Dakota Halfpenny, Author at United Way Elgin Middlesex

Day of Caring, June 18, 2026 - Libro at Type Diabeat-it

Day of Caring 2026: Community in Action

by Dakota Halfpenny on June 25, 2026 Comments Off

Day of Caring shows what’s possible when people come together with a shared purpose. At Libro, we believe in building vibrant and resilient communities, and we’re proud to stand alongside United Way—creating hands-on impact while helping our staff connect more deeply with the communities we serve.”
— Jason Dearing, Regional Director, Libro Credit Union

Thank you Libro Credit Union for being our Presenting Sponsor for 10 Years!

Libro Credit Union

June’s Day of Caring is complete, and the impact is already being felt across our community.

This year’s Day of Caring is a bit different. Instead of one single day of volunteer action, we are bringing people together throughout the year, creating even more opportunities for workplaces, volunteers, and agencies to connect and make a difference. The first round of Day of Caring activities has now wrapped up, with more to come in August and December.

So far, Day of Caring of 2026 has brought together 288 volunteers from 12 workplaces ready to roll up their sleeves and put local love into action. Across our region, volunteers spent the day supporting 15 community agencies through projects that help create stronger spaces and stronger communities.

This Day of Caring we built care packages with Street Level Women at Risk, planted hundreds of plants with our friends at Type Diabeat- it, cleaned a park out of garbage alongside Crouch Neighborhood Resource Centre, and so much more. Together, volunteers supported agencies with important tasks that may otherwise take weeks to complete.

1,152 volunteer hours were donated, but what stands out most is the spirit behind them. Every hour given, every project completed, and every helping hand reflects what can happen when our community comes together.

We are especially grateful to Libro Credit Union, our Presenting Sponsor, whose partnership and commitment over the past decade has helped Day of Caring continue creating opportunities for community connection and impact.

While one Day of Caring may be complete, we are just getting started.

We’re excited to continue the momentum as Day of Caring returns. Together, we will keep building stronger communities, one project, one volunteer, and one act of care at a time.

For information on getting involved in a future Day of Caring, please contact Nohora Sepulveda

Financial Stress Is Rising Across Canada

by Dakota Halfpenny on June 9, 2026 Comments Off

Here’s What It Means for Our Community.

For many people, financial stress isn’t just about balancing a budget anymore. It’s affecting sleep, mental health, relationships, and the ability to plan for the future.

New research by United Way Centraide shows that financial anxiety is growing across Ontario at an alarming rate. Today, 63% of Ontarians say that thinking about their finances makes them feel anxious, a six-point increase from last year and one of the steepest increases reported anywhere in Canada.

Behind that statistic are real people making difficult choices every day.

Families are stretching paycheques further than ever before. Seniors are navigating rising costs on fixed incomes. Young adults are struggling to afford housing. Parents are worrying about groceries, bills, and unexpected expenses.

What was once a temporary financial setback for many is becoming a long-term reality.

The Growing Impact of Financial Stress

The effects of financial hardship extend far beyond a bank account.

Nearly half of Ontarians (46%) say they could cover their basic expenses for only one month or less if they lost their primary source of income. Many report that financial concerns are affecting their sleep, their ability to concentrate at work or school, and their overall well-being.

Food insecurity is also on the rise. Across Ontario, 41% of residents report experiencing at least one sign of financial hardship, such as struggling to pay bills, cutting back on essentials, or skipping meals.

These numbers reflect a growing challenge facing communities across the province, including right here in Elgin-Middlesex.

What We’re Seeing Locally

At United Way Elgin Middlesex, we hear these stories every day through our network of community partners.

People are reaching out for help with housing, food, transportation, mental health supports, and financial stability. Many are working hard and doing everything they can, yet still finding it difficult to keep up with rising costs.

The challenges are complex, but one thing is clear: no one should have to face them alone.

That’s why United Way invests in local programs and services that help people meet immediate needs, while building a stronger foundation for the future. Here in Elgin Middlesex, one in five people accessed a United Way funded service last year.

