Dakota Halfpenny, Author at United Way Elgin Middlesex

Region #ReUnited for 3M Harvest Lunch and United Way Campaign launch

by Dakota Halfpenny on September 23, 2022 Comments Off

Amid a backdrop of great music and delicious food-truck fare, hundreds of area residents reunited in person at this year’s 3M Harvest Lunch and United Way Campaign Launch in St. Thomas.

Guests attending the region’s signature gathering for both doing good and sharing good food, helped pay-it-forward as every lunch ticket purchased also bought a healthy meal for a neighbour in need.

After two years as a virtual event, the 3M Harvest Lunch and region-wide United Way Campaign Launch was an opportunity to reconnect, refresh and #ReUnite in person.

“Every donation and every act of kindness, no matter the size, helps ensure United Way funded programs and services are there when our community needs them most.”

Alyson Paisley, the United Way 2022 Campaign Chair and Vice-President Direct Distribution at Intact Financial Corporation

“Our annual 3M Harvest Lunch and United Way Campaign Launch is all about connection: with community, with each other, with a shared purpose of building a community where everyone matters,” said Kelly Ziegner, President and CEO of United Way Elgin Middlesex.

“This event is both a celebration of those ties and a call to do even more good.”

The London version of the event, originally scheduled for Sept. 19, was cancelled as Canada marked it a day of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II.

Even so, hundreds of London ticket-buyers paid it forward by converting each purchase into two donated meals for neighbours in need.

About 2,300 neighbour-in-need tickets had been donated by the time of the Campaign launch – bringing the three year total, so far, to more than 8,300 meals for neighbours in need – with more opportunities to give until Sept. 23.

United Way partner agencies will deliver neighbour-in-need meals throughout the region in coming days.

Campaign launch: one in five in this region

Crucially, 3M Harvest Lunch marks the launch of United Way’s the annual Campaign to raise funds for essential social programs and services in our community.

United Way is the largest non-government funder of social services in the region.

About 110,000 people – one in five in this region – benefit directly each year from services provided by United Way partner agencies that reduce and prevent poverty, provide emergency and basic needs, provide safe and affordable housing, and promote social and economic inclusion for all.

They include YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin, which offers a wide range of programs and services to people experiencing poverty, addiction or homelessness.

Apartment vacancy rates in St. Thomas are near zero, said Lindsay Rice, executive director of YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin. For people already living at the margins, she said, YWCA offers supportive, safe spaces. And hope.

Alyson Paisley, the United Way 2022 Campaign Chair and Vice-President Direct Distribution at Intact Financial Corporation, said, “We know the past two years have been especially tough on individuals and families who are already struggling with housing, food and other essentials. And every day, United Way partner agencies are helping thousands of people reconnect relationships, reduce poverty and recover good health.”

“We all have the potential to need help from social services, neighbours and friends,” Paisley said.

“We all have the potential to give help too, whether that’s by making a donation, joining United Way in advocating for issues that matter locally or collaborating with us to make meaningful change.

“I am always so gratified to see how our community steps up for one another,” Paisley added. “Every donation and every act of kindness, no matter the size, helps ensure United Way funded programs and services are there when our community needs them most.” 

Through workplace campaigns, fundraising events and individual donations of time and money, United Way donors help build a community where everyone matters.

Paisley and Ziegner expressed their thanks to the hundreds of volunteers, donors, sponsors and workplaces that made the 3M Harvest Lunch & United Way Campaign Launch a success.

Penny Wise, president and managing director of 3M Canada, and a past chair of the United Way Campaign, noted that 3M Canada has been a sponsor of the event for almost 20 years and shares a common goal of ensuring “every person in every community has a fair shot at their best life.”

3M Employees generously donate their time and money every year to support causes in the community, Wise noted. “I’m so proud to lead an organization where employees – who are overcoming their own challenges – are making the time to care for others.”

In-person London 3M Harvest Lunch cancelled Sept. 19

by Dakota Halfpenny on September 14, 2022 Comments Off

In consultation with presenting sponsor 3M Canada, United Way has cancelled the in-person component of London’s annual 3M Harvest Lunch event due to government announcements that September 19 will be a Day of Mourning acknowledging Queen Elizabeth’s passing.

Both organizations agreed it would be inappropriate to host the large public celebration that had been planned for that day.

