By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
On April 10, the United Way Halton and Hamilton (UWHH) held their annual Evening of Celebration at the Burlington Convention Centre.
The evening was meant to celebrate everything the organization has accomplished over the 2024–2025 year of giving and impact, including announcing its fundraising total and giving out various awards to generous members of the community.
Among those honoured were corporate donors, agency partners, volunteers, and philanthropic individuals or families. Attendees included groups from organizations being celebrated with UWHH awards, local politicians, and UWHH supporters.
Kristen Jacob, vice president of marketing and communications, spoke about the theme of this year’s event.
“The idea is old Hollywood glam and celebrating the amazing stars of our community who have stepped up for it,” Jacob said. The main entrance to the convention centre hall was accompanied by a red carpet and golden curtains, in keeping with the Hollywood theme.
The emcees for the event were Lohifa Pogoson Acker, a hair artist, community activist, and speaker dedicated to community empowerment, and Chris Mai, a former Weather Network personality. Pogoson Acker, a new addition to UWHH proceedings, brought her signature blend of energy and charm to the proceedings. Mai, who has hosted previous UWHH events, entertained the crowd with his unique brand of humour.
Tickets to the event included a three-course meal, while raffle tickets could also be purchased with all proceeds going to the UWHH, to get a chance to win a WestJet flight for two to any of their regular destinations; wine was the other raffle prize. Attendees enjoyed a three-course meal, including salad, an entrée of chicken, roasted potatoes and mixed vegetables, and dessert.
Popcorn was also for sale, courtesy of Film.ca cinemas, one of the event’s sponsors. The popcorn proved to be a popular attraction.
The evening is also when the organization announces the amount of money they have raised for all the charities they sponsor over the past year, which amounted to $12.1 million this time.
Brad Park, president and CEO, spoke about the increased importance of UWHH-funded agencies, something UWHH has alluded to previously in terms of the increased need for community support in the post-pandemic landscape.
“The need across the board is growing because if people are struggling, the need gets greater,” Park said. “[We are in] uncertain times, and when times are uncertain, challenges are there for individuals and families. When there’s an economic downturn, people struggle to make ends meet. There’s an affordability crisis, and that puts a lot of people living from paycheck to paycheck. That puts a lot of strain and stress on families.”
A press release from the organization also touched on resiliency in spite of economic conditions. “Despite economic pressures and uncertainty, our community came together to support those in need, demonstrating remarkable generosity and resilience,” read the release.
UWHH supports 76 agencies that deliver 124 programs, which, together, support 220,000 people within the two regions. In addition, 20 new agencies were brought on as partners for last year’s campaign.
After a land acknowledgment and traditional Indigenous dance by Shakokwenios of the Six Nations, awards began to be announced.
The Step Up For The Community Award, given to organizations that grow funds raised, share their expertise, and build awareness for the United Way, was awarded to TD, RBC, Appleby College, and PCL Construction, among others.
The Game Changer Award, given to organizations whose employees participated in a workplace campaign for the UWHH, was awarded to the cities of Burlington and Hamilton, CHCH News, and Desjardins Insurance, among others.
The Leading The Way Award, given to partners who show leadership throughout the 2024–2025 year, was awarded to BMO, Cogeco, and Assante Capital Management, among others.
The Leading The Way In Philanthropy Award is presented to individuals and families who make significant contributions to the UWHH. Recipients include Don and Wendy Smith, Doreen McKerracher, and Helene Flageole, among others.
The Labour of Love Award is awarded to unions and other labour organizations that support the UWHH. UNIFOR Local 266, Rockwool, Hamilton Steelworker’s Area Council, and Canadian Union of Postal Workers Local 548, among others, received the award.
The Champions of Change Award is reserved for “Campaign Champions” who “raised funds and awareness for key issues facing our community,” according to the UWHH website. Amber Dubois and Adam Lozon of CIBC and Cheryl Wall of IG Wealth Management were recognized, among many others.
The Inspiring Local Love Award highlights campaigns that supported the UWHH and inspired contributions from others in their community. Mohawk College, Scotiabank, Burlington Hydro, and UPS were among those awarded.
During the event, an “Impact Video” was also screened, which highlighted stories of individuals who have been positively impacted by programs and organizations funded by the UWHH.
The video was mentioned in a press release, which spoke about how the money raised translates to help and support in the community. “Their inspirational journeys highlight the incredible work being done every day to create lasting change and build a stronger, more resilient community,” read the release.
In the same press release, the organization said that due to the international economic situation, the UWHH is preparing for yet another increase in the need for support.
“Rising costs of living, ongoing global instability, and increased economic uncertainty are all contributing to higher demand for the services our agency partners provide,” the organization shared. “We expect to see more individuals and families turning to community programs for essential support like food security, mental health services, housing stability, and more.”
“The community needs us now more than ever, and we are committed to being there for those who need help,” the release continued.
The release also indicated that the organization is exploring “new, innovative ways” to ensure the community’s needs are met.
“Whether through unique partnerships, targeted campaigns, or amplifying our advocacy efforts, we are determined to rally the support necessary to continue making a meaningful difference in Halton and Hamilton,” the release said.
To see the full list of award winners, visit https://uwhh.ca/partner-with-us/2024-25-awards/.
