News

Demonstrations of our work and commitment can be found in the pages of United Way Maritimes’ 2025–26 Annual Report, which highlights the collective impact made possible by donors, volunteers, partners, funded organizations, and communities across mainland Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Central and Southwestern New Brunswick. The annual report was released following the organization’s annual general meeting on September 9, 2026.

"This year’s annual report tells a story that goes well beyond numbers," said Sara Napier, President and CEO of United Way Maritimes. "I’m thrilled about our results and the impact we’ve had in Maritime communities. The stories and testimonials from people whose lives have been changed by our own programs, or by programs we’ve funded, show what happens when donors, partners, volunteers, our team, and communities come together around a shared purpose. Those stories drive us to do even more for Maritimers, and our five-year strategic plan sets a clear path for how we’ll continue to address the root causes of poverty and create stronger, more hopeful communities across the Maritimes."

Highlights from the 2025-26 Annual Report:

• $10.4M invested in communities across the Maritimes.
• $5.2M invested in programs managed and delivered directly by United Way Maritimes such as 211 PEI, the Executive Director Academy, and the Housing communities we own and operate.
• $4.5M invested in 148 agencies delivering critical community programs.

These numbers mean that over 345,000 people were served through program and operational funding, more than 95 people were housed, 110 programs or agencies were funded in rural communities, and much more. The stories shared in our annual report are first-hand evidence of the impact of this work – fresh starts, a place to call home with the supports necessary for success, safety and comfort during difficult or unsafe living circumstances, and somewhere to turn when you don’t know where to go for help. These stories and more can be found in the full 2025–26 Annual Report on their website.

Board of Directors Changes

United Way Maritimes also announced changes to its Board of Directors during the Annual General Meeting. Both Emmanuel Itiveh, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Zino Consulting, and Grace Jefferies, Vice-President of People & Culture with Dalhousie University, were appointed for three-year terms.  Suzanne Fougere, President & CEO, Events East, and Chad Heron, CEO of Cows, retired from the Board of Directors and were acknowledged for their leadership, service, and commitment to communities across the region.

United Way Maritimes also confirmed its Officer and Committee Chair roles for the year.  

• Cynthia Goodwin will assume the role of Board Chair
• Derek O’Brien will assume the role of Past Chair
• Andrew MacDonald will assume the role of Vice Chair and remain Chair, Risk & Innovation Committee  
• Claude Francoeur will continue as Treasurer & Chair, Finance Committee
• Laura Godsoe will continue as Chair, Governance Committee
• Melissa Thompson will continue as Chair, Community Impact Committee  
• Michelle Clare will assume the Chair role of the organization’s new Housing Committee  

"This is an exciting time to take on the role of Board Chair," said Cynthia Goodwin. "United Way Maritimes has a strong foundation, a bold vision for the future, and an incredibly committed network of donors, volunteers, partners, and community champions supporting its work. I’m grateful for the leadership that has brought us to this point, and I look forward to working with my fellow Board members, the United Way Maritimes team, and partners across the region as we continue turning that ambition into meaningful action – and impact – for our Maritime communities."

The complete list of 2026–27 United Way Maritimes Board of Directors can be found on their website.

Looking Ahead

This year, United Way Maritimes launched an ambitious strategic plan that outlines how, over the next five years, the organization will: raise a cumulative $100M to be invested in Maritime communities; increase access to services, especially in rural areas; invest $40M in agency program and operational funding; build 500 units in complete housing communities; and cultivate nonprofit leadership through education and training programs designed to set future nonprofit leaders up for success. Full details of their strategic plan, and information on how readers can join them in creating lasting change, can be found on their website.

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About United Way Maritimes

United Way Maritimes intentionally brings people together to take bold action on poverty and build stronger, more hopeful communities across mainland Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Central and Southwestern New Brunswick. Through strategic investment, partnerships, and community leadership, United Way Maritimes works to address immediate needs while advancing long-term solutions to the root causes of poverty. For more information visit www.unitedwaymaritimes.ca.

Media contact:

Elizabeth Engram
Communications Manager
(902) 616-1919
elizabeth.engram@unitedwaymaritimes.ca