Get in the Way of poverty today

Each fall, the TMU community participates in an annual giving campaign for the United Way of Greater Toronto. Since 2015 we have raised over $1 million together for local United Way agencies (external link) .

I’m happy to announce that the 2026 campaign is now in full swing and will run until the winter break in December.

Helping our neighbours

Supporting and helping to build our surrounding communities has been core to TMU’s values since the beginning. Our annual giving campaign is one more way that we can make a meaningful difference not just in our neighbourhood but also in communities across the GTA. 

Every day, hundreds of United Way-funded agencies across Toronto and Peel regions help 1.8 million people navigate today’s challenges and move toward brighter futures. Your support helps address rising homelessness, hunger, and other barriers that prevent people from realizing their full potential.

Every donation, regardless of size, makes a difference. By coming together as a TMU community, we can help create opportunities, strengthen neighbourhoods and ensure vital programs and services are available when and where they’re needed most.

Get involved

There are several ways you can get involved in TMU’s United Way campaign:

• Donate directly to the TMU United Way Campaign via our giving page. You can provide a one-time gift or donate via payroll deduction. 

• Team TMU is currently recruiting climbers for the 2026 CN Tower ClimbUp (external link)  challenge. TMU students, faculty and staff are all invited to conquer 1,776 steps on Sunday, November 15 in support of the United Way. If you’d like the chance to rise to this rewarding challenge and join the team, please contact team captain Michael Forbes. If you are unable to join the climb, please consider donating to the team or one of our climbers (external link)  to support their efforts.

• I’m also pleased to share that this year, we’ll be having a President’s luncheon in support of the United Way in November. If you are interested in attending, please contact Karen Benner for details.

Every donation counts

Even small actions can have a huge and immediate positive impact. 

• $100 can provide an unhoused person with essentials such as warm clothing, socks and blankets to survive unsheltered for a month. 

• $250 can provide a family with a week’s worth of nutritious groceries or critical items such as hygiene supplies or baby formula for a family. 

• $500 can cover legal consultation fees for a survivor of gender-based violence. 

Over the coming weeks, you will receive emails from the United Way where you will learn more about this year’s campaign. I encourage you to get involved. 

Together we can make a big difference to support the United Way and our neighbours.

Mohamed Lachemi
President and Vice-Chancellor