by
Dan Matthews
on April 25, 2025 Comments Off on Cummins Saskatoon Donates Bikes to EGADZ
For the second year in a row, the incredible team at Cummins Saskatoon has donated a fleet of brand-new BMX bikes to youth at EGADZ Youth Centre.
Their continued generosity means even more young people get to experience the freedom, fun, and independence that comes with having a bike of their own.
Cummins Saskatoon are proud, long-time partners of United Way, helping make a difference through countless Day of Caring projects, providing people power and transportation for Period Promise distributions, and assembling hundreds of literacy kits for school kids across the city.
EGADZ provides youth-driven supports that empower young people to thrive — and partners like Cummins make that work even stronger.
Thank you to the team at Cummins Saskatoon for showing up for Saskatoon youth.
by
Dan Matthews
on April 22, 2025 Comments Off on United Way raises $3.3 million and announces changes to its community investment strategy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SASKATOON – United Way Saskatoon and Area is happy to announce volunteers in our local communities and workplaces have raised $3.3 million to help ensure everyone in our communities have opportunities to be their best.
“Local community leaders in workplaces and neighborhoods throughout Saskatoon and area have once again risen to the challenge and raised critical funding for vital community services at a time when demand is outstripping the ability to meet it,” said Sheri Benson, CEO of United Way Saskatoon and Area.
During the announcement, United Way also outlined updates to its community investment strategy. The updated strategy aims to address the evolving needs of the community by incorporating diverse perspectives and focusing on key areas such as youth support, mental health, housing, and inclusivity.
“Our community is more diverse than ever and facing a range of challenges that go well beyond homelessness,” said Benson. “This updated strategy helps ensure the funding United Way donors and volunteers raise will do the most good for the most people, whether that’s helping youth succeed in school, supporting seniors struggling to make ends meet, or the many other ways we can help people in our communities be their best.”
The strategy is scheduled to be released publicly by the end of the month.
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ABOUT UNITED WAY SASKATOON AND AREA
Powered by local volunteers, United Way Saskatoon & Area is dedicated to creating opportunities for a better life for everyone in our community. Through collaboration, advocacy, and resource mobilization, we work towards addressing social issues and building a stronger, more inclusive community.
by
Dan Matthews
on March 20, 2025 Comments Off on United Way Issues Open Call for Multi-Year Funding Applications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SASKATOON – United Way Saskatoon and Area has announced an open call for applications for multi-year funding from qualified community organizations. Applications are being accepted until April 4th, 2025.
“United Way is committed to helping address the diverse needs of our community through strategic investments in local organizations, innovative programs, and collaborative initiatives,” said Sheri Benson, United Way CEO. “Our goal is to build strong communities, help kids reach their full potential, and move people from poverty to possibility, ensuring Saskatoon and area has vibrant communities where everyone has opportunities to be their best.”
Recently, United Way hosted three consultation meetings with key stakeholders from a variety of Saskatoon and area communities. Dozens of participants representing United Way donors, business community members, leaders of community service organizations, and individuals with lived experience were invited to provide insights and suggest priorities for much needed investments in our local communities.
Besides homelessness, participants identified a need to increase support for and drive awareness of sexually transmitted infection, a rapidly growing senior population with fixed incomes, youth employment, incarceration rates, and improving food security for school age children. Each of these challenges disproportionately and negatively impact Indigenous populations, particularly women, children, and gender-diverse people. But solutions are out there and they need funding.
“Our job is to invest donor funds strategically, and in ways that align with the evolving landscape of our city and surrounding areas,” said Benson. “Because of this, United Way is often the vanguard, funding innovation in the social sector. These multi-year agreements are designed to provide some stability and flexibility for community service organizations to adapt to new challenges.”
by
Dan Matthews
on November 18, 2024 Comments Off on How to donate during a postal service disruption
As you may be aware, Canada Post workers are currently on strike. United Way Saskatoon and Area has a positive and long-standing partnership with Labour in Canada and remain strongly committed to our ongoing partnership. It is our hope that the parties will return to the bargaining table and reach a fair and equitable agreement.
During this time, there may be disruptions in mail services, which could delay donation processing. To ensure your support continues to make an immediate impact, we encourage you to consider donating through the below four alternative ways:
Call us. We’d love to hear from you and the process is quick and easy. Simply call 306-975-7700 today.
Stop by the office. We are always up for a visit! Our office located in the Community Village (YWCA building – 100-506 25th Street East) and our hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Email transfer. Simply send your email transfer to to donate@unitedwaysaskatoon.ca and fill in this secure form so that we can link you to your donation for a tax receipt. A password is not required as United Way of Saskatoon & Area is set up for auto-deposit.