Instead, the London event will pivot back to the “pay-it-forward” model that successfully delivered over 6,000 meals to neighbours in need through United Way agencies across our region these past two years when we haven’t been able to gather because of the pandemic.

The live and in-person St. Thomas Elgin 3M Harvest Lunch on Sept 22 will proceed as planned and become the official launch date for the United Way 2022 Campaign. Tickets are still available.

People who have already bought tickets to the London event will receive an income tax receipt for the full amount of their purchase, and their generous donation will now buy TWO meals for Neighbours in Need. And while there will be no in-person London event, people can still buy tickets to “pay it forward” by gifting lunch to participants at United Way funded partners.

Tickets are still available for the in-person St. Thomas 3M Harvest Lunch & United Way Campaign Launch on Sept. 22 at Horton Farmers’ Market featuring live entertainment and a range of local food-truck menu items for 300 people.

“Monday’s planned in-person component of 3M Harvest Lunch is cancelled in London, but the impact of providing meals for our neighbours in need continues thanks to the generosity of 3M Canada, sponsors, and donors,” said Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO, United Way Elgin Middlesex. “We look forward to reuniting in person and launching our Campaign for the entire region on September 22 in St. Thomas.”

United Way is grateful to all ticket-buyers, sponsors, workplaces and partners for their support and understanding.

purchase tickets

pay it forward

UWEM staff on the move

by Dakota Halfpenny on August 5, 2022 Comments Off

United Way Elgin Middlesex would like to extend our congratulations to a long-time member of our team, Sara Middleton, who has been extended a secondment opportunity by United Way Centraide Canada to help them advance their community impact work at a national level. We are so thrilled to have our local Director of Community Impact sharing their experience and deep expertise of issues affecting local communities with our national movement.

While Sara fulfills her secondment, Roxanne Riddell has been appointed as our Interim Director of Community Impact. Roxanne is well known in our community through her tenure at UWEM as a Community Impact Specialist and her leadership as Project Coordinator of London for All.

Congratulations Sara and Roxanne!

Advocacy in Action, Open letter to Premier Doug Ford and Cabinet

Ontario United Ways call for action on tough issues

by Dakota Halfpenny on July 6, 2022 Comments Off

United Way leaders from across Ontario have come together to propose 21 recommendations to the provincial government to address the unignorable hurdles to a strong and vibrant Ontario, especially in the current crisis of affordability.

United Way leaders from across Ontario addressed an open letter to Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his cabinet yesterday morning calling for close collaboration to alleviate a multitude of social issues plaguing the province. From Sault Ste. Marie and Ottawa to Hamilton and Windsor, the leaders recommended four issue areas to focus on together — Housing Security, Income Security and Inclusive Employment, Inclusive Communities and Support for the Social Services Sector — to address the unignorable hurdles to a strong and vibrant Ontario, especially through the current crisis of affordability.

Through shutdowns and since, Ontario’s United Ways have been working with elected leaders, integrating networks of agencies and cross-sector partnerships to identify priorities, escalate concerns and share resources to support those most disproportionately impacted by poverty — Indigenous, Black or racialized peoples, people with disabilities, those living in low-income neighbourhoods, 2SLGBTQ+ people, women, newcomers, seniors, and people experiencing homelessness.

Frontline partners at agencies funded by United Ways across the province are reporting record-high numbers of community members needing supports, and an increasing complexity of issues facing both urban and rural communities. In addition to meeting basic needs, public policy changes are necessary to address unaffordable housing, low-wage jobs, precarious employment, and mental health challenges to counteract the deepening poverty across the province. The leaders also warn that growing anti-Indigenous, anti-Black, and anti-Asian hate and Islamophobia further widens the poverty gaps and calls for concerted effort to build more inclusive communities.

“Addressing complex social challenges requires complex strategies and collective action. We look forward to working with the Premier and the Government of Ontario to prioritize the policy solutions proposed by United Ways in Ontario and speak further about how we can collaborate on the implementation of strategies that will ensure Ontario’s full economic and social recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO, United Way Elgin Middlesex

United Ways across Ontario acknowledged positive steps made by the government through specific public policy like the Homelessness Prevention Program and the $13.2 billion dollar child-care agreement with the federal government but encourage Premier Ford and Ministers to do more. The letter recommends specific action such as expanding affordable housing options, establishing a living wage, hiring more addictions and mental health workers, improving access to services and initiatives focused on underserved, equity-deserving communities, and to work with the community services sector in a united way.

