United Way Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District has the unique mission of serving those who can sometimes fall through the cracks. Rayna Evoy, the organization’s fundraising manager, says many local families need a little extra boost in these challenging economic times.
“There are some people who don’t meet the qualifications under bigger umbrella programs like Ontario Works. These people are working full time in minimum wage jobs, but with the cost of living and inflation, it’s very difficult for them to get through the month paying all of their bills, keeping food on their table, and keeping their lights on,” Ms. Evoy says. “Just because you make $33,000 dollars per year, doesn’t mean you’re [financially] in the clear.”
To support those who need a helping hand this holiday season and beyond, the team at United Way Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District collaborates with local businesses, organizations and individual supporters to fund a full year of impactful programming.
One standout program, Backpacks for Success, received a record-breaking number of generous donations for local youth during the back to school season.
“In the summertime we reach out to local businesses to get support so we are able to stuff backpacks for families who are struggling to make those purchases” Ms. Evoy explains.
“In the program’s first year, we had a goal of 25 bags, and in the end we were able to stuff 103 bags. Then this past summer, we set a goal for 150 backpacks, and we were able to stuff 305 backpacks overall. That’s an accomplishment we’re proud of. Locally, we hear from the community that we need over 700 backpacks to be able to give to everyone in need, so the long term goal is to eventually do that for the students.”
As the country enters giving season, Ms. Evoy says there are many ways that those who are interested can give back. Understanding that times are tough for everyone in today’s economy, the United Way makes it easy to make small contributions over time.
Local supporters can even sign up for a small amount to be deducted from each paycheque in order to make slow, steady contributions – even equal to the cost of a cup of coffee – so that those who are going without can make ends meet.
Thanks to the outpouring of community support so far, coupled with the hard work of the United Way Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District team, some exciting initiatives are in the works for 2025 that are sure to move the needle when it comes to fundraising for families in the region.
“We have a new partnership for a one-time event called Docs on Ice,” Ms. Evoy explains. “Doctors of Ontario formed a committee that brings the event to communities all over Ontario, and in April 2025 it comes to Sault Ste. Marie. We’re looking at about 600 to 800 doctors who will come in for a hockey tournament, and we were the selected charity to receive the proceeds. We’ve been hitting the ground running seeking sponsors and recruiting teams to come up to Sault Ste. Marie, and we’re really looking forward to it.”
To ensure that Sault Ste. Marie thrives for generations to come, consider donating to the local United Way during this giving season.
Click here for more information on how you can be involved as a donor or a volunteer.