From homelessness prevention and housing supports to financial literacy programs and community connections, these services help people navigate difficult moments and move toward greater stability.

Community Support Makes a Difference

While the survey findings paint a concerning picture, they also highlight the power of community.

More than four in ten Ontarians say support from community organizations has had a positive impact on their financial situation. Many also report that community programs help reduce financial anxiety and provide access to resources they might not otherwise find.

These results reinforce what we know to be true: when people can access the right support at the right time, it can change the course of a life.

Every day, local agencies, volunteers, donors, workplaces, and community leaders work together to ensure that help is available when it’s needed most.

Building a Stronger Community Together

At United Way Elgin Middlesex, we remain committed to investing in programs that address urgent needs, strengthen local supports, and create lasting solutions to poverty and financial instability.

Financial stress is affecting more people than ever, but communities are strongest when they respond together – United.

Read the national report

Day of Caring: Bringing Our Community Together!

by Dakota Halfpenny on April 29, 2026 Comments Off

This is more than just a day of volunteering—it’s a celebration of community spirit.”

Day of Caring brings our community together, demonstrating the true power of volunteering—and what we can accomplish when we are united in local love.

On this special day, teams of volunteers from across Elgin Middlesex will visit local agencies to pitch in and contribute to their important work. It’s a fun, purpose-driven team-building experience that creates meaningful impact—not only for the organizations being supported, but also for the volunteers, their workplaces, and the individuals and families they serve.

What’s New This Year

To better support both workplaces and community partners, we’re offering three opportunities throughout the year to get involved.

Our first Day of Caring is coming up on June 18 with additional opportunities on August 20 and December 10—giving teams greater flexibility to participate at a time that works best for them.

We are open to have more workplaces to join us — Whether it’s your first time participating or you’ve joined us before, there’s a place for you in this growing community of care.

If you’re interested in participating, please complete this application. Based on available volunteer opportunities, we will do our best to accommodate all requests.

Thank you Libro Credit Union for being our Presenting Sponsor

Libro Credit Union

Students prepare to deliver healthy snacks at EESS

School Food Programs Get a Boost

by Dakota Halfpenny on April 9, 2026 Comments Off

It’s a welcoming space and has increased options for students as well as accessibility.”

Three local organizations have enhanced their nutrition programs through support from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s School Food Infrastructure Fund. United Way Elgin Middlesex partnered with United Way East Ontario to administer the program locally, helping schools and community partners improve access to healthy food for children and families.

In Aylmer, the Corner Cupboard Food Bank upgraded East Elgin Secondary School’s “Nutrition Program Kitchen” which serves approximately 1,000 students from diverse rural communities with limited access to transportation. Prior to the grant, food storage was fragmented across four separate areas, and the kitchen lacked even a basic sink, creating significant barriers to safe and efficient meal preparation.

Today, the upgraded facility has transformed the school’s ability to provide nutritious meals and operate a take-home food pantry for students and families most in need. The new space is not only functional but welcoming, expanding both food options and accessibility. “It’s a welcoming space and has increased options for students as well as accessibility.”

Greenhouses are one of the ways Type Diabeat It is making fresh food more available to local families

Type Diabeat It used its grant to expand a 1.5-acre farm and commercial kitchen that grows and distributes culturally relevant, nutritious produce to African, Caribbean, and Black youth through the Thames Valley District School Board. The project pairs meal delivery with in-school food literacy education, addressing increased rates of food insecurity and Type 2 diabetes risk in marginalized communities.

South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre (SLNRC) completed a full refurbishment of the 40-year-old kitchen at the Westminster Centre — a community hub in a designated food desert that serves 50 children daily through a breakfast program. Located between two nearby schools, the off-site space is a welcoming, friendly environment for kids and parents alike. The renovated kitchen features a modernized layout, improved storage, and enhanced food preparation capacity.

