Local Love Week - February 9 - 16, 2026

Local Hearts. Strong Futures 

Local Love Week is a celebration of the programs, people, and partnerships that make a difference for children and youth in our community.

Every day, United Way Centraide North East Ontario/Nord-est de l’Ontario and our funded partners help kids access safe spaces, wellness supports, after-school programs, and opportunities to thrive. Local Love Week shines a spotlight on that impact — and invites you to join us in creating brighter futures.

What’s Happening During Local Love Week?

Nipissing/Parry Sound

Sunday, February 15, 2026:  Join us at Boston Pizza from 5pm to 8pm in support of United Way.  

Month of February 2026: Giant Tiger point of sale donations - round up your purchase to support local community programs.

Go Red Friday: Wear red in support of United Way. Watch for community groups, schools and businesses dressed in red for Local Love Week!

Local Love Cookies: Order a dozen cookies for $15 with proceeds supporting United Way and Anti-Hunger Coalition. Order before Jan 28 for pick at the Timmins office from Feb. 11 - 13, 2026.

Go Red Friday: Wear red in support of United Way. Watch for community groups, schools and businesses dressed in red for Local Love Week!

Northern College Week: Students and faculty will be showing their Local Love:

• All week long - Buy a Valentine and a chocolate for someone you appreciate; Donate $2 for the cause and enter a raffle draw

• Monday - Red Week kick off with staff and students + Guess the candies in a jar

• Wednesday - Photobooth for students and cupcakes

• Friday - Red Bingo for Staff and photobooth + Raffle draw

Go Red Friday: Wear red in support of United Way. Watch for community groups, schools and businesses dressed in red for Local Love Week!

Why Local Love Matters

Right now, too many children and youth in northeastern Ontario face barriers to wellness, safety, and opportunity.

  • Over 700,000 children in Ontario live in food-insecure households
  • 1 in 5 children and youth in Ontario experience a mental health challenge
  • 1 in 4 children in Grade 3, and 1 in 5 children in Grade 6 are failing to meet the provincial literacy standards

With your Local Love, we can:

  • Provide safe spaces after school.
  • Support mental health and wellness programs.
  • Ensure kids have the resources they need to succeed.
  • And so much more...

How You Can Get Involved

  • Give Local: Every dollar stays in our region to support kids and youth.
  • Share Local Love: Follow us on social media, share the stories, and spread the word using #LocalLoveWeek #UWCNEO #LoveLocal.

Join Us

Together, we can create a community where every child and youth has the chance to thrive. Join the local love movement today!  Call 705-560-3330 or email [email protected] to learn more and see how you can get involved.

How Local Love is Helping Youth

Funded program becomes a refuge for youth like Nathaniel - Read his story