Why did you apply to become a Sponsored Employee? 

As a long-time TD employee, each year I have been inspired by the United Way Sponsored Employees who have presented during our campaign. The stories they shared have been eye–opening – and a good reminder of the real needs, right here in our community. While I have participated in payroll giving, StairClimb, raffles and bake sales, I wanted to help make an even bigger impact this year and inspire colleagues to get involved as well!

What new skills or insight have you gained through this experience?

The Sponsored Employee role has given me the opportunity to improve my leadership skills, time management and public speaking, and has educated me on aspects of event planning. I know I will be able to use many of these skills when I return to my current role at TD and for future roles with my employer. It is hard to put into words just how valuable the Sponsored Employee experience truly is!

Why should people give to United Way? 

United Way ensures that funds are provided to those who need them most in our local communities, through 39 vital agencies. These agencies often do not have the capacity to raise funds on their own and that is where United Way comes in. By supporting United Way now, you are helping to ensure that these services will be available if yourself or a loved one ever needs them. 

Why did you become a sponsored employee? 

I became a sponsored employee to try and make a difference in my community and help those in need. Also for the experience and meeting new people and having some fun! 

Is there a specific experience that has made a lasting impact during your time here? 

A moment that really stuck with me was when we met Brian Elliot, the Executive Director of The Inn in St. Thomas. Seeing the great things that they do for people in the community and hearing about their successes really moved me. 

Why did you choose to become a sponsored employee?

I have connected with the United Way in one way or another everywhere I’ve lived. I made my first United Way donation in Pittsburgh. I volunteered at the United Way in Raleigh, North Carolina. As YWCA Development Director, I spoke during several United Way campaigns about the needs of the women and children we served. Over the years, I coordinated statewide and provincewide advocacy projects where the United Way was at the table representing dozens of frontline agencies and professionals working directly with people in need. Being a sponsored employee is the next step of commitment for me, and I’m grateful and proud to represent the City of London on the 2024 United Way Community Campaign. 

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about United Way? 

It would be great if more people were aware of how many different services are supported by United Way.   I have learned about programs that I didn’t even know existed! 

Why should people give to United Way?

There is a growing need right here in our own backyard. Many people will need the support of a United Way funded service at some point in their life, and supporting United way makes this possible.

What’s your personal connection to United Way? 

As part of my Sponsored Employee onboarding, I had the opportunity to visit organizations that United Way supports. Through this experience I’ve seen the transformative power it has on individuals and communities. Whether it’s through childhood education, poverty reduction, or supporting local organizations, United Way brings positive change to areas that need it most. Being part of this movement means I get to contribute to causes that directly impact the well-being of my neighbours. 

What have you gained from this experience?  

I’ve learned that our community is filled with individuals who want to help one another. There are so many organizations doing incredible work, often behind the scenes, to uplift those in need. It’s inspiring to see how much can be achieved when people come together to address common challenges. 

What’s your personal connection to United Way?

When I first moved to Canada in 2004, I had a chance to do an internship with United Way. It was such a great learning experience that I wanted come back: to learn, to grow, to make this a better world. 

What have you learned about our community? 

I’ve come to understand how many different circumstances can lead someone to becoming homeless, and how easily that can happen. I’ve also come to see how many caring and thoughtful people we have in our community.

Why did you apply to become a Sponsored Employee?

To me it was an instant call to serve and inspire others to do the same. Serving others has always been my passion. I like to feel involved with the community and I love it when I can help others feel the same way.

 What’s one thing you wish more people knew about United Way? 

I wish people could really see what United Way does and how meaningful the contributions made by each and every donor are. Little acts of solidarity can change people’s lives in ways we can never imagine. The support United Way provides to so many agencies is fundamental and fills many people’s hearts with hope.

What have you learned about our community?

I learned that there are more people in need than we usually care to think about. Most of the time we stand apart from the harsh reality that many people in our society face. It is only when we take the time to confront that reality that we can truly understand what it means to be excluded or voiceless. 

 This reality can (and must) be changed! We are all one big community that can grow together. However, that only happens when we stand together: United. 

Can you share a specific moment or experience that has made a lasting impact during your time here?

When touring The Inn emergency shelter in St. Thomas, we were shown the men’s bunk area. A room filled with bunk beds. And on each single mattress, was someone’s whole world, all their possessions. It was hard to wrap my head around that, but it gave me greater insight into the lives of those living rough or homeless.

What new skills or insight have you gained through this experience?

Before becoming a sponsored employee, you would never see me speaking in front of a group, or even raising my hand first. But this experience has helped me find my voice, and realize that not only can I speak up for myself, but I can speak up for those who aren’t heard. 

Why did you apply to become a Sponsored Employee? 

I saw this as an opportunity to gain new skills, hone some existing ones and get a greater insight into our community but never did I think it would have such an impact on who I am. I truly feel as though I see the world differently, with more openness and compassion.