Neighbourhood kids getting a hot breakfast in SLNRC’s new kitchen

In total, United Way Elgin Middlesex administered $138,000 in funding. Together, these investments are making a meaningful and tangible difference in the lives of some of our community’s most vulnerable children and families.

Roxanne Riddell Announced as Interim CEO

by Dakota Halfpenny on January 19, 2026 Comments Off

Her deep knowledge of United Way Elgin Middlesex, steady leadership style, and genuine care for people and community make her well-positioned to provide continuity and momentum in the months ahead.”

COLIN YAUSIE
Board Chair, United Way Elgin Middlesex

The Board of Directors of United Way Elgin Middlesex is pleased to announce that Roxanne Riddell has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective February 12, 2026, following the departure of current CEO Kelly Ziegner, announced in December 2025.

Roxanne is a trusted leader both within United Way and throughout the communities we serve. Over the years, she has served United Way Elgin Middlesex in several roles, most recently as Director of Community Impact. She served as Coordinator for the multi-year London For All project, and held multiple roles in resource development and donor engagement, always bringing a collaborative and relationship-focused approach to her work.

Roxanne’s leadership and commitment to community have been widely recognized, including being awarded an Honorary Diploma from Fanshawe College for her contributions to the not-for-profit and charitable sector.

“The Board has full confidence in Roxanne’s ability to lead the organization through this transition,” said Colin Yausie, the Board Chair for UWEM. “Her deep knowledge of United Way Elgin Middlesex, steady leadership style, and genuine care for people and community make her well-positioned to provide continuity and momentum in the months ahead.”

For information on the hiring process for our next CEO, see the job posting here.

Kelly Ziegner, attending the 2025 Harvest Lunch Event in London

Kelly Ziegner to Step Down as CEO & President

by Dakota Halfpenny on December 7, 2025 Comments Off

She has been a stalwart advocate for the most marginalized members of our community.”

COLIN YAUSIE
Board Chair, United Way Elgin Middlesex

I’m writing to share important news about a leadership transition at United Way Elgin Middlesex (UWEM).

Today, our Board of Directors announced that Kelly Ziegner, President and CEO, will be stepping down from her role effective February 11, 2026. Kelly is moving on from United Way to pursue a new opportunity as Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario.

The Board would like to express our sincere appreciation to Kelly for her leadership, dedication, and the many contributions she has made during her time with the organization.

Kelly has become a respected leader both here in our community and as part of the United Way network nationally and internationally. Her achievements at UWEM include stewarding the unification of two United Ways, co-chairing the Mayor’s Pandemic Social Impact Task Force, evolving UWEM’s funding model, and launching a new county strategy to deepen our impact throughout the entire region we serve.

After serving UWEM in multiple roles, Kelly became CEO in July 2016. Throughout this time, she has been a stalwart advocate for the most marginalized members of our community, and a champion for long-term policy solutions designed to address the root causes of poverty-related issues. While we will miss her, we are pleased that she will continue to provide leadership to a nonprofit organization in our region that shares similar values and goals to United Way’s.

For information on the hiring process for our next CEO, see the job posting here.

Colin Yausie;
Chair, Board of Directors
United Way Elgin Middlesex

United Way Elgin Middlesex kicked off our first-ever Ultimate Burger Battle - Ambassadors enjoying their first 'Ultimate Burger'

United Way’s First-Ever Ultimate Burger Battle Launches in Style!

by Dakota Halfpenny on October 31, 2025 Comments Off

United Way Elgin Middlesex kicked off our first-ever Ultimate Burger Battle kick off event - Ambassadors enjoying their first 'Ultimate Burger'

This event is about more than burgers – it’s about bringing people together to make a difference. Every bite you take this November helps someone right here in our community get the support they need.

Kelly Ziegner
President & CEO, United Way Elgin Middlesex

The grills are hot, the buns are toasted, and the competition is officially on! United Way Elgin Middlesex kicked off our first-ever Ultimate Burger Battle, presented by TD Bank Group, with a sizzling launch party at Beer Kitchen at 100 Kellogg Lane – and London’s food scene turned out in full force to celebrate.