The team at United Way is here to help, so please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions at 306-975-7700 or by email at office@unitedwaysaskatoon.ca.
by
Dan Matthews
on November 14, 2024 Comments Off on PCL Construction wins Philanthropy Award
During the National Philanthropy Day Saskatoon Luncheon, the amazing donors and volunteers who uplift our community were celebrated.
United Way was especially proud to recognize PCL Construction as this year’s Honoured Supporter Award recipient for their outstanding contributions and steadfast commitment to building a stronger community for all. PCL’s dedication to philanthropy and volunteerism sets a powerful example of what’s possible when businesses invest in and actively support their communities.
Thank you, PCL, for your many years of commitment and outstanding leadership in strengthening our community!
PCL recipients pictured left to right: Mike Staines, Cameron Schnitzler, and Kyla Martens
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Dan Matthews
on October 23, 2024 Comments Off on United Way Grants $20,000 to Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan to Support New Transitional Housing Program for Women
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Way Saskatoon and Area Grants $20,000 to Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan to Support New Transitional Housing Program for Women
Saskatoon, SK – October 22, 2024 – United Way Saskatoon and Area (United Way) announces a $20,000 grant to the Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan (EFry) to support the weekend staffing of a new 10-bedroom transitional housing program for women who are criminalized or at risk of criminalization.
“At United Way, we believe in the power of community support to create lasting change. This grant to the Elizabeth Fry Society is an investment in stability and hope for women in need that will help to address immediate needs and lay the groundwork for a brighter future,” says Sheri Benson, United Way Saskatoon and Area CEO.
This spring, the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation granted EFry interest in a 10-bedroom duplex, which EFry has since renovated and developed into a vital housing resource. This program addresses the urgent need for stable housing, especially as correctional institutions operate at double capacity, often housing women who are on remand—charged but not yet convicted—primarily due to a lack of stable housing.
“Safe, stable housing is the foundation for any real change,” says Nicole Obrigovich, Executive Director of EFry. “When people are properly supported in community, they are less likely to reoffend. Investing in community resources not only saves money on institutional costs but fosters healthier families and communities. We all want the same things—healthy communities, healthy families, and healthy individuals.”
The new housing program offers more than just shelter—it includes structured programming that focuses on addiction recovery, mental health support, employment training, family reunification, and cultural activities such as sharing circles, beading, and medicine picking.
The $20,000 grant from United Way will fund essential weekend staffing, enabling EFry to demonstrate the program’s impact and secure permanent funding in the future. This support is part of United Way’s commitment to seed funding new programs that address pressing community needs. The funding is in addition to the $25,000 United Way already invested in EFry this year, alongside a nurse practitioner partnership facilitated for the home by the United Way team.
United Way Saskatoon & Area is dedicated to creating opportunities for a better life for everyone in our community. Through collaboration, advocacy, and resource mobilization, we work towards addressing social issues and building a stronger, more inclusive community.
About Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan is a non-profit organization serving women and gender diverse adults who are criminalized or at risk of criminalization. They reduce barriers to justice and equity through advocacy, cultural teachings, and practical support.
They provide legal assistance, court support, access to information and programming, addiction recovery supports and support for community integration.
PHOTO CREDIT: United Way Saskatoon and Area
L-R: Kurt Wintermute, United Way board chair (left) with Nicole Obrigovitch, EFry executive director (centre) and Cherysse Mackechnie, the new transition home manager (right).
by
Dan Matthews
on October 18, 2024 Comments Off on Tampon Tuesday delivers nearly $7500 in period products to SK rural communities
United Way Saskatoon and Area volunteers and staff delivered over 1,030 packages of period products, valued at nearly $7,500, to rural communities around Saskatoon and one Saskatoon high school. The Saskatoon & District Labour Council and United Way Tampon Tuesday partnership and the generosity of thousands of local community leaders made these gifts possible.
Donations went to: đź’śTown of Allan đź’śTown of Watrous đź’śTown of Dalmeny đź’śColonsay Food Bank đź’śWhitecap Dakota First Nation Health Centre đź’śBethlehem High School
Through your generosity, United Way is helping ensure that everyone in our community has access to essential products. Thank you.
by
Dan Matthews
on September 19, 2024 Comments Off on 10th Anniversary of Journey Home and MOU Signing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Way Marks 10th Anniversary of Journey Home Program with MOU signing
SASKATOON, SK – September 19, 2024 – United Way Saskatoon and Area proudly celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Journey Home Program, a collaboration with Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service (SCIS). United Way has invested over $5 million into Journey Home over the past ten years and is marking this milestone through the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SCIS.
Launched in April 2014, Journey Home was based on the international Housing First model and provides immediate access to housing without barriers for the city’s most vulnerable citizens, who often face complex issues such as mental health and addiction.
