United Way Golden Horseshoe has launched its first fundraising campaign as a single regional organization, setting an $18-million goal to support local programs and services across Brant, Haldimand-Norfolk, Halton, Hamilton and Niagara.
The 2026-27 campaign officially launched at the annual UPS Plane Pull for United Way at Hamilton International Airport, where more than 90 teams took part in pulling a 200,000-pound aircraft 50 feet.
The event brought together thousands of community members and raised more than $275,000 on the day. Fundraising will remain open for the event for the next week, with United Way aiming to raise $400,000 through the Plane Pull.
“This is an exciting moment for United Way Golden Horseshoe, but it’s also an important one,” says Brad Park, President and CEO of United Way Golden Horseshoe. “For the first time, we are setting one campaign goal for communities across the Golden Horseshoe. We know $18 million is ambitious, but the need around us is growing, and our ambition has to grow with it. Reaching this goal means strengthening the local programs people depend on and helping ensure they are there when someone reaches out for support.”
United Way-supported programs helped more than 440,000 people across the Golden Horseshoe last year. The organization currently supports 235 programs addressing issues including food insecurity, housing and homelessness, mental health and well-being, financial stability, children and youth, and community connection.
United Way says local agencies are experiencing increased demand as families face rising living costs, housing pressures and continued economic uncertainty.
Donations raised in Brant, Haldimand-Norfolk, Halton, Hamilton and Niagara are invested back into programs and services serving those communities, while also benefiting from the reach and resources of a larger regional United Way.
The 2026-27 campaign theme is “Local Impact. Lasting Change,” focusing on the role community support can play in addressing current needs and building stronger communities for the future.
“I’ve always believed that communities are built by people who care enough to show up,” notes Campaign Chair Marc Hamel. “That’s why I became involved with United Way and why I’m so proud to help lead this campaign. None of us knows when life might change and we, a family member, a friend or a colleague may need somewhere to turn. The programs we support today could be the programs someone we love relies on tomorrow.”
Hamel says reaching the $18-million goal will require people across the region to take part.
“You don’t have to solve every challenge facing our communities. None of us can. But all of us can do something,” adds Hamel. “Whether you make a donation, volunteer, rally your workplace or simply encourage someone else to get involved, it matters. When enough people take those actions together, we can accomplish remarkable things.”
For more information, to get involved or to make a donation, click here.
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