United Way Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent has officially kicked off its annual fundraising campaign, inviting local residents, businesses and community partners to unite and embrace “United is the Way.” The annual initiative celebrates the spirit of unity across Chatham-Kent, highlighting that lasting change happens when neighbours join forces to lift each other up.
“Our campaign celebrates the spirit of unity that defines Chatham-Kent,” said Lorraine Goddard, CEO of United Way Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent. “Right now, many of our neighbours face barriers that hold our whole community back from reaching its full potential and at United Way we believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their postal code. By coming together, our community is taking direct action to remove barriers, transforming research into real impact where it is needed most,” she added.
The campaign launch follows the successful wrap-up of United Way’s back-to-school program, which distributed over 500 gift cards across 16 Chatham-Kent communities to provide students with essential school supplies and boost classroom confidence for the 2026/27 school year.
Looking ahead, United Way will host its United for Impact – A Community Breakfast on Oct. 28 at the Retro Suites Hotel to reveal newly identified priority neighbourhoods and findings from the Neighbourhood Opportunity Index Report. The momentum will continue in November with Chatham-Kent’s inaugural Ultimate Burger Battle, a month-long event where participating local restaurants will donate $2 from every signature burger sold while customers vote online for the “People’s Choice” champion.
When donors give to United Way, 100% of their investment stays local to power solutions right at home. The funds raised through workplace campaigns and individual gifts directly support children and youth across Chatham-Kent, helping lay the groundwork to remove systemic barriers so every child can reach their full potential.
Members of the public, local businesses and community organizations can join the movement, donate or sign up for event updates by visiting United Way Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent online, here.