Hosted by Mike Stubbs of AM 980 and voice of the London Knights, the event brought together an all-star lineup of local chefs, community leaders, food fanatics to mark the beginning of our region’s tastiest fundraiser yet.

“This event is about more than burgers – it’s about bringing people together to make a difference,” said Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO of United Way Elgin Middlesex. “Every bite you take this November helps someone right here in our community get the support they need.”

Throughout November, 18 restaurants across London, Elgin, and Middlesex are facing off to claim the title of Ultimate Burger Champion. For each Ultimate Burger sold, $2 goes directly to United Way Elgin Middlesex, supporting local programs that help give everyone a fair shot at a good life.

From The Bungalow’s “Baconnaise” to Cintro’s lemongrass and ginger creation, chefs are pulling out all the stops with inventive flavours, premium ingredients, and playful names.

Chef Joe, from Cintro on Wellington, holding his burger creation for Ultimate Burger Battle

“It’s the perfect mix of creativity and community,” said Alex Martin, Head Chef at 100 Kellogg Lane. “We’re proud to host the kickoff and show London just how much local chefs care.”

One highlight of the morning was the “swearing-in” ceremony for the Burger Ambassadors – a panel of local volunteers ready to take on the delicious duty of tasting and judging Ultimate Burgers.

From local media personalities to community leaders, this enthusiastic group will rate burger creations on taste, presentation, originality, toppings, and execution to determine who takes home the “Ultimate” title!

Jeff Schiller, enjoying his first Ultimate Burger

But this month-long event isn’t just tasty – it’s helping to tackle real issues in our community. “We know that the needs in our community are great,” said UWEM president and CEO Kelly Ziegner. “We have about 7,000 people that are on the list for affordable housing in London. One in five kids in our community lives in poverty. So we have some big challenges,” she said.

At the end of the month, winners will be announced in three categories:

Ultimate Burger of the Year
People’s Choice Award
Most Burgers Sold

Now it’s your turn to get in on the action!

Here’s how to be part of the Ultimate Burger Battle:

Visit participating restaurants from November 1-30 and order their Ultimate Burger
Vote online for your favourites to help crown the People’s Choice Burger
Share your burger pics on social media with #UltimateBurgerBattle and tag @UnitedWayEMca

Whether you’re a burger lover, local business supporter, or just hungry for a good cause, there’s never been a better time to dine out and give back.

Because when our community comes together, United, every burger makes a difference.

A big thank you to TD Bank Group, McCormick Canada, The Finnerty Marketing Agency, and Corus Radio for their generous support in making this event possible.

A full list of participating restaurants is below. For full details see the Ultimate Burger Battle site:

Bear & Frankie’s (130 King St)
Beer Kitchen (110 Kellogg Lane)
The Bungalow (910 Waterloo St)
Burger Factory Wharncliffe (276 Wharncliffe Rd N)
The Church Key Bistro-Pub (476 Richmond)
Cintro on Wellington (731 Wellington St)
The Clock Tower Inn Bistro (71 Frank St, Strathroy)
Craft Farmacy (449 Wharncliffe Rd S)
David’s Bistro (432 Richmond St)
Edgar & Joe’s (255 Horton St E.)
House Craft Burgers (640 Richmond St)
Joe Kool’s (595 Richmond St)
The London Club (177 Queens Ave)
Los Olivos (2140 Kains Road)
Milos Craft Beer Emporium (4-420 Talbot St)
New Leaf Food Truck (London)
Tiger Jack’s (842 Wharncliffe Rd S)
Winks (1212-551 Richmond St)

Thank you to our Sponsors & Partners

Ultimate Burger Battle Sponsors long banner

United for Strategic Impact: Celebrating Leadership & Local Love

by Dakota Halfpenny on October 29, 2025 Comments Off

2025 Major Gift pin recipients at the United for Strategic Impact Event on October 28, 2025

Never doubt that your donations change lives and give hope. That’s what people need – hope.”

