As we step into 2026, United Way Northumberland enters the year grounded in momentum, partnership, and purpose. The work ahead is not starting from scratch, it’s building on strong foundations already in place and carrying them forward to meet the evolving needs of our community.
Community Events That Continue to Connect Us
In 2026, community connection remains at the heart of our work. Here’s what you can count on:
Diamonds in the Rough
Following its success in 2025, Diamonds in the Rough returns bigger and better than ever. Our women’s-only golf tournament at The Mill continues to bring people together in support of local impact, connection, and generosity.
Valentine’s Day Online Auction
Introduced in 2025, our Valentine’s Day Online Auction was so well received we can’t not do it again. Local bakers, cafés, and businesses donate sweet treats to auction in support of United Way—proving that giving back is a treat for the heart (and taste buds)!
Day of Caring
Our Day of Caring remains a cornerstone of volunteerism across Northumberland County. In 2026, we will continue to focus on larger, more impactful projects, while exploring ways to expand Day of Caring into additional communities throughout the county.
Will Week
We look forward to continuing Will Week, helping residents plan for the future while supporting United Way. With expanded participation and access, this initiative makes it easy for the community to leave a legacy while supporting local impact.
Cars for Community
Cars for Community will once again drive change, turning partnerships and sponsorships into tangible impact that strengthens programs addressing the needs of our community.
Ultimate Burger Battle
Launched as a United Way initiative in Thunder Bay and adopted locally in 2025, the Ultimate Burger Battle brought 12 local restaurants together for a month of flavour. Each restaurant created a custom burger or elevated a favourite, with $2 from every burger sold donated to United Way. The Smokehouse in Brighton took home the Ultimate Burger Champion trophy, while The Mill in Cobourg and Olympus Burger in Port Hope earned awards for most burgers sold. Community members rallied, voting for their favourites—some even toured all the restaurants! We can’t wait to bring back our partners for Year 2 in 2026.
Bite Back Against Hunger
Bite Back made its debut in 2025, hosted at Pomona Ristorante in Colborne over four Sundays with a customized tasting menu. The event supported Northumberland Eats, bringing the community together around great food and local impact. We’re excited for the next Bite Back in 2026, looking forward to new tastes in a new location. Stay tuned for details!
Deepening Community Investment
In 2026, our focus remains on strengthening the systems that support people where they are.
Through Program Investment Allocations, we will continue directing resources into areas of growing need. This includes ongoing support through Haven for All, expanded senior subsidies to help seniors remain safely in their homes, and continued collaboration with local non-profits to respond to emerging challenges.
Food security will remain a central priority. In the year ahead, Northumberland Eats continues to support food hubs, gathering places, and meal programs across the county, responding to increased demand while strengthening long-term food resilience. Our work alongside the Food Policy Table further supports coordination, collaboration, and community-informed solutions.
Supporting Children, Students, and Families
In 2026, we see the future of supporting children in school blending food nutrition with our Backpacks for Kids program, strengthening the connection between learning, nourishment, and well-being.
Through school food infrastructure and nutrition support, we will continue working with schools across Northumberland County to ensure they have the equipment and resources needed to deliver morning nutrition programs and respond to students who may require additional food support during the school day or to take home.
Period Promise will evolve in 2026 into hygiene cabinets, providing access to essential hygiene items for anyone in need. These cabinets will include menstrual hygiene products, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, hair products, and incontinence supplies, helping ensure that all community members, especially seniors, who are the fastest-growing population living in poverty, can access dignity through basic hygiene.
Advocacy, Awareness, and Community Voice
You can also count on United Way Northumberland continuing to show up as a connector and advocate.
Our work with the Food Policy Table strengthens our collective approach to food security and systems change, while partnerships such as United Way Week with 89.7 FM, aligned with Giving Tuesday, will continue to uplift local non-profits and amplify the importance of community support.
Moving Forward, Together
As 2026 unfolds, our focus is clear: deepen partnerships, strengthen systems, and respond with care and intention to the needs of our community.
What you can count on is this, United Way Northumberland will continue to listen, collaborate, and act, ensuring that community needs are met with compassion, accountability, and shared purpose.