Dear Premier,

Congratulations on your re-election as the Premier of Ontario. Four years ago, it would have been difficult to imagine the tremendous responsibility government would need to shoulder to lead Ontarians through a global pandemic and two of the most challenging years in our province’s history. We know our shared goal of a prosperous Ontario is intrinsically linked to our social infrastructure which proved to be essential in meeting the needs of disadvantaged Ontarians during the pandemic, and is critical now in the face of the current affordability crisis across the province. Taking up leadership for the next four years means delivering concrete solutions to the unignorable hurdles to a strong and vibrant economy for all – homelessness, precarious work and inadequate income, food insecurity, and mental health challenges – with public policies and programs that enable all Ontarians to house, feed and support our families.

That is how we can strengthen Ontario and build a future where everyone has a place. And that is where United Ways, in collaboration with our community partners, can make a real contribution to government’s important work. Like government, United Way has been supporting communities across the province on the frontlines of the pandemic, and for decades before that. Through shutdowns and since, United Way has been the trusted partner of governments, distributing crucial emergency funds to support those most disproportionately impacted and facing continued need – Indigenous, Black or racialized peoples, persons with disabilities, those living in low-income neighbourhoods, 2SLGBTQ+ people, women, newcomers, seniors, and people experiencing homelessness. Ontario’s United Ways are working with local elected leaders, integrating our networks of agencies and cross sector partnerships to identify priorities, escalate concerns and share resources – all to bridge gaps and meet needs in real time. And we are continuing to work with municipalities to develop and deliver on the provincially mandated Community Safety and Well-being plans that are foundational to addressing so many of the issues that affect our communities.

Just like government, United Way is ready to do its best for the people of this province and we look forward to working with you to leverage the opportunities before us for the benefit of all Ontarians. In that spirit, we offer the following recommendations for our shared priorities and efforts.

Housing Security

A safe, affordable and accessible home is the first step in ensuring a stable life, foundational for people to access employment, educational opportunities, adequate food and other supports. We know the high cost of housing and energy is becoming prohibitive not just for people on a low income, but increasingly, middle income families as well. The affordable rental housing market offers few viable options – run down apartments, high utility rates and increasing rental costs. And for those on social assistance or in need of additional supports, the options are limited indeed. Stories in the news depict a broken system, where people benefiting from programs offered through one door are discharged into homelessness through another. This disconnect is our collective responsibility. We can and must do more.

The Province’s approach with Coordinated Access Systems and By Name List, and efforts to introduce new funding flexibility to Service Managers through the Homelessness Prevention Program, are positive steps.

But we know much more can be accomplished if we ensure people are housed permanently. We want to work with the Government of Ontario to:

Address Indigenous housing and homelessness in partnership with Indigenous leaders, First Nations communities, housing providers, and all levels of government.
Expand and protect the necessary range of affordable and accessible housing options through new investment in deeply affordable housing, including social housing and rent-geared-to-income homes, and through effective rent control policies that protect affordability, in rural and urban areas.
Increase collaboration and investment in transitional and supportive housing for people at-risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Increase support to municipalities for investment in repair and renewal of naturally occurring existing affordable housing, including aging towers.
Support the ongoing partnership and participation of nonprofits in the housing market, including acquisition of multi-unit residential buildings by nonprofits.

Income Security and Inclusive Employment

Rising prices and inflation, at their highest rates in the last 40 years, are part of our foreseeable future, putting additional pressures on us all. However, the rising cost of living across Ontario puts unimaginable pressures on the workforce the economy depends on. Low-income earners struggle to make ends meet, impacting individual physical and mental health outcomes, collective well-being, and regional prosperity. We know that today’s minimum wage is not a living wage in any part of the province and has not kept pace with escalating expenses. The situation for those unable to work is even more dire, with social assistance rates and counterproductive claw back rules inadvertently blocking pathways to independence and effectively legislating poverty.