Brian Elliot
Executive Director, The INN St. Thomas-Elgin

Every fall, United Way Elgin Middlesex gathers some of our most committed donors and community partners to celebrate the leadership, generosity, and long-term vision that makes our work possible. This year’s United for Strategic Impact event highlighted decades of giving, powerful stories of change, and reminded us of our shared purpose.

For many in attendance, the evening was a moment to reflect on what lasting community commitment truly means. Milestone donors, who have supported United Way for 25 years or more, were honoured with pins to recognize their incredible contributions.

On behalf of presenting sponsor, BMO Bank of Montreal, Kristen Korhonen, our UWEM Campaign Chair, expressed why this partnership is a natural fit; “Our Purpose at BMO is to Boldly Grow the Good, in Business and in Life. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the United Way, across Canada and the US, to address critical issues like homelessness and housing insecurity.”

I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand how your generosity creates real change in our community… Some of you have been supporting United Way for decades – your commitment is truly inspiring – it’s an honour to represent our Campaign Cabinet to say thank you. ”

Kristen Korhonen, Regional Vice President, Personal Banking, for Greater London-Sarnia at BMO Bank of Montreal, United Way 2025 Community Campaign Chair

Donor support fuels 44 United Way-funded programs and services that reduce the impact of poverty and create opportunities for lasting change across London, and Elgin & Middlesex counties.

At the event, guests heard firsthand how their investments are making a difference. Brian Elliot, Director at The Inn in St Thomas, shared details of the program and how it helps people experiencing homelessness find safety, stability, and hope.

Kelly Ziegner, UWEM President & CEO closed the evening with a final thought: “Each of you represents the best of what our community can be. Your sustained generosity over decades has built a foundation for real, lasting change on life at a time.”

United Way is deeply grateful to our sponsors, BMO Bank of Montreal and Cohen Highley Lawyers, for making this celebration possible.

Thank you to our leadership donors and community partners for your continued support. United, we’re building a stronger, more equitable community where everyone can have a fair shot at a good life.

See all event photos on our Facebook page.

United for Strategic Impact, 2025 Sponsors - BMO Bank of Montreal and Cohen Highly

2025 United Way Plane Pull Western volunteers

Pulling Together for Our Community

by Dakota Halfpenny on October 23, 2025 Comments Off

Rain couldn’t dampen the excitement at London International Airport this week, as more than 3 dozen spirited teams came together to take part in United Way Elgin Middlesex’s first-ever Plane Pull – and raised an incredible $50,000 to support local programs and services across our region!

Teams of up to 15 people each took turns testing their strength, teamwork, and determination by pulling aircrafts across the tarmac in the fastest time possible. It was an unforgettable day of energy, teamwork, and community good.

“You’re not just pulling a plane – you’re pulling together for local impact. Every ounce of your strength, teamwork, and determination will help lift up individuals right here in London, Elgin, and Middlesex,” said Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO of United Way Elgin Middlesex. “Together, we’re helping to give everyone a fair shot at a good life.”

Team Results & Prize Winners

Fastest Team, Dash 8: General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada
Fastest Team, Gulfstream: CAMI High Voltage
Top Individual Fundraiser: Robbie Bowman, EY
Team Spirit Award: A.B. Lucas Secondary School (The Minions!)

Congratulations to all participating teams for pulling together with purpose! A full list of pull times is below.

A huge thank you to our amazing participants and volunteers for making this inaugural event a success. We also want to give special recognition to our partners and sponsors:

London International Airport
Air Canada Jazz
FlightExec
Western University – Commercial Aviation Management Program
MFC Training
Enbridge
StarTech.com
Central Sanitation
FitClub Bootcamps
St. John’s Ambulance
London Police Service
TVDSB Aviation High School

Check out our Facebook Photo Gallery for team photos, smiles, and some epic plane-pulling action! You can also catch the event highlights in the CTV News coverage.

