Report by Secretary-Treasurer Lystra Mohammed
The United Way Campaign Kickoff Breakfast brought together representatives from various unions and United Way partners for a morning of networking, conversation, and renewed commitment to fighting poverty and promoting human rights.
The event highlighted the importance of collective action and the many programs supported by United Way to assist individuals and families facing hardship.
A moving message came from the Associate Manager of the Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre, who reminded attendees that “Every person deserves dignity.” The speaker posed a powerful question: “What does home mean to you?”
For many, home means stability, security, and belonging. For others, it means facing the uncertainty of where they will sleep that night. This reflection highlighted the real human impact of poverty and homelessness and the importance of ensuring that everyone has access to safe, stable housing.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
Several powerful messages captured the spirit of the campaign:
Behind every request for assistance, there is a person.
Homelessness doesn’t have one face.
When someone is facing hardship, we don’t look away.
When people come together, change happens.
The campaign also encouraged everyone to take action by donating, advocating, volunteering, supporting local organizations, and using their voices to raise awareness.
For IAM members, standing in solidarity means looking beyond our workplaces and supporting the well-being of our communities. By working collectively, we can help build a more inclusive society where everyone is treated with dignity and has the opportunity to thrive.
Getting in the Way of Poverty means taking action, standing together, and investing in hope. Because when people unite around a shared purpose, meaningful change is possible.