In communities across Canada, United Way Centraides help children and youth access the support they need to get a great start in life, do well in school, and reach their full potential.

The Challenge

A child’s early life experiences play a powerful role in shaping their future success. Unfortunately, too many kids face barriers to achieving their dreams.

1 in 4

Children are not adequately prepared to succeed in a school environment when they enter Grade 1

7 in 10

Youth aged 15 to 17 experience some form of bullying each year

30%

Of youth report having issues with mental health or substance use

Our Work

By bringing together local experts and community members, advocating for enhanced supports and systemic change, and investing in local and national programs and services, we’re helping kids across Canada realize a brighter future.

Engagement in Learning

We help kids succeed in school and develop key life skills through after-school homework, tutoring, and kindergarten readiness programs and resources for parents.

Connectedness and Community Involvement

We help kids develop positive relationships with their peers and families and become leaders in their communities through team-building programs, mentoring, and leadership development opportunities.

Emotional Physical Wellbeing

We help kids believe in themselves and make healthy choices through counselling programs, summer camps, snack programs, and more.

Our Impact

Thanks to our incredible community of members, partners, donors, and stakeholders, we’re helping kids realize their greatest potential every single day.

Programs working to help kids be all they can be

2,083

Investment in leadership development opportunities

$14.3 Million

Resources aimed at ensuring kids’ success in school

$23.6 Million

Support for kids’ emotional and physical wellbeing

$39.1 Million

How Your Support Changed Tivadar’s Life

Two-year-old Tivadar struggled with severe language delays, which affected his learning and strained his father’s limited resources. Thanks to United Way Centraide, Tivadar now gets the support he needs from a local speech pathologist and is ready to start school.

Read Tivadar’s story

Learn more about our work in your community.

Search Our Map

Helping kids be all they can be