Eastern Ontario communities raise $138,010 for local youth through United Way’s Move for Youth challenge

At the beginning of May, residents of the Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark County, Renfrew County, and Outaouais regions participated in Move for Youth, helping raise $138,010 for local United Way youth programs and services.

Move for Youth is a free two-week activity challenge that was created in 2020 to bring community members together to support local youth, details a United Way of East Ontario press release, issued on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

Participants tracked their steps and fundraised to support youth homework clubs, mental health services, and more at local United Ways.

From Friday, May 1 to Friday, May 15, 2026, residents of the aforementioned Eastern Ontario region collectively took over 30 millions steps as part of the Move for Youth challenge. The funds raised this year takes the challenge’s six-year fundraising total to more than $611,000.

According to the release, local youth are struggling in school and struggling with mental health issues. In addition, parents are finding it increasing difficult to afford after-school programs.

1,200 to 1,400 young people experience homelessness in Ottawa each year. The awareness and funds raised through Move for Youth help to create opportunities for local youth, putting them on the path to success in school and in life. 

“Organizations that families depend on are struggling, and at the same time, demand for these programs, events, and services continues to grow,” said Trisha Islam, Director, All That Kids Can Be, United Way East Ontario.

“At United Way, we invest in our communities so that these important programs stay in our communities. We believe that every child and youth should have a safe space to grow up.” 

For more information about Move for Youth and to register for next year’s challenge, visit the Move for Youth website.