Local Love Week - February 9 - 16, 2026

Thank You for Showing the Love! From February 9–16, communities across North East Ontario came together to celebrate Local Love Week, and we are incredibly grateful for the kindness and generosity shown throughout the region.

From baking and delivering cookies to wearing red and performing random acts of local love, our communities showed up! Wrapping up the week, we were honoured to present community awards to some of the amazing people and organizations having an impact.

In Timmins, the week kicked off with Northern College showing their love all week long with treat sales, a photo booth and a kindness bingo.  Funded partners, like the Timmins Youth Hub, participated in Go Red and Acts of Kindness days. The Anti-Hunger Coalition of Timmins created a special Local Love Cookie that quickly sold out, and Timmins Victim Services showed some appreciation to local emergency service providers! A special thank you to our friends at Kinz & Klomp for helping spread the word.

In Sudbury, partners and staff members came together and volunteered  to help community agencies write notes, sort through donations, assemble kits, decorate treats and so much more. It was great seeing a community of red flooding our social media! Thank you to Cortina64 who donated 10% of all pasta sales throughout the week.

In North Bay, several organizations participated in Go Red initiatives throughout the week to show their support. The campaign concluded with a finale event at Boston Pizza, where funded partners and community organizations gathered to dine together in support of Local Love.

Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and helped amplify the message of Local Love. Your kindness helps ensure that children and youth across our region have access to the programs and opportunities they need to thrive.

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.