United Way Halton & Hamilton’s Holiday Helping Hand program supports families in need,
volunteer projects and gift drives for the most vulnerable in our community.
Nov. 8, 2023 — From United Way Halton and Hamilton
United Way Halton and Hamilton is proud to announce the launch of the annual Holiday Helping Hand program, a community-driven initiative aimed at supporting local agencies and families during the holiday season. This program not only spreads holiday cheer but also helps alleviate the immense stress placed on local community agencies due to increased demands and limited resources.
As the holiday season approaches, United Way Halton and Hamilton invites individuals and businesses to take part in the Holiday Helping Hand program and make a positive impact in the lives of those who need it most. Whether it’s helping pack stockings at a local agency, adopting a family in need, or contributing to a gift drive, participating in the Holiday Helping Hand program brings joy and hope to our community.
All volunteering opportunities are listed on the United Way Halton and Hamilton website. Registration for volunteer projects is first-come, first- served, so please be sure that each member in your group registers to reserve their spot. The deadline for adopt-a-family and gift drive is December 8. All adopt-a-family and gift drive items must be dropped off to the Community Donation Warehouse in Burlington, on December 11 and 12, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additional details will be provided with registration confirmation.
“We believe in the power of coming together as a community to support our neighbours in need,” said Brad Park, president and CEO of United Way Halton and Hamilton. “United Way is dedicated to playing an active role in assisting our local agency partners and helping improve the lives of families during the holiday season.”
The Holiday Helping Hand program is more than just seasonal support. United Way Halton and Hamilton is committed to helping agencies through both traditional funding and non-traditional funding models like this program. With agencies pushed to their breaking points, experiencing waitlists for half of their programs and concerns over maintaining current operating levels, United Way’s support is crucial in ensuring these agencies can continue their vital work.
“Our local agency partners are facing financial challenges and increased demands,” said Brad Park. “Dollars don’t stretch the way they used to, and many agencies have United Way Halton and Hamilton received funding amounts at pre-inflation times. United Way Halton & Hamilton is committed to alleviating some of the pressures on our partners by supporting them with programs, like Holiday Helping Hand.”
One inspiring example of the program’s impact is how United Way Halton and Hamilton’s funded agency partners have been able to leverage this program to continue meeting their clients’ needs. Due to funding cuts and lack of staff resources, one agency partner had to discontinue their own holiday giving program. However, with United Way’s support, they can still provide assistance to those in need through Holiday Helping Hand. We are working together to help bring joy to the neighbours in our community, who need the support the most.
This year, there are well over 100 families in our local community who require support. “We are confident that, together, we can rally and ensure that these families have a joyous and happy holiday season,” added Brad Park.
United Way Halton and Hamilton calls on the community to join them in raising over $12.5 million to help ensure that agency partners can continue delivering the over 106 programs that our most vulnerable community members rely on.
To participate in the Holiday Helping Hand program or make a donation, please visit uwhh.ca. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our community.
