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!

Cortina64: 10% of pasta sales will be donated to United Way from Feb 9 to 16, 2026

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