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United Way Halton & Hamilton (UWHH) is calling on the community to once again support Sleepless For Our Community.
The annual overnight fundraising and awareness event event brings together local leaders, residents, and workplaces to stand in solidarity with people facing poverty, housing insecurity, and financial strain across Halton and Hamilton. Participants spend the night sleeping in their parked vehicles while fundraising to support poverty-related social services, including housing support, food security, mental health programs, financial literacy initiatives, and supports for children and youth.
United Way says the event is especially important as rising living costs continue to put pressure on families struggling to meet basic needs. The fundraiser aims to spark conversation and encourage meaningful action to address poverty in the community.
“Across Halton and Hamilton, more people are feeling the strain of rising costs and financial uncertainty,” says Brad Park, President and CEO of United Way Halton & Hamilton. “Poverty shows up in many ways, from housing insecurity and food shortages to increased anxiety and isolation. Sleepless For Our Community is an opportunity for our community to come together, acknowledge these realities, and take meaningful action to support our neighbours.”
The fundraising goal for this year is $450,000, with nearly $7,900 raised so far at the time of writing. United Way notes that every dollar raised, up to $150,000, will be matched by a generous local family, doubling the impact of donations.
There is no registration fee, though participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of $1,000. Registration closes Friday, February 13th, with those registering by February 6th guaranteed to receive their participant package before the event. Participants will enter their vehicles at 10:00 p.m. on February 20th and remain overnight until 8:00 a.m. the following morning.
UWHH is encouraging residents who are unable to participate to consider donating in support of local programs that address poverty and housing insecurity. Learn more and donate here.
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