About Us

WHO WE ARE.

United Way Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District is addressing the root causes of poverty and focusing on Helping Kids Be All Kids Can Be, Moving individuals from Poverty to Possibility and Building Strong Communities.

MISSION

To improve lives and mobilize collective action

VISION

Everyone in Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

OUR VALUES

Community

Working collaboratively with the community is at the heart of our work. Because, when people come together, we can accomplish so much more than we ever could alone. United Way Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District works with multiple community partners on strategies which reduce the impact of low income on the health and well-being of individuals and families in our community.

Integrity & Accountability

We deeply value the trust that the community has placed in us, and we work tirelessly to ensure that this trust will always be well founded.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

While reflecting the community we serve, we embrace different abilities, perspectives and experiences, and we are committed to the promotion of equity—welcoming, celebrating and valuing the contributions of all. 

Service

We are motivated by a strong commitment to service—to our donors, our neighbors and our region. Our achievements are defined by the collective success of the communities we serve. Through our network of community agencies, and with your local love, we deliver services and supports to help tackle local poverty and related issues. 

Our History

The Canadian United Way began in 1917 when charities in Montreal and Toronto started community collectives (inspired by similar activities that began in the United States in 1887).


In 1956 “The Welfare Federation of Sault Ste. Marie, Korah and Tarentorus” was established to coordinate the work of health, welfare and recreation agencies of the community. During the very first meeting of the Welfare Federation it was recognized that there was a far greater need than simply running a campaign: it was necessary both to raise funds and to aid agencies to carry on their work year-round.


Over the years, the objectives of our local United Way as set by our founders has grown and adapted to continue on our key mission to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action.


Since 1957, United Way Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District has provided Human Care services in Sault Ste. Marie. We run annual fundraising events and workplace campaigns, invest in social services, lead research and advocacy and bring community partners together to create lasting change across Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma.


United Way continues to work cooperatively with community partners to develop strategies to address gaps in service and continue to raise funds to direct toward our key issue strategies; focusing on reducing poverty by focusing on Helping Kids Be All That Kids Can Be, Moving People From Poverty To Possibility, and Building Strong Communities.

Quick Facts

Founding President F. E. (Lin) Hollingsworth 1957

The United Way’s former name was the United Appeal

13 agencies participated in the first United Appeal campaign

In 1973 the United Appeal took the name United Way

There have been 41 volunteers that have served as President

Longest serving President – Mr. Lawrence Brown – 1960 – 1963

Meet Our Amazingly Talented Team

Our Team