A warm welcome to 2026!
My name is Kelly-Ann Salerno, and I am honored to serve as the new Executive Director of this incredible organization since October 2025.
Over the past few months, I've embarked on what I call my listening tour—learning, listening, and understanding. With over 35 years of experience in municipal government, I am deeply familiar with the transformative work of nonprofits and the remarkable impact grassroots organizations like Start Me Up Niagara can achieve.
Throughout my career, I have been committed to amplifying voices that often go unheard and ensuring they have a seat at the table. That passion is what brought me to SMUN—the opportunity to guide programs and supports that truly reflect the needs of our community.
As we look ahead, our vision will center on Resilience, Impact, and Sustainability. Built on a strong legacy of serving those who need it most, Start Me Up Niagara will continue to deliver essential services while engaging the community in shaping those decisions.
This is an exciting time for SMUN. We will keep doing what we do best while planning for growth in the programs where we excel. Together, we will strengthen our foundation and expand our reach—"because when we work as one, we don’t just change lives, we transform futures."
Niagara's Mobile Closet Program: A Season of Impact and Community Connection
As we reflect on the recent successes of Niagara's Mobile Closet, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible support from our volunteers, partners, and donors. This program continues to make a meaningful difference for individuals experiencing homelessness and those in need across our community. Every event tells a story of resilience, compassion, and collaboration—and we're excited to share some highlights with you.
Season Highlights: Success Stories That Inspire
- A Strong Start: Our first event of the season was a tremendous success! A huge turnout at Niagara Falls Soup Kitchen ensured that everyone left with something they needed. For many unhoused individuals, this event was a beacon of hope, and the joy was palpable.
- Braving the Cold: Even on frigid days, our volunteers showed up with energy and heart. Our Bethlehem Place event saw 73 clients, many unsheltered, receiving essential items. We partnered with Out of the Cold St. Catharines to host another cold-weather event that welcomed clients from Community Living, and the Niagara Community Foundation even joined us to capture the day in photos.
- Partnerships in Action: Collaborations and interactions with organizations such as Niagara Regional Police, Beyond the Streets, Community Housing, and John Howard to name a few, amplified our reach.
- Moments of Humanity: We helped a client who had just been evicted and lost everything—providing clothes, blankets, and hygiene products.
- Community Engagement: From BBQs hosted by SMUN Kitchen to craft stations by St. Catharines Library and interactive activities with NRP, these events were more than resource hubs—they were community gatherings.
- Youth Involvement: Thanks to the Niagara Falls Community Health Centre, two schools joined us at a small private event to support trans and gender-diverse youth, bringing excited students eager to participate. Gender-affirming gear was purchased for distribution and it made a profound impact—one mother was moved to tears by the support her son received.
- Respect and Gratitude: Despite long lines, clients remained patient and appreciative. We received countless thank-yous—and even hugs—underscoring the importance of these efforts.
Growing Programs and Partnerships
Our Mini Closet Program continues to expand, offering clients access to clothing and essentials beyond event days. This initiative ensures dignity and choice for those we serve. We will soon have 31 mini closets across Niagara, within frontline service providers.
We are proud of our loyal volunteers, many of whom have been with us for years. Their dedication is the backbone of this program, and their willingness to show up—rain, shine, or snow—speaks volumes about their commitment to our mission.
Our community partnerships remain strong. From libraries and soup kitchens to health centres and advocacy groups, these collaborations allow us to meet diverse needs. We're also actively seeking new hosts and partners to broaden our reach and impact.
The Power of Generosity
None of this would be possible without our generous donors. Time and again, when we ask, you answer. Your contributions help us meet the growing demand for essentials like clothing, hygiene products, and food. Every donation translates into tangible support for someone in need—and for that, we thank you.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, our goal is simple: to keep showing up for those who need us most. With your continued support—whether through volunteering, donating, or partnering—we can ensure that Niagara’s Mobile Project remains a lifeline for our community.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are making a difference—one event, one conversation, and one act of kindness at a time.
Mark Your Calendars for our Major Fundraiser, Coldest Night of the Year - February 28, 2026
We are inviting you to take part on Saturday, February 28 in the Coldest Night of the Year walk (CNOY). As you may know, this is a nationwide winter walk that raises awareness and funds for people in our community who are experiencing homelessness, hunger, and hurt.
Why We Do This
These challenges often overlap. "Hurt" includes emotional, mental, or physical hardship, such as trauma, isolation, grief, or crisis. "Hunger" reflects food insecurity and the lack of consistent access to nutritious meals. "Homelessness" includes anyone without safe or stable housing—whether living outdoors, in shelters, couch-surfing, or at risk of losing their home. Together, CNOY helps support Start Me Up Niagara to provide care, compassion, dignity, and hope.
New this year, the event will start and finish at the Niagara Pen Centre, offering both the traditional outdoor lived-experience 2 km and 5 km walks and an indoor 2 km route for participants with mobility needs.
We Welcome Niagara Schools!
With the support of both the District School Board and the Catholic School Board, all schools across the region are invited to participate—elementary, secondary, private, college, and university. We encourage the student in your life to gather their classmates, register a team, and help us to make a difference together.
This is a family friendly event, and everyone is welcome to participate. Register a team, support a walker, or help spread the word. Click the button or scan the QR code on the poster for more information or to register, and join us in making a meaningful impact on the coldest night of the year.
What Else Are We Up To?
We want to thank everyone that came out to our Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) Business After 5 event. We were happy to co-host the event with Jackson-Triggs, who welcomed us into their lovely winery, along with Oast House Brewery and Chz Plz. Our new Executive Director was glad to get out and meet so many GNCC members. We made exciting new connections and hope to see some new faces join us on the walk this year. Thank you, GNCC!
As always you can donate through our website https://www.startmeupniagara.ca/site/donate
We like to offer alternate ways to donate through the following https://www.startmeupniagara.ca/site/other-ways-to-donate
Thanks and we’ll be back in April with more news!