3M Harvest Lunch and Campaign Launch Exceeds Expectations

This year’s Community Campaign got off to a rousing start with bustling events in St. Thomas and London 

Hundreds of people enjoyed good food, good music, and beautiful fall weather, all while helping neighbours in need as United Way’s 2024 Community Campaign Launch began with 3M Harvest Lunches in London and St. Thomas. Over 3,000 neighbour in needs meals are going back into the community because of your support -thank you!

Both events were held in new locations. Guests in St. Thomas enjoyed the historic ambience of the Elgin Count Railway Museum while Londoners enjoyed the brisk open air outside Covent Garden Market. Local musicians Genevieve Fisher and Lucy Morgan provided a beautiful soundtrack for the gatherings.  

In London, United Way Elgin Middlesex President and CEO Kelly Ziegner remarked “This event feels like such a fall tradition – just like going back to school. I’m so happy to see so many of our friends and partners come out to be together, to show their support, and to help United Way make sure everyone in our community gets a fair shot at a good life.” 

This year marked 3M’s twentieth anniversary as title sponsor of the Harvest Lunch. Marie-Claude Brandys, Managing Director of 3M Canada, said “We have been proud to sponsor the 3M Harvest Lunch and United Way 2024 Community Campaign Launch for two decades now. Every year we have a long list of 3M volunteers who all want to be part of this day. It’s wonderful to see so many people here to help United Way reduce poverty and to build a better community for everyone.” 

Attendees at the event (and those unable to join in person) contributed to the “neighbour in need” proceeds from the events, which will be used to provide meals through United Way-funded agencies the London Food Coalition and St. Thomas Elgin Second Stage Housing. Both agencies were on hand to say thanks.  

Mickie Keefer, Executive Director of St Thomas Elgin Second Stage Housing (STESSH) told the crowd in St. Thomas that United Way funding for STESSH programs has meant over 1,000 children have been supported. “With the support of United Way, we are able to offer each of the children in our residence the support necessary to help them transition from a life full of fear, insecurity and hopelessness to a life full of confidence safety and dreams.” 

In London, Tosha Densky of the London Food Coalition shared that their agency has now diverted over a million pounds of fresh food from being wasted via their network of 25 community food distribution points. “I want to thank the United Way not just for funding, but for fostering a spirit of collaboration that inspires us to contribute—whether it’s food, time, or financial resources. Together, we are sharing the responsibility, and together, we are building a food prosperous future.” 

Kristen Korhonen, the Chair of this year’s Community Campaign, reminded everyone that funds from the campaign are what enables United Way Elgin Middlesex to invest over four million dollars every year through 39 funded agencies. “Just like everyone needs help sometimes, everyone has the capacity to give help sometimes. And that’s where we need you. My challenge to you, as Chair of this year’s Campaign, is to find your own way to help. Really, when it comes to giving, it’s okay to start small, the key is just to start!” 

This year’s campaign received a great start thanks to long-time supporters from the London building trade – a $294,000 donation raised through their annual golf tournament. Carlo Mastrogiuseppe, Business Manager at LiUNA Local 1059 said, “Our members work hard to build and maintain the infrastructure we need to thrive, but it’s not a job we can do alone. As our partnership with United Way Elgin Middlesex approaches its 25th year, I’d like to thank them for their important contributions to the places we live and work, and reaffirm our shared commitment to build strong, healthy, and vibrant communities across the region.”

See all photos from each event our Facebook page!

Attention: The Winner of our 50/50 draw has not yet claimed their prize!  Please check your number here.