Building Holiday Hope: Ontario’s construction industry steps up for families at Christmas

Ontario Construction News staff writer

With a greater number of families across Ontario feeling the pinch of increased financial pressures and uncertainty, construction companies, labour organizations, and industry associations have risen to the occasion, turning their expertise in building communities into support for those in need.

Ontario Construction News congratulates the organizations that stepped up this Christmas season, demonstrating that the sector’s commitment extends far beyond infrastructure and housing. Through food drives, fundraising events, donations, and volunteer efforts, these groups helped provide meals, shelter, comfort and joy to families facing difficult times during the winter months.

As 2025 draws to a close, the industry’s collective generosity reminds us that building strong communities is about more than bricks and mortar, but also about people.

“Across Ontario, we’ve seen construction companies, labour organizations, and associations step up quietly and consistently to support families and frontline charities during the holiday season,” said Chase, publisher of Ontario Construction News. “These efforts reflect the strength of the construction community and its commitment to giving back to the communities where its members live and work. We’re proud to highlight that generosity as the year comes to a close.”

Here are just a few examples of the great work being done across Ontario:

Sault Ste. Marie: United Steelworkers Union (USW)

• The Steelworkers Humanity Fund continued its longstanding tradition of holiday giving, contributing $300,000 to 131 food banks and community organizations across Canada, including the Soup Kitchen and St. Vincent Place in Sault Ste. Marie. USW locals in the Sault region also made significant contributions of their own. Financial support and essential goods were provided to agencies including ARCH, Children’s Aid Society of Algoma, Christmas Cheer, Making a Difference, Pauline’s Place, the Santa Fund, Salvation Army, Sault Area Hospital, Soup Kitchen, St. Vincent Place, and Women in Crisis.
• Over 2025, USW locals donated $236,409 to 91 charities and organizations in Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding Northern Ontario communities.

Hamilton-Halton Construction Association (HHCA)

• The HHCA hosted one of the region’s largest industry fundraisers with its annual Christmas Luncheon at LIUNA Station. Funds raised benefited Habitat for Humanity Hamilton, supporting the construction of affordable housing. Reimar Forming & Construction sponsored the event’s wine, while numerous local firms contributed non-perishable food to the Hamilton Food Share drive.

Barrie & District Christmas Cheer

• Construction companies form the backbone of Barrie’s “Christmas Cheer” campaign, providing food and toys to more than 1,900 families. Major “Gold” and “Silver” sponsors include Pearson Engineering Ltd., R&F Construction Inc., Tatham Engineering, and Todd’s Concrete Forming.

Ottawa: Construction Community Cares

The Ottawa Construction Association (OCA) and the National Capital Heavy Construction Association (NCHCA) hosted their annual parade of decorated heavy equipment for the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice. This event raised more than $50,000 for pediatric palliative care. In addition, the OCA’s Christmas Gala featured member firms sponsoring gift boxes and cash donations.

London & District Construction Association (LDCA)

• The LDCA turned its holiday lunch into a “Business Cares Food Drive,” donating $100 in the name of the winner of their Festive Hat contest and collecting truckloads of contributions from construction offices for the London Food Bank.

Ontario Construction News congratulates all who contributed this holiday season and celebrates the difference they’ve made in the lives of families across the province.