When our communities thrive, so does Your Neighbourhood.

Take a look at YNCU in your community!

Good Neighbours

Good Neighbours Employee Volunteer Program

Giving back is a shared value between Members and Staff alike. YNCU employees not only strive to put Members first, they also put their neighbourhoods first with personal contributions that enrich their communities. Since the launch of the Good Neighbours Employee Volunteer Program in 2019, over 7,600 hours of Staff Members’ personal time was invested back into local causes they’re passionate about. In honour of their volunteerism, Staff designated over $90,000 of YNCU community investment dollars back into local organizations across our service areas.

Do you know a charity in need of volunteers? Complete this form, and we’ll match you with a Good Neighbour!

Good Neighbour Fund

In 2025, YNCU’s Giving Tuesday campaign invited members and community members to nominate a charity close to their hearts. With more than 150 nominations received, we were inspired by the generosity and care shown across our regions. Through YNCU’s Good Neighbours Fund, six charities from across our footprint were selected as Giving Tuesday recipients, each receiving a $5,000 donation.

Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins

Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins works to reduce food insecurity and promote healthy eating in the Timmins region. They run community-based programs such as community gardens, food skills workshops, and youth food education initiatives. Their goal is to empower residents to grow, cook, and access nutritious food while fostering a stronger, more sustainable local food system.

To learn more, click here 

Alzheimer Society Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District

The Alzheimer Society Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District provides support, education, and advocacy for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as well as their families and caregivers. Their programs focus on improving quality of life, promoting awareness, and advancing dementia-friendly communities across the Algoma region.

Click here to learn more.

CMHA Waterloo Wellington

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Waterloo Wellington provides mental health, addictions, and crisis support services for people of all ages across the region. Their mission is to improve mental wellness and quality of life through accessible programs, community education, and compassionate care. CMHA Waterloo Wellington also advocates for better mental health awareness and equitable access to support within the community.

To learn more, click here

Toronto Fire Fighters Toy Drive

The Toronto Fire Fighters Toy Drive is a registered, volunteer-run charity based in Toronto. They partner with community groups and corporations to collect new, unwrapped toys (and sometimes gift kits) that are distributed to pre-screened families and children in need during the holiday season.

Click here to learn more.

Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST)

WEST is a non-profit organization that empowers women in Windsor-Essex through employment, training, and newcomer support programs. They provide skills development, language training, and job readiness services to help women overcome barriers and achieve economic independence.

To learn more, click here 

Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU)

Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) supports youth in London and Middlesex County who face barriers to employment, housing, and stability. They provide a range of services, including employment and skills training, housing and shelter supports, youth centres, and life skills programs. YOU’s goal is to help young people build independence, confidence, and long-term success through wraparound support and community-based programs.

Click here to learn more.

Community Contributions

Over the course of 2024, YNCU presented a series of donations to support local causes that align with our community values and giving themes.

LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES
INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES IN NEED
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS

As part of our 2024 commitment to invest profits back into our communities, YNCU made donations to select organizations to help them continue offering programs and services to vulnerable groups in our communities.

Coldest Night of the Year – Blue Sea Foundation

The Coldest Night of the Year is a family-friendly 2 or 5 km fundraising walk in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.

Each February, tens of thousands of Canadians step outside the warmth and comfort of home to shine a light of welcome and compassion in their communities. Since 2011, the Coldest Night of the Year has raised over $75,000,000 across Canada in 190 Canadian communities – 100% of net proceeds stay local to support our CNOY charity partners.

https://cnoy.org

Waterloo Regional Food Bank

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region plays a pivotal role in the Community Food Assistance Network, a collaborative effort involving over 120 community programs and agency partners. Together, they provide crucial support in the way of meals, shelter, nutrition outreach, counseling, and connections to various support services. A significant portion, 59%, of the food managed and distributed within the network is fresh or frozen, thanks to the fleet of refrigerated trucks and well-equipped storage facilities. Additionally, the Food Bank of Waterloo serves as a trusted source for information on hunger and food insecurity in the Waterloo region. Together, through food and fund drives, YNCU contributed to providing over 1.7 million meals to individuals and families in need in 2024.

https://www.thefoodbank.ca/

KidsAbility Foundation

KidsAbility supports nearly 14,000 children and youth each year through a blend of virtual and in-person services, helping them achieve their communication, social, physical, and behavioral goals in various settings. They provide holistic, family-centered care from birth to age 21, addressing concerns about whether a formal diagnosis exists or not. The mission is to deliver timely and exceptional services, funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, purchase-service options, and community generosity. Donations are crucial in supporting life-changing therapy, innovative programs, and cutting-edge technology to enable children to reach milestones sooner and fully engage in the community. KidsAbility is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. Together we can build brighter futures for children, youth, and families.

https://www.kidsability.ca/

Anishnabeg Outreach, Kitchener

Anishnabeg Outreach provides Indigenous people with access to culturally appropriate services and strives to support individuals with direction and assistance to overcome barriers. They encourage individual exploration of avenues that will lead to self-sufficiency and success. From the healing activities they provide to the programs and workshops, YNCU is proud to be supporting their initiatives.

https://aocan.org

OK2BEME

OK2BME is a set of supportive services for Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) and questioning kids, teens, adults, and their families in Waterloo Region.

The OK2BME program consists of three unique areas including confidential counselling services (in person or online), OK2BME Youth Groups for individuals 12-18, as well as public education, consulting and training around 2SLGBTQIA+ issues.

https://ok2bme.ca/

Lansdowne Children’s Centre

Lansdowne Children’s Centre is one of Ontario’s 21 Children’s Treatment Centres [CTCs] and a member of Empowered Kids Ontario (EKO). Lansdowne provides services and supports for over 3,000 children and youth and their families, annually.

Lansdowne provides child development resources as well as supports and services for communication, developmental, and physical needs. Their service region includes Brantford, Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk counties, and the Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Lansdowne currently operates sites in Brantford, Caledonia, Dunnville, and Simcoe.

https://www.lansdownecentre.ca/

Police Pal Program

The London Police Pal Program began on May 30th, 1990 as a way to help young children cope with physical and emotional trauma. This community initiative provides a plush German Shepherd toy dog to young children who may have experienced or be experiencing physical and emotional trauma. The dog acts as a way to distract and provide comfort to a child while a Police Officer is responding to a call.

Read more about how YNCU and the Police Pals are comforting children in a time of crisis

Scholarships & Awards

We understand that achieving your educational goals often comes with financial challenges. We’re proud to support post-secondary students who share our community values by offering scholarships and bursaries in partnership with the Ontario Credit Union Foundation, Sault College, and the University of Waterloo.