The 2025 Community Campaign was launched with energy and enthusiasm, thanks to two lively and well-attended 3M Harvest Lunch events in St. Thomas and London.
Hundreds of attendees came out to enjoy live music, great food, and friendly faces – all while showing their support for local neighbours in need.
Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, over 2000 meals will be donated to our local community through United Way-funded agencies. Thank you for making that possible!
In London, the event took place downtown again but moved indoors to Citi Plaza, a beautiful backdrop for the day. Local musician Laika Berdey added to the fun and fall vibes.
In St. Thomas, guests gathered in the beautiful Elgin County Railway Museum, a unique and historic setting. Musician Lucy Morgan, a Port Stanley-native, brought warmth and charm to the afternoon.
United Way Elgin Middlesex President and CEO Kelly Ziegner welcomed the crowd by recognizing the gatherings’ deep community-focused purpose:
“The heart of today’s event is simple but powerful – every ticket you purchased feeds you AND provides a meal for someone in need. That’s the United Way approach: when we take care of each other, everyone benefits.”
In London, Marie-Claude Brandys, Managing Director of 3M Canada, reflected on the long-standing partnership:
“Twenty-one years – that’s more than two decades of 3M standing United with this community. We’re proud of this partnership because we see the real difference it makes. At 3M, we are proud to support innovation, and that includes finding new ways to support our neighbors. When we see United Way helping over 112,000 people this year alone, we know we’re investing in the right partnership.”
Proceeds from both events will support food security through United Way-funded agencies.
Kristen Korhonen, United Way Campaign Chair, challenged everyone to get involved, and reminded the crowd of what’s possible when we work together:
“Find your way to make a difference, no matter how small it may seem. It could be participating in your workplace campaign, joining us for the Plane Pull on October 22nd, or getting out to the Ultimate Burger Battle in November – it all adds up!”
“I want us to reach our 2025 goal of raising $6.4 million dollars for our community. That’s a big number but I know we can do it.”
This year’s campaign launch got a powerful boost from the London building trades community, with a $278,022.50 donation raised through LiUNA Local 1059’s 25th annual golf tournament.
Joe Calvo, Business Representative for LiUNA Local 1059 & 2025 United Way Campaign Cabinet Member, shared his thanks during the celebration.
“Your generosity makes this possible. We’re thrilled to kick off this year’s campaign and can’t wait to see the impact these funds will have in our communities.”
With strong community spirit, dedicated partners, and your continued support, this year’s Community Campaign is already off to a promising start. Let’s keep the momentum going—together, we can make sure everyone in our community gets a fair shot at a good life.
Want to see the moments we captured? Visit our Facebook page to view photos from both events!
Topics : Harvest Lunch
