United Way City of Kawartha Lakes is raising funds by selling lift tickets to Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride (www.sirsams.ca). With your purchase, Sir Sam’s is providing us with 25% of the ticket value back to our organization. All money raised will support our local programs and services which helps people in our community to reach their full potential.

You can buy midweek tickets or weekend tickets as well as tickets for youth, adults and seniors.

You will be able to purchase the tickets online through our dedicated website (above) from November 1^st, 2023 through to December 24^th, 2023. To redeem your tickets, you can simply bring either a printout or the electronic receipt to the hill to exchange for your lift pass. Vouchers purchased can be used ANYTIME during the 2023/24 ski season!

Once you complete your purchase you will receive an email from Sir Sam’s with your receipt, voucher and QR code. You will be able to print this off in order to provide it as a gift for a friend, colleague or family member. Bring this voucher to the hill to exchange for your lift ticket.

By cklunitedway|2023-12-11T09:23:26-05:00November 2nd, 2023|News|Comments Off

United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes kick off greets new leadership, celebrates retirement, and announces new matching grant

On Tuesday, September 28^th, the United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes (UWCKL) held its annual fundraising campaign kick off event at Edwin Binney’s Community Garden with the introduction of a new Matching Collaborative Grant. They also welcomed Paul Murphy as new Board President, introduced Emily Beall and Shantal Ingram as new Co-Executive Directors, and bid warm retirement wishes to outgoing Executive Director Penny Barton Dyke.

(left to right) Murphy, Ingram, and Beall address kick off attendees.

Paul Murphy, the current General Manager of Crayola Canada, has been a long-time supporter of UWCKL, most notably through the agency’s supportive relationship with Crayola. Concerning his appointment to Board President Murphy offers, “I have been involved with UWCKL for many years as a Crayolian: volunteering at the sales, fundraising and trying to support where I could… I am very honoured and proud to be working with not only the great individuals that make up the Board, but also with our fabulous staff.” Murphy then introduced UWCKL’s newest funding opportunity, the Matching Collaborative Grant.

This new Matching Collaborative Grant will award up to $10,000 per project, contingent on the collaborating agencies providing a matching amount of funds to what has been requested (in capital, not in-kind). Each application requires a minimum of three collaborating agencies, at least one of which must be registered as a charitable organization with the CRA, to receive funds. All partners must be located or serving clientele in Kawartha Lakes and/or Haliburton County. Two grants will be available in this funding stream, one in Kawartha Lakes and one in Haliburton County.

Shantal Ingram, incoming Co-Executive Director notes “UWCKL has been promoting collective impact models for a decade and a half. It is important to look at ways to strengthen our community impact on poverty and collaboration is the necessary. Although many collaborations exist, at times those involved need an infusion to look at some innovative tactics. UWCKL is and will remain focused on actions to end poverty and help our most vulnerable. We hope to inspire new partners to join and also further match the funds given out to help increase our trajectory of ending poverty.”

For more information, guidelines, and application please visit www.ckl-unitedway.ca/funding.

Outgoing Executive Director Penny Barton Dyke greets an attendee.

UWCKL’s two incoming Co-Executive Directors then took the time to update attendees on ongoing and future initiatives introduce this year’s Campaign Chairs Jeff Tompkins and Brian Nash representing the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County respectively. Several staff and board members then took a few moments to congratulate outgoing ED Penny Barton Dyke on her 17 ½ years of service to UWCKL and the community before Barton-Dyke addressed attendees herself, imparting praise and advice on both Beall and Ingram as the UWCKL begins its next chapter.

By cklunitedway|2022-09-30T09:45:56-04:00September 29th, 2022|Campaign, Kickoff, News, Special Events, Uncategorized|Comments Off

Crayola Sale canceled due to ongoing Covid-19 health and safety uncertainty

For a third year, the Covid-19 pandemic has forced the United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes and Crayola Canada to cancel the popular Crayola Sale. Prior to 2020, this annual event had taken place every fall for more than 30 years. Since its inception, over $1 million has been generated from the annual warehouse sale and Crayola’s workplace campaign.

Crayola Canada and UWCKL Staff touring Edwin Binney’s Community Garden in 2021.

“With the continued uncertainty, we have made the very difficult decision to not have the sale this year, as the health and safety of staff, customers and volunteers is our highest priority,” explains Paul Murphy, General Manager of Crayola Canada. “The cancellation of the sales does not change Crayola Canada’s commitment to our relationship with the UWCKL. We will continue to work with them and find new ways to support their efforts within our community.”

