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SDG 1 Reports
End poverty in all its forms everywhere
Research
Workplace Savings as Financial Stress Solution
The Financial Wellness Lab at Western University, in partnership with the National Payroll Institute and CI Wealth, has released a groundbreaking whitepaper and launched a pilot study investigating the impact of employer-sponsored emergency savings accounts. Recognizing that personal financial stress costs Canadian employers nearly $70 billion annually in lost productivity, the Lab’s research explores how integrating automatic, payroll-delivered "rainy day" funds can build immediate financial resilience for working Canadians. By leveraging behavioral finance insights to design scalable savings models, this initiative provides policymakers and businesses with a data-driven blueprint to combat systemic financial fragility and reduce the risk of low-income households falling into deep poverty.
Addressing Homelessness Among Women Veterans
Professor Cheryl Forchuk is leading a four-year, federally funded national study investigating housing insecurity among women veterans. By interviewing over 100 participants across Canada, the team is uncovering critical systemic gaps, such as lack of awareness regarding veteran benefits, to inform policy and design gender-specific housing programs to support and protect vulnerable Canadian veterans.
Explore more SDG 1 related research
Teaching
Ivey’s 39 Country Initiative
Managed by the Ivey Business School, the 39 Country Initiative provides professors in 47 of the world’s least developed countries (where per capita GDP is under $2,000 USD) with free access to over 10,000 business cases and teaching materials. More than 3,200 international faculty members utilize the program, which also runs specialized workshops to equip educators in developing economies with advanced teaching skills. In partnership with the Academy of International Business, the initiative further coordinates the global shipment of textbooks and academic resources directly to universities across Africa and Asia, fostering educational equity and building capacity to help combat systemic global poverty.
Anti-Poverty Education Coursework
The Master of Professional Education program's Anti-Poverty Education course examines how economic disparities and social class profoundly shape academic achievement and educational access. Designed to build a deep understanding of class privilege and its direct influence on classroom dynamics, the curriculum balances theoretical frameworks with community-minded practice. Throughout the term, students connect with organizations dedicated to supporting economically disadvantaged populations and explore strategic partnerships with local initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation. This collaborative approach prepares educators to actively address socioeconomic barriers and foster more equitable outcomes in their communities.
Outreach
Western United Way Campaign
Western's United Way campaign aims to strengthen communities through donations and volunteerism. In its 2025-26 campaign, Western raised $515,669 for United Way Elgin Middlesex (UWEM), delivering the largest university fundraising effort in the country and one of the region's most significant employee gifts from a single organization. Western's contribution accounts for 10 per cent of the funds raised through the annual UWEM campaign. Funds raised help strengthen programs delivered through 33 social service agencies that fill vital community needs, from providing food and basic necessities to employment support to programs for children.
Purple Hands
Purple Hands is a homeless advocacy organization run by students at Western University. They organize annual events such as Purple Hands Winter Outreach, World Homeless Action Day, and Halloween For Hunger to support the homeless by distributing essential items and collecting food for donation to food banks.
UNICEF Western
As an official branch of UNICEF Canada, UNICEF at Western raises awareness of global issues affecting children, including poverty, inequality, and access to education. Through events, outreach, and educational campaigns, the club empowers students to take action and support the well-being of children worldwide.
Operations
Western University Financial Aid Overview 2024-25
Learn more: Western University Financial Aid Overview 2025-26
Local Startup Assistance
Western supports local entrepreneurship through funding, mentorship, and training for students and community members. Programs like the Western Accelerator and Morrissette Institute promote business ideas that prioritize social impact, responsible consumption, and climate action. Dedicated spaces like the Ronald D. Schmeichel Building and events such as Western Angels’ Demo Day connect entrepreneurs with investors, industry leaders, and the tools needed to scale their ventures.
Bursaries and Work Study
Western has multiple bursaries and funding opportunities:
- The Bursary Program supports students from low-income families by helping them overcome financial challenges like tuition, housing, and textbooks.
- Student Financial Advising Services provide students with personalized support for financial planning, budgeting, and accessing financial assistance resources throughout their academic journey.
- The Work Study program offers eligible students flexible part-time employment opportunities on campus, providing valuable professional experience while helping support their financial needs throughout their studies.
End poverty in all its forms everywhere
Research
Centre for Research on Health Equity and Social Inclusion
The Centre for Research on Health Equity and Social Inclusion is leading the evaluation of London’s Health & Homelessness Whole of Community System Response, a cross-sector initiative addressing chronic homelessness through integrated health and housing supports. The Centre's research focuses on outcomes for unhoused individuals, the well-being of frontline workers, systemic processes, and the effectiveness of community collaboration. This work informs policy and practice, contributing to sustainable solutions for homelessness in London.
London Poverty Research Centre
Teaching
Ivey’s 39 Country Initiative
Housed in the International Business Institute, the 39 Country Initiative now supports faculty in 46 of the world’s least developed countries by providing free access to Ivey Publishing’s full catalogue of over 7,300 business cases, exercises, and technical notes. Over 2,000 professors have registered to use these resources, significantly enhancing the reach of high-quality management education.
This initiative also tracks the global distribution of physical books through an interactive map of shipments and collection points.
Anti-Poverty Education Course
The Master of Professional Education program offers an Anti-Poverty Education Course that delves into the significant impact of poverty on educational access and academic achievement. It addresses broader themes of social class and economic disparities, providing a framework to understand class privilege and its effects on teaching and learning. Students engage with organizations that assist economically disadvantaged groups and explore partnerships with community initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty.
Financial Literacy Workshop Series
Money Talks @ Western U program delivers free workshops on financial literacy aimed at empowering students with essential money management skills. These workshops cover crucial areas like budgeting, banking, credit usage, and planning for educational expenses and life after graduation. The program seeks to instill responsible financial behaviours that prevent economic hardship and stress, providing students with the tools to navigate their financial future. The importance of financial literacy is especially highlighted by the inclusion of this program on the Western co-curricular record.
Outreach
Western United Way Campaign
Western’s United Way campaign aims to strengthen communities through donations and volunteerism. In 2024, it raised over $572,000 for United Way Elgin Middlesex, becoming one of the largest university campaigns nationally and the top contributor in the region.
Purple Hands
Purple Hands is a homeless advocacy organization run by students at Western University. They organize annual events such as Purple Hands Winter Outreach, World Homeless Action Day, and Halloween For Hunger to support the homeless by distributing essential items and collecting food for donation to food banks.
UNICEF Western
As an official branch of UNICEF Canada, UNICEF at Western raises awareness of global issues affecting children, including poverty, inequality, and access to education. Through events, outreach, and educational campaigns, the club empowers students to take action and support the well-being of children worldwide.
Operations
Western University Financial Aid Overview 2024-25
Learn more: Western University Financial Aid Overview 2024-25
Local Startup Assistance
Western supports local entrepreneurship through funding, mentorship, and training for students and community members. Programs like the Western Accelerator and Morrissette Institute promote business ideas that prioritize social impact, responsible consumption, and climate action. Dedicated spaces like the Ronald D. Schmeichel Building and events such as Western Angels’ Demo Day connect entrepreneurs with investors, industry leaders, and the tools needed to scale their ventures.
Bursaries and Work Study
Western has multiple bursaries and funding opportunities:
- The Bursary Program supports students from low-income families by helping them overcome financial and food insecurity for academic success. It covers expenses like tuition, housing, and textbooks.
- The Work Study program provides part-time on-campus jobs that equip students with valuable work experience and training, supporting both their studies and university staff.
- Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) offers financial aid through grants and loans to college and university students.
