In the midst of the First World War, community service charities in Montreal started coordinating their efforts when they realized they could create greater impact by raising and distributing funds together.

They were inspired by similar work happening in the United States — the work of the United Way Centraide movement, which took shape in 1887 when community members and religious leaders decided to work together to collect funds for local charities, coordinate relief services, and make emergency grants where needed.

Soon, charities across Canada began engaging in these “community collectives.” Over the years, their efforts were known by a variety of names, including Red Feather, Community Chest, and United Appeal. In the 1970s, they came together to officially take on the name of United Way Centraide — sparking a national movement to improve lives and build strong communities.