GUELPH – United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin is running its 2025 spring campaign – “Support women, support local” – in May and June.
The initiative aims to raise funds to support women living in poverty, while also spotlighting and uplifting local, women-owned businesses.
With an average of six per cent of women in Guelph-Wellington currently living in poverty, the need for action has never been greater, officials say.
United Way’s campaign is rooted in the belief that when women and girls thrive, the entire community thrives, they added.
This campaign is a call to action for residents to come together and make a tangible difference by supporting local businesses and contributing to a more equitable, inclusive community, officials stated.
“We know there’s a lot of uncertainty right now in the world and in our community, and we also know that economic hardship will lead to social hardship,” said Glenna Banda, executive director, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin.
“More people in our community will find themselves in need of support – many for the first time – at a time when demand for essential community services is already at an all-time high.”
Banda added the “Support women, support local” campaign “not only raises funds to provide reliable support that will allow us to be the responsible safety net our community needs right now, but also celebrates and supports local businesses.”
The “Support women, support local” passport was launched at United Way’s “Women United” event recently, where more than 50 women gathered to celebrate women and support the community.
The passport is a guide to local, women-owned businesses, from financial services, to health and wellbeing. Participating businesses include:
– Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa Guelph;
– Limitless Coaching;
– Longevity Chiropractic;
-MarissaTeeter.com Executive Coaching and Keynote Speaking;
– Natural Choice Medical Clinic;
– Power Wealth;
– Wild Rose Consignment Clothing;
– Decadently Yours;
– Brain & Body Co.;
– Path to Joy; and
– Synergy Sport Therapy.
In addition to supporting the campaign, some businesses will have tap-to-give machines available at their checkout for community members to donate directly to United Way.
For more information visit unitedwayguelph.com/springintoaction.
Officials say all funds raised during the campaign will stay 100% local, directly supporting programs and services that help women and families build financial stability, social connections and personal well-being.
