This morning, Mayor Olivia Chow, TTC CEO Mandeep Lali and Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, officially launched the 2025 United Way Greater Toronto fundraising season, having been joined by the City co-patrons, Deputy City Manager, Jag Sharma and Domenic Maugeri from City Unions & Associations, Marvin Alfred from ATU Local 113, United Way Greater Toronto President and CEO Heather McDonald and employees from the TTC and City of Toronto.
The public employee-driven campaign aims to raise $2.3 million for United Way Greater Toronto. TTC and City employees will work together to fundraise for crucial causes related to housing, food security, crisis services and mental health supports across Toronto.
City and TTC employees have a long-standing tradition of supporting the United Way. Last year, employees from the two organizations collectively raised more than $1.7 million. In the past 20 years, City employees have raised more than $23 million and TTC employees successfully increased their fundraising totals from 2021 to 2024 by over 60 per cent.
The United Way Greater Toronto is a charitable non-profit that consists of a network of more than 300 social service organizations for Greater Toronto Area residents. The organization delivers programs such as newcomer services, housing programs, food kitchens, employment supports and more, connecting people to government and community-based social services.
Members of the public are also invited to support the United Way campaign. On Saturday, September 20, the TTC will host an Open House at Greenwood Shops, with all proceeds going to the United Way. More information about this event is available on the TTC’s website: https://www.ttc.ca/riding-the-ttc/Updates/TTC-Greenwood-Shop-Open-House.
Quotes:
“The City of Toronto and the TTC have a long history of supporting the community through United Way Greater Toronto. These fundraising campaigns go back almost sixty years. The network of over 300 agencies supported through United Way plays a key role in strengthening our city’s safety net.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
“The TTC’s yearly United Way campaign enables us to connect with our community around a worthy cause. Last year, we had over 12,000 people attend our events in support of United Way. I want to thank the many TTC employees who dedicate their time and resources to this effort every year, and I look forward to another successful campaign.”
– Councillor Jamaal Myers (Scarborough North), TTC Board Chair.
“TTC employees as citizens of this great city strive daily to change lives and create a greater community for all. That is why so much of this campaign is led by their initiative – from organizing fundraisers, to canvassing other employees, to donating money from their pay cheques,” said Mandeep S. Lali, TTC CEO. “Over 3,600 employees donated last year, a reflection of how much they care about community as well as transit service.”
– Mandeep S. Lali, Chief Executive Officer, TTC
“Each year, our campaign shows what we can achieve when leaders, unions, associations, and staff from the City, agencies, and corporations unite in support of Torontonians who need it most as One City, One Team, One Campaign!”
– Jag Sharma, Deputy City Manager
“The success of this campaign comes down to the collaborative efforts of all the unions, associations, and employees across the City. It’s this unity that makes our work so impactful. Together, we can make a real difference.”
– Domenic Maugeri, Secretary Treasurer, Toronto Civic Employee Union Local 416
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City's website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.