United Way Oxford’s 12 Days of Giving underway

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

United Way Oxford’s annual 12 Days of Giving event has returned.

The event, which started on Dec. 1 and runs until Dec. 12, encourages community members to show their Local Love by sharing twelve ways to give back to Oxford County and directly support those in need.

“Each day has its own activity so people can mix and match how they want to support the community over the twelve days,” said Resource Development Manager Amanda Kreiger. “We hope that this can serve as a reminder that even the smallest actions can have a big impact.”

Activities range from dropping off toys to Operation Sharing’s The Christmas Place or 104.7 Heart FM’s Stuff the Bus, watching United Way Oxford’s Community United Conversation Series to learn about the needs and services in the community, to donating to United Way Oxford.

This is the fifth version of the event that has always offered a dozen different ways for people to get involved. Kreiger said donations change yearly based on the community needs.

“This year, we are collecting monetary donations to support the student nutrition program, housing support to help with people facing eviction, caregiver support for individuals whose partners have been diagnosed with early onset dementia, and free in school tutoring for youth in 19 schools across Oxford County.”

All donations go into the Community Initiative Fund, which will be invested into a funding cycle beginning in April of 2026. The United Way’s funding agreements with its partners that run from April 1 to March 31 each year.

Kreiger explained more people are struggling to make ends meet, which also takes a tole on their general mental health, physical health, and wellbeing.

“The interesting and hopeful thing about our funding application from last year to this year is that that last year we had no collaborative applications and the average dollar request was higher. However, this year we have five collaborative applications representing 35-plus organizations for very targeted work.”

She added the average request per application is much lower.

“By working more collaboratively on these issues, organizations can be more efficient with the resources they are requesting. The types of needs haven’t really changed - youth, older adults, intimate partner violence, food insecurity, belonging - but the applicants have taken a much more collaborative approach to try to get ahead of some of these issues in our community.”

Over that last two years, the United Way has had requests to fund programs providing employment supports and financial literacy.

“We have seen more of that in the last two years,” said Kreiger.

The organization also wanted to remind county residents about 211, a free, confidential information and helpline service for anyone looking for community and social resources close to home. From basic needs like housing and food to support for seniors and children to responding in crisis situations, a call to 211 is available to support those in need. It also offers innovative solutions to community challenges and partners with governments to improve access to supports.

“The holidays are a really hard time for many people in our community, both with the financial strain of trying to purchase gifts, food, etc. and with the isolation and loneliness that comes at this time of the year for people,” said Kreiger.

For those still looking for gift ideas, the 12 Days of Giving also offers the Give the Gift of Hope option, allowing a donation to be made on behalf of someone.

For more information, including a full list of activities, visit https://unitedwayoxford.ca/12daysofgiving/ or follow along on Instagram and Facebook @unitedwayoxford.