfelt story of community involvement from a young age inspired attendees to reflect on the role each of us can play in building a stronger community.

United Way Leeds & Grenville was also proud to present its 2025 Volunteer Awards, recognizing individuals and workplaces that demonstrated exceptional leadership, generosity, and community spirit.

“Volunteerism is alive and well in Leeds & Grenville, and at United Way we’re deeply grateful for the continued support from our community,” said UWLG Board Chair, Ian McFall. Hailie Jack, Executive Director adds “What makes this work so powerful is the connection between the people who give their time and the agencies delivering critical services. Today is about celebrating not only the impact of our funded partners, but also the volunteers who make that impact possible every single day.”

Chairs Cups were presented to organizations that led the way in their sectors through successful United Way Workplace Campaigns, while individual and special recognition awards honoured those who went above and beyond in their commitment to making a difference.

Award recipients included:

• Chairs Cup – Finance: RBC

 • Chairs Cup – Industrial: Canarm LTD

• Chairs Cup – Public Service: Ministry of Children and Youth Ontario Public Sector Workplace Charitable Campaign

 • Chairs Cup – Health & Social Service: Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services Ontario Public Sector

 • Rural Strong Award: INVISTA Maitland

 • Gord Brown Memorial Award: Bruce Wylie

• Unsung Hero Award: Bev Heuving

• Wave of Hope Award: Homelife DLK Real Estate

UWLG also proudly celebrated its 2026/2027 funded community partners. Through the Community Investment Fund, United Way supports a wide range of essential programs and services across Leeds & Grenville—addressing critical needs such as food security, mental health, housing, and support for children and youth. This diverse network of funded partners reflects the far-reaching impact of United Way donors and the collective strength of the community—where volunteers, donors, and agencies work hand in hand to create meaningful change.

2026/2027 Funded Partners & Programs:

Aaron's MILL - DIFA – Do It for Aaron: Music Instrument Lending Library

Beth Donovan Hospice – Caregiver Expansion: Men’s Grief & Grub

Boys and Girls Club South East – Mentoring Program

Country Roads Community Health Centre – Meals to Go

Connect Youth – Core Program

Family & Children Services of Lanark, Leeds & Grenville – Family Counselling Family & Children Services of Lanark, Leeds & Grenville – Summer Camp Gananoque Food Bank – School Weekend Bundles Program

Girls Inc – Strong, Smart & Bold

Kemptville Youth Centre – Afterschool Drop-In Program

Lanark, Leeds Grenville Addictions & Mental Health – Pathways to Purpose Leeds Grenville Leeds & Grenville Interval House – Children's Programming QueenCare – It’s a Mom Thing: Better Together Weekly Group

RNJ Youth Services – Connections

Rideau Valley Conservation Authority – Out to Learn

Senior Community Services – Nourish North Grenville

Senior Support Services Lanark Leeds Grenville – Leeds Grenville Subsidy Program

Socks 4 Souls – Clean Socks for LG Unhoused

Thousand Islands Playhouse – Youth Company Engagement Initiative