United Way: One in 5 Canadians need social service support

Author Abigail Turner

Charitable giving has never been more critical in Canada, according to United Way Centraide. 

The national non-profit says new data shows one in five Canadians access their community services for support.

Data from United Way and Leger earlier this year found 55 per cent of Canadians feel anxious about their finances this year. 

Requests for temporary financial help through 211 also surged 50 per cent since last year. 

Beyond financial stress, the organization said food insecurity, mental health concerns, and housing affordability are all pushing Canadians to turn to United Way for support.

The numbers were released on Giving Tuesday, a global movement that encourages generosity to charities and those in need after the buying excess that is Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

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  • Abigail Turner is an award-nominated journalist who began her career in broadcast journalism. She worked primarily as a video journalist in Winnipeg before moving to Vancouver. Turner has taken on various roles in her career, including anchor and producer, while working in major outlets, including Global News and CTV News. She recently became the Special Projects Reporter at Future of Good.

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