Our work continues with Edwin Binney’s Community Garden, located on Crayola’s property in Lindsay, where we have donated over 30,000 lbs. of fresh produce to food programs in the City of Kawartha Lakes. If you would like to support our education centre and food security program please visit our site!

By cklunitedway|2022-09-19T13:09:45-04:00September 21st, 2022|Crayola Sale, News|Comments Off

Executive Director of UWCKL announces retirement

United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes announced at its September 8th AGM, its Executive Director, Penny Barton Dyke will be retiring from the organization after seventeen and a half years. “It has been a privilege and honour to work with incredible community leaders, donors, volunteers and staff over the years, she noted. I am looking forward to taking some time off and looking at new adventures.”

Over her tenure, Penny was tasked to be a brave community leader and look at innovative ways to help agencies and the communities that we serve. With her retirement, we are looking back at some of the ground-breaking work that has been completed:

In 2005-08, UWCKL participated in the largest (and first) collaboration of 16 small rural Ontario United Ways. This in-depth consultative process was called Community Matters. It became a catalyst that transformed UWCKL’s approach to community engagement and development work. Ms. Barton Dyke added, “Community Investment has always included traditional agency support. Community Matters steered us towards deeper community conversations which led us to help develop better collaborations with partners. Essentially, it was a call to action to help lead cutting edge projects and find new ways of working with partners. UWCKL assisted with the development of the Poverty Reduction Strategy for Haliburton County and the City of Kawartha Lakes. It really highlighted that our work was going in the right direction but we needed to continue to look for diverse approaches to systemic issues.”

Shantal Ingram, Penny Barton Dyke and Emily Beall are pictured at the Edwin Binney's Community Garden Farm Stand located at 50 Mary Street West in Lindsay.

Pictured (from left to right): Shantal Ingram, Penny Barton Dyke and Emily Beall at the Edwin Binney’s Community Garden Farm Stand located at 50 Mary Street West in Lindsay.

Duncan Gallacher, Board President noted in his AGM remarks that UWCKL’s noted it took two years of consultations with more than 30 lead supporters and subject matter experts to create an impactful food security project called Edwin Binney’s Community Garden (EBCG). EBCG was created four years ago. With the help of lead partners such as Crayola Canada, Fleming College Sustainable Agriculture and Lindsay Campus and the Otto and Marie Pick Foundation it established a multi-pronged approach to food security and education. Crayola provided land and financial supports. The Fleming College Sustainable Agriculture program and Lindsay Campus has provided skills and knowledge in planning and growing crops. The setting has provided experiential learning for its students. From the beginning the Otto and Marie Pick Foundation has supported the initiative by providing funding for paid co-op students and young learners. In his remarks at the AGM as his last year as President, Gallagher described their Executive Director as one of the most genuine and dedicated people he has ever worked with and he said, “I don’t feel the city will every truly appreciate the positive impact you have had on us all.”

Keeping with innovative approaches, the Board of Directors has hired Emily Beall and Shantal Ingram to be Co-Executive Directors. Both currently work for UWCKL and bring a wide breadth of talent and dedication to the position. Ms. Beall is currently the Projects and Communications Coordinator and oversees the EBCG as part of her duties. Ms. Ingram is the Community Investment Coordinator and has led six campaigns and worked with many of the agencies, donors and volunteers in this role. They both look forward to meeting with community agency leaders, donors and volunteers as they move into their shared roll.

By cklunitedway|2022-09-19T14:06:02-04:00September 19th, 2022|News, Staff|Comments Off

Introducing the Edwin Binney’s Community Garden Farm Stand!

Beginning Tuesday, July 26th at 10am, United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes will be offering fresh produce from Edwin Binney’s Community Garden! Every Tuesday between 10am – 3pm—or as long as our stock lasts—interested shoppers can visit our 50 Mary Street location in Lindsay, Ontario to choose from a selection of freshly harvested veggies, fruits, and herbs.

Since the garden’s inception we have donated nearly 35,000lbs, the overwhelming majority of our harvest, to local organizations and food banks to help combat food insecurity in our region. As we continue to expand and develop this initiative, fundraising for new pilot projects and additions will be imperative. The new Farm Stand represents one such opportunity for our organization, with all proceeds earned being put back into the ongoing development and maintenance of our community farm.

The Farm Stand will offer a variable pricing model allowing shoppers to pay below market, at market, or above market values depending on their budget. With rising rates of inflation affecting the majority of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton residents, it is important that we offer affordable solutions that also help our projects grow to serve greater numbers of people in our community. We know that community members with means will gladly pay a little extra to help support purchasing by those in dire need. United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes remains committed to alleviating the stress and hardship caused by food insecurity, now more than ever.

