March of 1000 Umbrellas

United Way Waterloo Region Communities is excited for the return of its annual March of 1,000 Umbrellas – a 3 km walk from Waterloo City Hall in Waterloo to Carl Zehr Square in Kitchener. This march kicks off their fundraising campaign and aligns with our deeply rooted values of community, philanthropy, and connection.

Join the Waterloo Crew

This year’s march will take place on Thursday, September 19 - and you’re invited! We’ll meet up at the Waterloo sign outside of the Arts Quad for a quick picture at 10:30 a.m. We’ll then depart campus at 10:45 a.m. from the Ring Road entrance to South Campus Hall (SCH) to join all participants at Waterloo City Hall at 11:30 a.m.

When we arrive at Carl Zehr Square at Kitchener City Hall, around 12:15 p.m., we’ll enjoy some entertainment and lunch.

Bring your own University of Waterloo branded umbrella or borrow one of ours! We hope to have enough for everyone. Help us fill the route with black and gold. Dress for the weather – we're walking with our umbrellas in rain or shine.

Once the festivities conclude, you are welcome to walk back to campus, or you can take the Ion light rail. It conveniently leaves from Kitchener City Hall and stops at our Waterloo campus!

Please Register Online: March of 1000 Umbrellas UWaterloo Registration

Questions? Email united.way@uwaterloo.ca

Why the United Way matters

“The United Way plays a vital role in the support of social services here in Waterloo Region,” says CEO Joan Fisk. “We are second only to government when it comes to funding community programs like family counselling services, after-school programs, and emergency food hampers.”

There is a great need in the community for the variety of organizations the United Way funds, with many people depending upon their programs for support with mental health issues, disabilities, poverty, and unemployment. The march demonstrates that there are people in this community who care deeply about all members of society and want to see the continuation of the good work the United Way does.

Fisk continues, “our community agencies have had to do more with less throughout the pandemic and the need is continuing to grow. We work with nearly 130 agencies, who combined, support almost 60,000 people across Waterloo Region every six months. Sadly, we are only able to address about 40 per cent of the funding requests we receive.

This is why the University of Waterloo United Way Campaign is so important. Fundraising efforts from staff and retirees allow us to help address the issues that our most vulnerable community members are facing; housing and homelessness, increasing food security, and advocating for mental health. This march is a fantastic way for the campus community to show its support.”

Promoting solidarity with the United Way is just one way you can become part of a community-wide movement to improve the lives of those who matter. Join the University of Waterloo’s team by registering for the Walk of 1,000 Umbrellas on September 19. We hope to see you there.