The organization often uses the United Way and Centraide names together, recognizing the bilingual nature of the country's culture and people.[1] The Mission of United Way of Canada is: "To improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action.The national organization convenes local United Ways and Centraides on a biennial basis at its annual conference, for the purposes of professional development training, the sharing of best practices and learning from leading thinkers.[4] Other collectives were initiated in other parts of the country over time, under a variety of names – including Red Feather (or Plume Rouge in French), Community Chest, Fédération des oeuvres de charité and the United Appeal.[1][4] During the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, the federal government distributed money through United Ways to help people at risk.
A broadside published in the 1930s by the Federation for Community Service in Toronto, showing how donations are distributed to member agencies