For the time being, the Farm Stand will only be able to accept cash payment, and we are always excited to receive extra donations at the point of purchase. Our weekly offerings will be posted on our social media channels in advance of each week’s Tuesday market so be sure to check in regularly with our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages to stay informed.

We are so excited to see you at our inaugural Farm Stand market day Tuesday the 26th from 10am – 3pm, right out front of our 50 Mary Street office location!

The UWCKL Team

By cklunitedway|2022-07-19T11:34:16-04:00July 19th, 2022|News|Comments Off

United Way disperses additional $90,000 in emergency funding to Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton programs.

On October 5, 2020, United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes launched a second call for applications for the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). The fund provides financial support to charities and other qualified donees adapting their frontline services to support vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government of Canada has released the balance of funding for ECSF which is being administered in collaboration with United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Red Cross.

Today, United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes is pleased to share an update on the recipients of this second round of funding. United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes has received over 12 applications for community programs and services that support vulnerable community members. To date, 23 organizations have been approved for a total of $344,723.08.

Programs funded through this round of the Emergency Community Response Fund include:

City of Kawartha Lakes

A Place Called Home, Homeless Shelter, $7,500
Boys and Girls Club City of Kawartha Lakes, After School Program, $7,500
Centre of Hope, Food Bank, $7,500
Canadian Mental Health Association HKPR, Health Promotion, $7,500
Coboconk and Area Food Bank, Food Bank, $5,101.94
Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes, Standing Together and Receiving Support (S.T.A.R.S.) Program, $7,500
Five Counties Children’s Centre, Outdoor Treatment Space, $7,473.70
Therapeutic Horse Riding in Lindsay (T.H.R.I.L.) $7,500

Haliburton County

Point in Time, Closing the Gap Connectivity Program, $7,500
Rotary Club of Haliburton, Good Food Box, $5,500
SIRCH, Lunch Tickets, $7,500

Cross Jurisdictional

Big Brothers Big Sisters, Virtual School Mentoring, $7,500

United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes is proud to support the important investment of $90,000 into our local communities. A portion of the investment was used to assemble the and train the application review committee, liaise with community groups and applicants, and monitor the distribution of funds with the federal government..

“Charities and non-profit organizations are at the heart of our communities, helping the most vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 crisis. The Government of Canada is pleased to support these organizations through the Emergency Community Support Fund so that they can continue their invaluable work.” says The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.

“The impact of this investment is threefold;” writes Penny Barton Dyke, Executive Director of UWCKL. “Organizations in our area will be able to help people, especially citizens at risk, with some supports more rapidly; assist in connecting people to agencies that will help them now and going forward; and lastly help strengthen the capacity of our community by working collaboratively.”

Media Contacts:

Mallory Cramp-Waldinsperger,

Projects and Communications Coordinator,

United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes

By cklunitedway|2020-11-27T11:30:46-05:00November 27th, 2020|News|Comments Off

United Way Community Garden Donates 12,700 lbs of produce to City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton organizations.

United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes announced Monday that the cumulative total of produce donated from Edwin Binney’s Community Garden 2020 was over 12,700 lbs. Produce from the garden reached 1,315 individuals across the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton through food banks and community organizations. An additional 275 participants received produce through three pilot projects; Fresh Produce Friday, which served three housing communities in partnership with the City of Kawartha Lakes; Garden at Your Table, which delivered produce in collaboration with Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes; and Haliburton FoodLove in partnership with HHHS Community Programs.

The garden has more than doubled last year’s total yield of 5,500 lbs. This year, the size of the plowed area was expanded to produce larger yields, and multiple crops were planted in succession throughout the season. With funding from Tree Canada, UWCKL and Fleming College planted over 100 fruit trees at the garden earlier this month. Their team is anticipating even greater yields and more variety due to the addition of this orchard for years to come.

The ongoing development of partnerships has brought incredible dedicated experts together for the past several years to help design Edwin Binney’s Community Garden. In its second season, this unique agricultural food security initiative and education center has yielded far more than anticipated by the main partners, Crayola Canada, Fleming College and UWCKL. “Fleming College’s lead experts helped us plan a response to support current food programs here and in Haliburton County,” explains Penny Barton Dyke, Executive Director of UWCKL. “Seniors, families, and those who found themselves more isolated during this time were able to receive healthy fresh food. We are grateful to our donors and supporters especially during who made it possible to ramp up our production,” she adds.