“Celebrating 10 years of Journey Home highlights United Way’s commitment to our community. The renewed partnership with Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Services will continue this vital support for our most vulnerable community members, turning the promise of a home into a reality, and ensuring everyone has opportunities to realize their full potential,” says Sheri Benson, United Way Saskatoon and Area CEO.
Signing the new MOU will ensure the program continues to have capacity to provide comprehensive wrap-around services and extend its reach within the community. Renewing this important partnership further solidifies United Way and SCIS’s commitment to supporting individuals in their journey toward long-term stability.
“Journey Home serves those hardest to house by providing housing, reducing the potential for harm, and delivering services that are trauma informed and culturally competent,” says Tammy MacFarlane, Director of Clinical Services. “We see success when individuals re-connect with family, friends, and culture, stay in their home, have agency over their lives and less interactions with emergency services and policing. Without permanent stable housing none of this is possible.” Tammy MacFarlane, Director of Clinical Services
United Way Saskatoon and Area is committed to strengthening our community through support for vital programs and initiatives. For more information, visit www.unitedwaysaskatoon.ca.
About Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service
Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service (SCIS) intervenes and manages social, emotional, and psychological emergencies for people experiencing acute and ongoing crisis 24 hours each day, 365 days of the year. Established in 1980, SCIS is a community-based organization that provides crisis intervention services to anyone living in Saskatoon experiencing distress and needing immediate help. Visit saskatooncrisis.ca to learn more.
by
Dan Matthews
on September 13, 2024 Comments Off on A 40 Year Tradition of Volunteerism
For over 40 years, local IBEW 319 members and their managers have gone to work early to hang United Way street banners using equipment generously lent out to United Way by Saskatoon Light and Power. This partnership renews every year without a contract or MOU. And this collaboration takes place each year because these folks care about our community and IBEW 319 members have passed down the tradition over four decades.
What an amazing milestone! A huge thank you IBEW 319 members and their managers present and past who have given up an extra hour of sleep to make a contribution to United Way and taken care to pass on this tradition of volunteerism.
A generous donations of time like this is how United Way creates opportunities for everyone in our community to realize their full potential.
Every year, United Way starts from zero. Without the support of volunteers, and community leaders like these folks, United Way could not make the impact it does each year.
Each of you are the United Way and that is what makes United Way such a special organization. Thank YOU!
by
Dan Matthews
on August 29, 2024 Comments Off on Kick Off Event for Community Campaign and Stuff the Bus 2024
United Way community leaders, volunteers, and donors this is a celebration of you!
United Way is celebrating 65 years of local community leaders working together to make our city safer and better for everyone. Join us on September 12th from 11:30am to 1:30pm at Civic Square to celebrate community building and help Stuff the Bus.
Stuff the Bus powered by Saskatoon Co-op showcases our communities’ generosity and provides essential items for those in need. Donations of new socks, toiletries, winter clothing, school supplies, and blankets go directly to local community organizations tackling complex issues right here at home.
WHAT: BBQ, community service tradeshow, Stuff the Bus donation drive, and hypnotist! WHERE: Civic Square by City Hall and across from the Francis Morrison Public Library WHEN: 11:30am to 1:30 pm (come and go)
COMMUNITY SERVICE TRADESHOW
United Way invests in 42 local initiatives, including 35 community-based organizations. Ten of those community service agencies are participating in a tradeshow at the kick-off. Learn directly from them how they are tackling some of our communities’ toughest challenges.
BBQ
Stop by for an inflation-proof $5 burger or hotdog and drink.
HYPNOTIST
Yeah, that’s right. Hypnotist Corrie J will be on stage to dazzle, amaze, and perhaps hypnotize someone you know on stage in the Civic Square. Doesn’t that sound fun?!
STUFF THE BUS ITEM WISHLIST
Socks and underwear
Baby formula and diapers
Toothpaste and toothbrushes
Shampoo and conditioner
Deodorant
School Supplies
Mitts and toques
Blankets
LAST YEAR’S STUFF THE BUS RECIPIENTS
YWCA, a shelter for Saskatoon women and children in need of a safe place to stay
EGADZ, youth programming that improves the lives of at-risk children in Saskatoon
Saskatoon Family Centre, a welcoming space where young children from prenatal to age 5 and their parents and caregivers can bond, learn and grow together.
Global Gathering Place, support programming for refugees and immigrants in Saskatoon
Crocus Co-op, a non-profit providing employment opportunities and supports for people with mental health disabilities
Friendship Inn, a charity providing meals to those experiencing food insecurity
Saskatoon Indian and Metis Friendship Centre, improving the lives of Indigenous people in Saskatoon through youth, family and food security services and much more
Donate to Stuff the Bus
