Behind all our work, there are people like you who get involved in big and small – but always significant – ways to ensure a better future for their family and their community.
Volunteer
Every day across Ottawa, United Way volunteers are working to make our city a great place to live for everyone.
We mobilize more than 10,000+ volunteers a year through innovative volunteer opportunities, events and campaigns. We believe that through volunteerism we can create a meaning and lasting change in our community – and in people’s lives.
Community Action Day
Roll up your sleeves and volunteer your time to help a community organization in our city. There are a variety of projects available including painting, cleaning, cooking and baking. Sign up today to receive updates about our next Community Action Day.
Speakers
Are you a dynamic speaker willing to share your story about how United Way has helped you or someone you know? Send us an email to find out more about this unique volunteer opportunity.
Events
United Way is part of this community and we participate in city-wide events like parades and sport tournaments in December, March, June and August. We can always use your help. If you’re interested in marching or participating in these events send us an email.
See Our Community
Seeing is believing
United Way supports over 100 programs in our community. Our Seeing is Believing Tours are an opportunity to visit our partners to see these programs in action.
Speakers’ bureau
Host a speaker at your workplace or event who can talk about the impact of United Way and how your support has changed lives. Speakers include community members who have received help, volunteers, and more.
Be Part of the Change
Whether you’re fulfilling volunteer hours as a high school student, or you’re retired and want to spend more time in your community, we can find the perfect way for you to get involved. Contact our volunteer coordinator to find out more about the many opportunities out there that will help you change lives in Ottawa.
Advocate
United Way Ottawa’s advocacy work encompasses the fostering of constructive relationships and mutual understanding among decision-makers and public policy framers. It includes speaking up on public policy issues that directly impact our priority goals. It sees us playing an active role in developing a “common voice” on behalf of the community sector.
Sign up to learn about more ways you can influence policy, and take a stand for what you believe in.
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Nominate a Community Builder
Do you know someone who is making a huge impact in Ottawa? Nominate them for a Community Builder Award and acknowledge their efforts to build a stronger, more caring city for everyone. The names of our community builders are permanently inscribed on the Wall of Inspiration at City Hall.
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More ways to get involved
Become a Member
Being a member of United Way Ottawa shows you care about our city. Our members are individuals from all walks of life, from every corner of Ottawa, united in a commitment to building a stronger city. Members are entitled to vote at the Annual General Meeting to elect members of our Board of Directors and decide other special business. By coming together in a common cause, we are building a better future.
Join our Team
Would you like to work with community leaders to improve people’s lives and make a positive impact in our city? Do you share a commitment to making Ottawa a better place in which to live, work and play? In a vibrant, diverse and family-friendly workplace, join us in a common desire to bring people and resources together to build a strong, healthy, safe community for all.
Become a Loaned Representative
An important component of the success of our annual community campaign is the Loaned Representative program. Employees from the public and private sectors are “loaned” by their employers for a 16-week period to help with the campaign. They bring great energy to the campaign and without them, raising the needed dollars for our community would not be possible.
Start a campaign
Create your own personalized campaign page and ask your family and friends to help you reach your goal. Setting up a campaign will only take a few moments.