Dec. 18, 2025 — United Way Halton and Hamilton
While the holiday season is often associated with celebration and togetherness, for many individuals and families across Halton and Hamilton, it can also be a time of heightened stress and financial pressure. Rising costs, food insecurity, and housing instability can make the season feel overwhelming for those already navigating hardship.
Through the collective generosity of the community, United Way Halton and Hamilton’s Holiday Helping Hand program is helping ensure that families facing difficult circumstances are supported with dignity, care, and compassion.
This year, Holiday Helping Hand distributed approximately $220,000 in direct financial relief, supporting more than 5,000 people through 27 community partner agencies across Halton and Hamilton. This represents a $70,000 increase over last year, reflecting both growing community need and the extraordinary response from donors, partners, volunteers, and staff.
“The holidays can place additional strain on families who are already doing everything they can to get by,” said Brad Park, president and CEO of United Way Halton and Hamilton. “Holiday Helping Hand exists because our community recognizes that reality and chooses to respond with care. It’s neighbours helping neighbours at a time when that support matters most.”
A community-driven response to rising need
Holiday Helping Hand was created in direct response to the increasing pressure being felt by both families and the frontline agencies that support them year-round. Many local organizations experience a surge in demand during the holidays while operating with limited capacity.
“This program is about mobilizing the generosity that already exists in our community and directing it where it’s needed most,” said Park. “Holiday Helping Hand helps relieve pressure on local agencies while ensuring people receive support in ways that respect their dignity and individual circumstances.”
Through the initiative, community members are able to give in meaningful ways, by volunteering at United Way-supported agencies, sponsoring families, or donating essential items such as grocery gift cards, toys, hygiene supplies, bedding, and clothing.
Impact by the numbers
This year’s Holiday Helping Hand program delivered tangible, life-changing support, including:
- 217 families supported, representing 706 people, with 100% of registered families served, including families added just one week before registration closed
- 1,022 essential kits distributed to help meet urgent needs
- 533 stocking stuffers collected, valued at $2,665
- $73,440 worth of toys donated, benefiting approximately 2,448 people
- 327 volunteers contributing their time across 28 Days of Caring shifts at partner agencies and 9 kit drive opportunities
Behind these numbers are real families and real moments of relief. Parents able to focus on their children, individuals able to meet basic needs, and households experiencing a sense of stability during a challenging time.
Dignity at the centre
What sets Holiday Helping Hand apart is its dignity-centred design. Gifts are delivered unwrapped and ahead of the holidays, allowing families to plan, prepare, and celebrate in ways that work best for them, reducing stress while preserving choice and privacy.
“Support should never come at the expense of dignity,” said Park. “This program is intentionally designed to respect people’s autonomy and allow families to experience the holidays on their own terms.”
United Way staff also played a key role in this year’s success, going above and beyond to engage donors, support agency partners, and, in many cases, personally sponsor families.
“I am incredibly proud of our staff, volunteers, and partners,” Park added. “This is a lean but mighty community response. It shows what’s possible when compassion, coordination, and commitment come together.”
There’s still time to help
As the holiday season continues, United Way Halton and Hamilton reminds the community that the need for support does not end on December 25.
There is still time this holiday season to support those who need our help the most. Donate today at uwhh.ca to help support our vulnerable neighbours at this time of year.
