FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 23, 2026

United Way Halton & Hamilton’s Sleepless For Our Community Raises Over $337,000 for

Local Support

HALTON & HAMILTON, February 23, 2026 – United Way Halton & Hamilton is proud to announce that over $337,000 was raised through the 2026 Sleepless For Our Community event, providing critical support for local programs that help people experiencing poverty and housing insecurity across Halton and Hamilton.

Held overnight on February 20, 2026, Sleepless For Our Community brought together individuals, families, workplace teams, and community leaders who spent the night sleeping in their vehicles as an act of solidarity. Participants raised vital funds to strengthen a network of local supports that help

community members facing financial hardship, housing instability, and food insecurity.

Funds raised through Sleepless For Our Community will help United Way–supported programs that provide housing stabilization, food security, employment readiness, financial literacy, and wraparound supports for individuals and families navigating poverty. These investments help ensure people have access to stability, dignity, and pathways toward a more secure future.

“The need in our community continues to grow, and it’s showing up in every corner of Halton and Hamilton,” said Brad Park, President & CEO of United Way Halton & Hamilton. “The funds raised through Sleepless For Our Community will help strengthen the social supports that our most vulnerable

neighbours rely on. Supports that can mean the difference between crisis and stability.”

Park added, “This event is about acting now. When people are struggling to afford rent, put food on the table, or keep their families housed, timely support matters. Thanks to the generosity of this community, we’re able to invest in programs that respond to immediate needs while also addressing the root causes of poverty.”

United Way Halton & Hamilton also extends sincere gratitude to a very generous local philanthropic family who graciously matched all funds raised over $150,000, significantly amplifying the impact of the community’s generosity and helping ensure even more people can access critical supports when they need them most.

Beyond fundraising, Sleepless For Our Community plays an important role in raising awareness about the realities of poverty in the region. Rising costs, housing pressures, and food insecurity continue to push more individuals and families into difficult situations, underscoring the importance of community driven solutions.

“Events like Sleepless For Our Community remind us that poverty is not an abstract issue. It affects real people, right here at home,” said Park. “This community showed up with compassion and action, and the impact of that generosity will be felt across our network of local agencies and programs.”

United Way Halton & Hamilton extends heartfelt thanks to all participants, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners who made Sleepless For Our Community 2026 such a powerful success.

United Way are continuing to raise funds for Sleepless For Our Community up until March 2, 2026. To make a donation or to learn how you can support United Way Halton & Hamilton, visit uwhh.ca.

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About United Way Halton & Hamilton

United Way Halton & Hamilton (UWHH) is committed to leading measurable, impactful change

by identifying the most challenging issues in our community, and bringing together people and

resources to address those issues. We connect volunteers with local needs, and offer training

and operational support to local charities. Along with our network of partners and experts,

UWHH conducts research and works with key stakeholders to generate support for the not-for-profit

sector. Each dollar raised is invested right back into the community to address the longterm

recovery of its vital social safety net. Last year, UWHH helped 226,568+ residents across

Halton and Hamilton, who relied on 124 United Way-supported programs for life changing

services.

Outside of government, United Way is the largest funder of social service programs and

initiatives in Canada.

For more information and to donate visit: www.uwhh.ca

Contact:

Kristen Jacob

Vice President, Marketing & Communications

United Way Halton & Hamilton

T: 416.825.9411

kjacob@uwhh.ca