March of 1,000 Umbrellas kicks off major fundraising campaign in Waterloo Region

Why were hundreds of people marching through the streets of Kitchener and Waterloo with colourful umbrellas?

Despite clear skies, people in Waterloo and Kitchener may have noticed a large group of people carrying colourful umbrellas through the streets.

The United Way of Waterloo Region Communities kicked off their 2025 campaign Thursday with the eighth edition of the March of 1,000 Umbrellas.

“When we started doing this, we did it because we amalgamated Cambridge-North Dumfries with Kitchener, Waterloo and region,” Joan Fisk, the organization’s chief executive officer, explained at the event. “We serve seven communities, and it is really that – communities. That’s why the word is in our name and Waterloo Region is, in fact, our umbrella.”

Participants gathered in Waterloo and marched down King Street.

“This year we’ve got 550 people registered, and we walk from Waterloo City Hall to Kitchener City Hall, which really encompasses the region, and it really talks about inclusiveness in the region and getting together,” Fisk said.

But why carry umbrellas? Organizers said it is a reference to the United Way’s logo.

This year’s campaign goal has been set high as more people throughout the region reach out for support.

“This year our aspiration is to raise $7 million. It’s very ambitious because it’s a tough time,” Fisk said. “It’s a little bit from a lot of people. It really is not about massive amounts of money. It’s $25, it’s $10. It’s a little bit. Or it’s volunteering, because that’s part of the treasure that you give to your community.”