The United Way Spirit Awards is an annual celebration recognizing the individuals, workplaces, and community partners whose generosity and leadership make a lasting difference across Waterloo Region. The spirit of giving comes alive as we gather to honour those who support United Way’s mission and drive meaningful change—bringing us together for an inspiring evening of recognition, connection, and community pride in true UNITED spirit.
2026
5:00 PM: Cocktail Hour | 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Dinner & Awards Ceremony
74 Grand Ave S, Cambridge, ON N1S 2L9
Individual Ticket – $125 | Table of 8 – $1,000 (Available until March 30)
The Spirit of Community Award honours an individual, group, or organization that personifies exceptional community spirit, teamwork, and generosity through their significant partnership with United Way, thereby deepening our community-building partnerships.
Erin Moraghan
Kristen Deckert
Alicia Cunningham & Jennifer Nenadovich
Enbridge Gas
Women United Committee
Olivia Kalbfleisch
The Community Impact Award is presented to a funded partner who, through their collaborative efforts with United Way, demonstrates outstanding leadership and dedication while continuing to drive change and impact in the community.
Cambridge Food Bank Child Witness Centre
Immigration Partnership
oneROOF Youth Services
Rhythm & Blues Cambridge
Social Development Centre
The Volunteer of the Year Award celebrates the incredible individuals and groups whose selfless dedication and outstanding volunteer service make a real difference in our community. These are the people who go above and beyond every day, inspiring us all with their generosity, commitment, and heart.
John Jorgensen
Stephanie Scandrett
Elena DiBattista
Clarion Medical Technologies
David Farhood
The Outstanding Workplace Campaign Award (Small – Mid-Size) recognizes the Employee Campaign Manager and workplace that have demonstrated exceptional dedication in engaging and informing employees, while also increasing donations in a smaller workplace setting, defined as having 200 or less local employees.
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev)
Gowling WLG
EY
Wawanesa
Gorbel Canada
The Outstanding Workplace Campaign Award (Large) recognizes the Employee Campaign Manager and workplace that have demonstrated exceptional dedication in engaging and informing employees, while also increasing donations in a large workplace setting, defined as having 200 or more local employees.
Equitable
TD
Scotiabnk
TMMC
Reliance Home Comfort
The Ken Seiling Community Leaders Award recognizes exemplary public leaders who, through extraordinary contributions and outstanding commitment, has driven the spirit of community through personal involvement in community and with United Way Waterloo Region Communities.
The Spirit Awards is our annual Spring Celebration, where we close out the campaign season by honouring outstanding community members, workplaces, and individuals for their remarkable support.
This dinner and awards ceremony brings together local champions who drive meaningful change, offering an inspiring evening of recognition, connection, and community pride.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Hendrickson,
Sponsorship & Events Lead
lhendrickson@uwaywrc.ca| 519-888-6100 ext 216