More information on Edwin Binney’s Community Garden can be found at https://ckl-unitedway.ca/edwin-binney-community-garden/

By cklunitedway|2020-11-23T15:58:19-05:00November 23rd, 2020|News|Comments Off

United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes announces over $90,000 in emergency support funding for local organizations

United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes is accepting funding applications for the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) Round 2 from October 5 to October 30, 2020. The fund continues to provide financial support to charities and other qualified donees adapting their frontline services to support vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government of Canada has released this balance of funding for ECSF and it is being administered in collaboration with United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Red Cross.

United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes is proud to support this important additional investment of $92,396.00 into our local communities.

“The impact of this investment is threefold;” writes Penny Barton Dyke, Executive Director of UWCKL. “Organizations in our area will be able to help people, especially citizens at risk, with some supports more rapidly; assist in connecting people to agencies that will help them now and going forward; and lastly help strengthen the capacity of our community by working collaboratively.”

“Charities and non-profit organizations are at the heart of our communities, helping the most vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 crisis. The Government of Canada is pleased to support these organizations through the Emergency Community Support Fund so that they can continue their invaluable work,” says The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

About United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes

The mission of the United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes is to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action. The United Way of CKL strives to increase capacity building for community impacts. Education, resources, networking and partnerships are key components in community building. United Way has the ability to direct funds to specific projects and geographic locations and these designated investments are transparent and accountable. Empowering people in our community is paramount to positive outcomes for our United Way and citizens.

Media Contact:

Mallory Cramp-Waldinsperger, Projects and Communications Coordinator

office@ckl.unitedway.ca

By cklunitedway|2020-10-02T12:56:43-04:00October 2nd, 2020|News|Comments Off

Edwin Binney’s Community Garden Exceeds 1,000 lb harvest milestone!

A recent aerial shot of Edwin Binney’s Community Garden, located beside Crayola Canada’s Lindsay office. Image provided by Rhys Walden, UWCKL volunteer.

United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes is proud to announce that as of Monday, July 28, Edwin Binney’s Community Garden has already yielded over 1,000 pounds of food for local organizations and food programs. The garden, located on Crayola Canada’s property in Lindsay is only in its second year of production and with the help of Fleming College’s Department of Sustainable Agriculture, has projected a 40% increase from last year’s yield of 5,500 pounds.

This year has posed unique challenges for the community agriculture project and the team has had to find new ways to reach individuals who may be isolated due to COVID-19, explains Mallory Cramp-Waldinsperger, Projects and Communications Coordinator of UWCKL. “With the support of the City of Kawartha Lakes Social Services department, we have been able to reach out to our neighbours at two social housing locations with our “Fresh Produce Friday” pilot project. This program provides a free market table of locally grown produce to seniors and members of our community who may be vulnerable to isolation.”

In addition, the community garden has collaborated with Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes to deliver a free monthly produce bag to 90 of Community Care’s clients. “Agency partnerships are critical to help people immediately in tough and unusual times,” writes Penny Barton Dyke, Executive Director of UWCKL.

“Edwin Binney’s Community Garden has many partners with each contributing and dovetailing to bring knowledge, land, access to products and the opportunity to bring fresh produce to kitchen tables. This is an agricultural and education project that is building sustainable practices and partnerships,” she adds.

By cklunitedway|2020-07-28T13:16:18-04:00July 28th, 2020|News|Comments Off

United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes launches new campaign, online resources.

United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes is launching a new campaign to support vital community services during a critical time. This launch aligns with United Way Canada’s national campaign titled “Local Love in a Global Crisis.”

Donations made through United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes’ web portal can be designated to specific needs such as: food security, emergency funds for agencies and future community needs.

United Way acknowledges that not everyone is in a position to give financial support to organizations at this time, and explains that there are other ways to share the spirit of Local Love and help our community heal. “Over the course of the next weeks and months, it will be important for each of us to continue or to start checking in with one another and more vulnerable people,” says Penny Barton Dyke, Executive Director of UWCKL. “You have insight into your rural communities and can help United Way CKL and partners, identify gaps in services and emerging needs. Share your concerns. Lend a hand of support by helping share our social media and by doing acts of kindness.”

Education has always been a priority at Edwin Binney’s Community Garden, and while students are not currently able to visit us with their class, we have shared all of our educational materials online for free! Many of these projects can be completed at home. From making mud pies and learning about soil, to photographing systems in the environment, the learning opportunities are endless! Resources can be found at https://ckl-unitedway.ca/classroom-resources/

By cklunitedway|2020-05-05T11:39:22-04:00May 5th, 2020|News|Comments Off