Over the last year, the Province has introduced promising policies that support Ontario workers – changes to labour legislation regarding temp agencies, licensing requirements and processing times for foreign credentials, and signing the $13.2 billion child care agreement with the federal government. We trust this direction will continue and we want to work with the Government of Ontario to:

Align Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and Ontario Works rates to livable levels, index them to inflation, and account for it in the coming budget.
Elevate the minimum wage to a truly living wage so people can cover their basic expenses and participate in their communities.
Invest in creating pathways to suitable, stable employment, including better labour market information, accessible employment training and wrap-around supports.
Support community benefits agreements which leverage infrastructure investments to provide employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities for residents.
Reduce precarious work conditions, extend the availability of paid sick days, and move forward promptly on childcare commitments to Ontario families.

Inclusive Communities

During the pandemic, the deep cracks in our system were laid bare for all to see. After an unprecedented spike in need for a wide range of services, now is the time to take stock of how we can support communities, neighbourhoods, families and individuals with equitable access to a robust array of social services. As we emerge from extended periods of pandemic-related isolation and brace for the long-term mental health repercussions to come, many in our community – children, youth and adults – have already fallen through the cracks, lives lost to an unprecedented number of opioid deaths across the province, personal tragedies and community crises that remain unaddressed. Our frontline partners also report increasing complexity amongst people needing social services experiencing multiple challenges of homelessness, food insecurity, mental health, and addictions resulting in calls, for example, of mayors of Ontario’s largest urban centres to “collectively raise the alarm on the need for a more robust social support system”.

As the government acknowledged in its 2021 Anti-Racism Strategic Plan annual progress report, against the backdrop of COVID-19, there has also been a rise in anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and anti-Asian racism, and more work must be done to build fully inclusive communities in Ontario.

The Province has shown strong leadership in the development of Community Safety and Well-being plans and we trust the government sees value in investing in the next step of this work, through funding and implementation. We want to work with the Government of Ontario to:

Support a wide range of wraparound services and supports including hiring mental health and addiction workers, providing harm reduction, crisis intervention and prevention services.
Engage community residents and leaders in meaningful consultations about local challenges and solutions, addressing unique needs in rural and urban communities.
Increase investment in anti-hate and anti-racism public education, relationship building as well as support for victims of hate, and immediate enactment of Our London Family Act.
Enable low-income households to participate in our increasingly digital world – adding phone and internet bills to utility listings for social assistance clients and partnering with social housing institutions to provide free WiFi, expanding access to a host of social services, employment and education opportunities.
Invest in a regional rural public transportation system that contributes to climate change reduction, connects workers to job and employment opportunities, and ensures seniors, persons with disabilities and people living on low income can access healthcare services.

Support for the Sector

The community services sector is running on empty. After working flat out through the last few years to sustain Ontarians by providing critical services, we now need to replenish and sustain the sector. According to an Ontario Nonprofit Network survey, almost two thirds of nonprofits reported an increase in demand for programs and services, but half of nonprofits reported pandemic related losses in 2020/21 revenue. To manage loss in revenue, one third of nonprofits reduced hours or laid off staff.

We know that support for the sector is crucial for the many Ontarians that rely on programs and services. Ontario’s nonprofit sector is also a major contributor to Ontario’s economy and job creation, contributing $65 billion to our province’s GDP and employing 844,000 workers. We want to work with the Government of Ontario to:

Provide flexible, long-term core funding so that community service providers can continue to deliver essential services and allocate resources in response to changing community needs.
Ensure provincial funding agreements reflect the costs of doing business, including administrative costs and competitive wages that attract and retain skilled staff.
Invest in infrastructure (e.g., technology) and capacity building to allow the sector to modernize service delivery, data collection and analysis, and impact reporting.
Sustain innovative pandemic-era tools and collaborations, with an emphasis on coordinated and improved access to place-based mental health services and initiatives focused on underserved, equity-deserving communities.
Work with community service stakeholders to develop and deploy an upstream strategy focused on the prevention of gender-based violence, in rural and urban settings.
Identify and invest in new approaches to funding and delivery of services in rural communities.

We know the potential for Ontario’s greatness is within our grasp but only if a bright and prosperous future is possible for each Ontarian. While everyone deserves better and to dream bigger, many need the support of their government and community to do that. Homes, stables jobs, sufficient incomes, accessible services and strong neighbourhoods are what we all need. They should be within reach – and they can be. But only if we work in a united way. And that is what our movement stands ready to accomplish, in partnership with government.

