United Way of Canada

The United Way of Canada (Centraide Canada in French) is a national charitable organization in Canada, made up of 124 autonomous United Way and Centraide campaigns across the country. Its mission is “to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action”. The member campaigns raise money for local groups that address community issues and problems, and the national organization provides leadership, services and coordination to the members.

The Canadian United Way began in 1917, when charities in Montreal and Toronto started community collectives inspired by similar activities in the United States. Other collectives were initiated in other parts of the country over time, under a variety of names (including Red Feather (or Plume Rouge in French), Community Chest, Fédération des oeuvres de charité and the United Appeal). A national office was founded in 1939. The United Way and Centraide names were adopted in 1973 and 1974 respectively.

The organization is currently headquartered in Ottawa.