Want to help us make next year’s event even better? Take our Post-Event Survey (it only takes 2 minutes!). https://forms.office.com/r/dfCMPPVNZJ

Whether you pulled the plane, cheered from the sidelines, or donated in support, you helped make this event take off. United, we’re showing what’s possible when our community pulls in the same direction.

2025 United Way Plane Pull team times

Advocacy in Action, Financial stress deepens vulnerability a United Way Centraide Report

Financial Anxiety Takes a Toll

by Dakota Halfpenny on October 15, 2025 Comments Off

Financial stress leaving people vulnerable beyond their wallets: United Way calls for stronger community supports

Rising financial stress is leaving people across Canada vulnerable far beyond their wallets. New data from United Way Centraide Canada and Léger reveals growing anxiety, deepening poverty risks, and an urgent need for stronger community supports.

Across our network, agency partners are telling us that demand for support is rising more than ever, a trend confirmed by our latest call for grant applications, which drew nearly $10 million in requests despite only $4 million being available. New survey findings from Léger and United Way Centraide Canada reveal that financial stress is leaving people living in Canada vulnerable far beyond their wallets, deepening the risk of poverty for many who are already struggling to make ends meet.

The United Way Centraide Financial Anxiety Survey conducted by Léger found that more than half (55 %) of people living in Canada feel anxious about their personal finances, nearly as many (41 %) report physical stress symptoms when talking about money, and 42% say they would only be able to cover their basic expenses for less than one month if they lost their main source of income.

“Across Canada, as affordability challenges deepen and economic uncertainty grows, United Way Centraides and essential community services are seeing an increasing demand for support. These findings underscore the significant financial stress facing people in Canada—especially low-income individuals and families,” said Dan Clement, President and CEO of United Way Centraide Canada. “This stress is taking a toll on mental health and well-being, driving a rising need for strong, community-based supports.”

The survey shows how financial strain disrupts daily life: more than one-third (35 %) of people living in Canada report trouble sleeping, nearly a third (32 %) experience family conflict or tension, and three in ten (30 %) say money-related worries make it difficult to focus at work or school. The burden is sharpest for lower-income households: nearly half (47 %) of those with household income under $40,000 lose sleep because of money issues, and two-thirds (67 %) say they feel anxious about their finances. By comparison, among those earning over $100,000, 27 % report sleepless nights and 47 % report anxiety about money. Yet financial stress cuts across all income levels: behaviours such as avoiding conversations about money and experiencing household conflict remain consistent regardless of earnings.

Here in Elgin Middlesex, we see this reflected in real time. The top reason people call 211 in our region is mental health support, and the top unfulfilled need is housing. Between January and August 2025, 18 % of unmet needs identified through 211 contacts were related to temporary financial assistance, indicating that available services are struggling to keep up. That number marks a 50 % increase over 2024 and a 62 % increase since 2023. The sharp rise in unmet need for temporary financial support echoes the broader survey findings: more people are struggling financially and asking for help, but our existing systems are under strain.

United Way Elgin Middlesex continues to invest in programs and services across our region that assist people living in poverty. This includes a network of neighbourhood resource centres, which connects people to essential needs such as food and income supports; and agencies such as Family Service Thames Valley, which provides subsidized counselling to help individuals manage stress and anxiety. We also continue to advocate to all levels of government for systemic solutions in areas like income supports, housing, and affordability. For example, through our Make it Liveable campaign, which calls on the provincial government to double social assistance rates, and our Built for Good report, which lays out a costed, delivery-ready plan to address the housing crisis.

Financial stress affects more than just wallets, it touches health, relationships, and the strength of our communities. Residents can support their neighbours by:

Donating to United Way Elgin Middlesex
Calling 211 if they or someone they know needs help
Contacting elected representatives to advocate for affordable housing and stronger income supports

Read the full report