George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Our community is currently facing multiple challenges, such as skyrocketing housing, food and living costs. Too many are struggling to make ends meet.
But together, with grit and determination, we can help meet the challenges of today and build a stronger GTA. As a public institution with ties to multiple local communities, we know how important it is to give back.
United Way Greater Toronto tirelessly fights to build strong neighbourhoods where everyone has what they need to thrive—food, shelter, mental health supports, and access to opportunities and connections—by directing funds within a network of over 300 appropriate agencies and services that help over 1.8 million people.
We ask all GBP employees to support this important work.
Join us to build a strong GTA now and for the future. Any way we can.
Ways to support the campaign
There are many ways to be part of George Brown’s United Way Campaign! You can make a payroll deduction donation via the dedicated emails we send you, volunteer your time, or participate in one of the college-wide events and initiatives!
Donation emails
You should receive weekly emails from our campaign committee starting November 4 that share more details on the necessities of United Way's work. These emails contain a specialized donation button that connects you to George Brown's contributions towards the @Work campaign. Here are some instructions to complete your donation:
- If you haven't signed up already, it will ask you to, and you must use your George Brown email address for it to work with payroll deductions.
- You can choose to donate either by payroll deduction (you choose the duration) or a one-time credit card transaction.
- You can also choose whether you'd like the funds to go to United Way for them to distribute amongst their 300 service organizations, or you can choose a specific charity that holds more meaning for you.
By even setting up a payroll deduction of $2, your support can help your neighbours access the support they need.
CN Tower Stair Climb
On Saturday, November 14, members of the George Brown community will climb the CN Tower's 1,776 steps in support of United Way. Thank you to the climbers (and sponsors!) for helping us take our campaign to new heights.
By supporting the ongoing work of United Way Greater Toronto you're fighting local poverty and building better, stronger communities so everyone who lives here has what they need to thrive.
Satisfying meals
Join us for a delicious Pancake Brunch — at each campus!
- November 3: Casa Loma Campus (8:30 to 10:30 a.m.)
- November 4: Waterfront Campus (8:30 to 10:30 a.m.)
- November 5: St. James Campus (8:30 to 10:30 a.m.)
Helping Hands donations at the Campus Store
George Brown's Campus Stores are a great place to share your support in person! You can find our unique Helping Hands design on t-shirts and toques for sale, or donate any denomination to the campaign at the register. Those who donate at the register can write their name on one of our Helping Hand donation recognition cards posted around the stores.
Download Teams Backgrounds
United Way Get In The Way Red Background
United Way Mural Background
United Way Get In The Way Background
Your donations make a huge impact on people in our communities
Syed's Story
Syed struggled to find a full-time job when he first arrived in the GTA. Then a United Way initiative connected him to the training and experience he needed to start a career in the trades.
Diana's Story
When Diana began transitioning, her living situation was precarious. Then a United Way-supported agency helped her find safety and support.
Britt's Story
Community gardens are a key part of United Way’s work fighting hunger in our communities. Britt, Executive Director of Ecosource, shares how gardens foster connection and inclusion while giving people more agency over their food.
Message from the United Way Committee
In spite of all the challenges over the past few years, it has been so exciting to see Canadians, Ontarians, and us locally getting in the way of external forces and uniting to make our community livable and prosperous for all of us. While 2026 has been a challenging year for many, we can create the light at the end of the tunnel for those who need reason to hope. There are many complex challenges that cannot be solved by one person or institution, but participating in the United Way campaign is my way of contributing towards making life better for everyone in our community.
-Michael Herrera, SVP, Institutional Planning & CFO