United Way kicks off fundraising campaign

GUELPH – In a race against time, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin executive director Glenna Banda and campaign chair John Kelly entered the auditorium at the Shelldale Centre on Sept. 17 like they were running a race – in slow motion.

To the tune of Chariots of Fire, it was an amusing start to the kick-off of the 2026 fundraising campaign.

But children running the race of life, to sustain the metaphor, are at an extreme disadvantage if they experience abuse, poverty, illness or neglect in their formative years.

It can lead to negative health, mental health and outcomes like homelessness, Banda said, adding nine out of 10 unhoused adults experienced abuse or neglect as a child.

“Adverse childhood experiences can impact their lives,” Banda said. “And it’s more common than we realize.

“But it’s not destiny,” she continued. “Positive experiences can heal. Every child needs positive support.”

The United Way is highlighting the agencies that provide supports for children in this year’s campaign and it continues to have five areas of focus:

• All That Kids Can Be;
• Equity, Diversity, Inclusion;
• Healthy People, Thriving Communities;
• From Poverty to Possibility; and 
• Rural communities.

Banda said the agencies that support children have formed a network – All That Kids Can Be – and are working collaboratively on issues for greater impact.

Executive director of the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition Brendan Johnson said the group offers summer camps for kids and leadership training for youth. 

These are the kinds of experiences that can show a child they are loved and supported, he said, and can set them on a positive track for their futures.

Wyndham House program director Renee Carpino said her organization has developed a New Way education program for at-risk youth that enables them to have success and get their high school credits.

“It’s not about who wins or how fast they go; it’s about who runs beside them,” Kelly added. “Better is possible.”

And that is the underlying theme of this year’s fundraising campaign, which wraps up in December. Once funds are collected, they will be allocated to groups that fit the areas of focus, usually in the new year. 

Banda said United Way is not setting fundraising goals this year, noting tariffs are taking a toll on businesses that often support the campaign.

“We want to be sensitive to that,” she said. “But every donation, even small donations, have a ripple effect.”

For more information or to make a donation, visit unitedwayguelph.com.