United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin Launches New Initiative to Uplift Women & Boost Local Economy

• United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin kicks off 2025 Spring Campaign with theme "Support Women. Support Local
• Seeks to collect funds for the empowerment of women in poverty in the community

United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin has kicked off its 2025 Spring Campaign, entitled "Support Women. Support Local," held during May and June. The campaign is an important fundraiser to raise the necessary funds to benefit women in the local community, who are facing poverty, and to bring attention and promote women-owned businesses in the local community.

With approximately 6 percent of women in Guelph-Wellington living in poverty, the campaign calls for action on the belief that when girls and women thrive, society overall benefits. The campaign encourages residents to come together and make a difference by shopping local and building a brighter, fairer, and more inclusive community.

United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin Executive Director Glenna Banda highlighted the growing challenges of the community, observing that economic struggles often translate into social ones and that numerous people are in need of help for the first time as demand for core services increases. Not only does the campaign seek to fund critical community support, but it also seeks to celebrate and empower local businesses.

During the latest "Women United" gathering, where more than 50 women joined together to celebrate and give back to the community, the campaign launched the 'Support Women. Support Local' passport. The passport acts as a directory of local women-owned businesses that provide services from finance advice to health and wellness.

Participating businesses are Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Guelph, Limitless Coaching, Longevity Chiropractic, MarissaTeeter.com Executive Coaching & Keynote Speaking, Natural Choice Medical Clinic, Power Wealth, Wild Rose Consignment Clothing, Decadently Yours, Brain & Body Co., Path to Joy, and Synergy Sport Therapy.

Moreover, some of these businesses also have tap-to-give machines at their point of sale, enabling customers to donate directly to United Way easily, supporting the campaign's objectives even more.