When our communities thrive, so does Your Neighbourhood.

Take a look at YNCU in your community!

Good Neighbours

Good Neighbours Employee Volunteer Program

Giving back is a shared value between Members and Staff alike. YNCU employees not only strive to put Members first, they also put their neighbourhoods first with personal contributions that enrich their communities. Since the launch of the Good Neighbours Employee Volunteer Program in 2019, over 4800 hours of Staff Members’ personal time was invested back into local causes they’re passionate about. In honour of their volunteerism, Staff designated over $63,000 of YNCU community investment dollars back into local organizations across our service areas.

Do you know a charity in need of volunteers? Complete this form and we’ll match you with a Good Neighbour!

Good Neighbour Fund

In 2024 Staff submitted causes they were passionate about, and three charities were selected to receive donations through the Good Neighbour Fund. Learn more about the organizations we supported in 2024!

Guelph Wish Fund for Children

The Guelph Wish Fund for Children provides ‘wishes’ and support to children under the age of 19, residing in Guelph or Wellington County, who are living with a significant illness, life-altering injury or a rare and debilitating syndrome.

To grant a wish, or learn about other ways to support, visit https://www.guelphwishfund.com/

Sault Ste. Marie YMCA

The YMCA of Sault Ste. Marie has been serving the people of Sault Ste. Marie, and improving the health of the community, for over 120 years.

The Bridge to Our Future campaign is crucial for the YMCA to secure sustainability and ensure they remain a viable community resource for years to come.

YNCU is proud to be able to support such an integral part of our city that is dedicated to well-being, health, and other critical community programs.

To learn more, visit https://ssmymca.ca/

Women's Crisis Services Waterloo Region

Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (WCSWR) empowers and supports women* and children to move beyond violence by providing safe shelter, outreach services, prevention, and education.

WCSWR operates two emergency shelters in Kitchener and Cambridge for women and children experiencing domestic violence. They also offer a free, confidential, outreach program for women who are experiencing domestic violence but do not require emergency shelter. The program is flexible, accessible, and has no wait list.

*WCSWR supports women, transgender and gender-diverse individuals.

Visit https://wcswr.org/ to learn more.

Community Contributions

Over the course of 2024, YNCU presented a series of donations to support local causes that align with our community values and giving themes.

LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES
INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES IN NEED
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS

As part of our 2024 commitment to invest profits back into our communities, YNCU made donations to select organizations to help them continue offering programs and services to vulnerable groups in our communities.

Coldest Night of the Year – Blue Sea Foundation

The Coldest Night of the Year is a family-friendly 2 or 5 km fundraising walk in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.

Each February, tens of thousands of Canadians step outside the warmth and comfort of home to shine a light of welcome and compassion in their communities. Since 2011, the Coldest Night of the Year has raised over $75,000,000 across Canada in 190 Canadian communities – 100% of net proceeds stay local to support our CNOY charity partners.

https://cnoy.org

Waterloo Regional Food Bank

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region plays a pivotal role in the Community Food Assistance Network, a collaborative effort involving over 120 community programs and agency partners. Together, they provide crucial support in the way of meals, shelter, nutrition outreach, counseling, and connections to various support services. A significant portion, 59%, of the food managed and distributed within the network is fresh or frozen, thanks to the fleet of refrigerated trucks and well-equipped storage facilities. Additionally, the Food Bank of Waterloo serves as a trusted source for information on hunger and food insecurity in the Waterloo region. Together, through food and fund drives, YNCU contributed to providing over 1.7 million meals to individuals and families in need in 2024.

https://www.thefoodbank.ca/

KidsAbility Foundation

KidsAbility supports nearly 14,000 children and youth each year through a blend of virtual and in-person services, helping them achieve their communication, social, physical, and behavioral goals in various settings. They provide holistic, family-centered care from birth to age 21, addressing concerns about whether a formal diagnosis exists or not. The mission is to deliver timely and exceptional services, funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, purchase-service options, and community generosity. Donations are crucial in supporting life-changing therapy, innovative programs, and cutting-edge technology to enable children to reach milestones sooner and fully engage in the community. KidsAbility is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. Together we can build brighter futures for children, youth, and families.

https://www.kidsability.ca/

Anishnabeg Outreach, Kitchener

Anishnabeg Outreach provides Indigenous people with access to culturally appropriate services and strives to support individuals with direction and assistance to overcome barriers. They encourage individual exploration of avenues that will lead to self-sufficiency and success. From the healing activities they provide to the programs and workshops, YNCU is proud to be supporting their initiatives.

https://aocan.org

OK2BEME

OK2BME is a set of supportive services for Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) and questioning kids, teens, adults, and their families in Waterloo Region.

The OK2BME program consists of three unique areas including confidential counselling services (in person or online), OK2BME Youth Groups for individuals 12-18, as well as public education, consulting and training around 2SLGBTQIA+ issues.

https://ok2bme.ca/

Lansdowne Children’s Centre

Lansdowne Children’s Centre is one of Ontario’s 21 Children’s Treatment Centres [CTCs] and a member of Empowered Kids Ontario (EKO). Lansdowne provides services and supports for over 3,000 children and youth and their families, annually.

Lansdowne provides child development resources as well as supports and services for communication, developmental, and physical needs. Their service region includes Brantford, Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk counties, and the Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Lansdowne currently operates sites in Brantford, Caledonia, Dunnville, and Simcoe.

https://www.lansdownecentre.ca/

Police Pal Program

The London Police Pal Program began on May 30th, 1990 as a way to help young children cope with physical and emotional trauma. This community initiative provides a plush German Shepherd toy dog to young children who may have experienced or be experiencing physical and emotional trauma. The dog acts as a way to distract and provide comfort to a child while a Police Officer is responding to a call.

Read more about how YNCU and the Police Pals are comforting children in a time of crisis

Scholarships & Awards

We understand that achieving your educational goals often comes with financial challenges. We’re proud to support post-secondary students who share our community values by offering scholarships and bursaries in partnership with the Ontario Credit Union Foundation, Sault College, and the University of Waterloo.