Sincerely,
Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO, United Way Elgin Middlesex
Francesca Dobbyn, Executive Director, United Way Bruce Grey
Mary Lou Hussak, Executive Director, United Way Centraide North East Ontario
Sharon McCormick, Chief Administrative Officer, United Way Centraide Simcoe Muskoka
Juliette Labossière, Executive Director, United Way/Centraide of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry
Lorraine Goddard, Chief Executive Officer, United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County
Barbara Palace, Chief Executive Officer, United Way Chatham-Kent
Penny Barton Dyke, Executive Director, United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes
Bhavana Varma, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington
Trish Buote, Executive Director, United Way Leeds & Grenville
Frances Hallworth, Chief Executive Officer, United Way Niagara
Kelly Gilson, Executive Director, United Way Oxford
Ryan Erb, Executive Director, United Way Perth-Huron
Cindy Murray, Chief Executive Officer, United Way Durham Region
Michael Allen, President/Chief Executive Officer, United Way East Ontario
Daniele Zanotti, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way Greater Toronto
Glenna Banda, Executive Director, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin
Brandi Hodge, Executive Director, United Way Hastings & Prince Edward
Brad Park, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way Halton & Hamilton
Jim Russell, Chief Executive Officer, United Way Peterborough and District
Brian Shelley, Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer, United Way Simcoe Muskoka
Lori Huston, Executive Director, United Way Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District
Albert Brulé, Chief Executive Officer, United Way of Thunder Bay
Joan Fisk, Chief Executive Officer, United Way Waterloo Region Communities

cc:
Honourable Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier, Minister of Health
Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance
Honourable Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services
Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Honourable Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
Honourable Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Honourable Prabmeet Sarkaria, President of the Treasury Board
Honourable Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
Honourable Michael Parsa, Associate Minister of Housing

Giving everyone a fair shot at a good life

by Dakota Halfpenny on June 27, 2022 Comments Off

The #LoveLove Letter, United Way Elgin Middlesex

local news with impact

Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO United Way Elgin Middlesex

Investor. Connector. Advocate.

At United Way, these are the roles we play as we tackle poverty so that everyone has a fair shot at a good life right here in Elgin Middlesex. And these are the roles you play too when you support United Way through your contributions, your volunteer time, and raising your voice to create lasting change.

United, we accomplished so much this past year. We transformed how we invest in our community by sharpening our focus on reducing poverty and increasing support for equity-seeking populations. We collaborated across sectors to develop strategies for a fair and equitable pandemic recovery. And we advocated for policy solutions that address the root causes of social issues our community grapples with.

I invite you to dive into our new Impact Report to learn more about how you are helping United Way improve lives locally. Discover Ashamaawaso (he/she feeds a child), a program by and for urban Indigenous families that addresses food scarcity and more. Be inspired by volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to help United Way meet the most urgent needs in our region. And see how convening partners and advocacy leads to action and change.

We’re an active ingredient in communities across this region. And you’re part of the mix.

On behalf of everyone at United Way, here’s to a safe and happy summer connecting with the ones you care about.

With gratitude,

P.S. Do you need help for you or a loved one? Call 211 anytime 24/7 to get connected to supports close to home.

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Our 2021-22 Impact Report is here! – Investor. Advocate. Connector. See how United Way is creating a stronger social safety net now. Explore our new 2021-22 Impact Report: What unites us

London Community Recovery Network mid-year review — As London emerges from this crisis, the London Community Recovery Network’s post-pandemic roadmap is aligning non-profits, business, Labour and the private sector to create a prosperous and equitable recovery. United Way was at the table to bring our perspective on the initiative’s three targets: investing in people, driving prosperity, and fostering community. Review the LCRN Mid-Year Report to learn more about the 260 planned, ongoing, or completed initiatives that are supporting London’s recovery.

Meet our Chair — “People give me hope,” says Alyson Paisley, the new United Way 2022 Campaign Chair. Throughout the uncertainty of the past two years, Alyson says she noticed one constant: people willing to step up for those in need. While the pandemic has left many feeling call-to-action fatigue, she’s inspired for a strong Campaign this year by the local love that unites us. Read Alyson’s story and meet the new Campaign Cabinet

ChangeMakers for the win! — Every year, our region’s most important fundraising campaign starts at zero. And every year, thousands of volunteer Champions step up in workplaces across the region to help United Way raise millions of dollars in 10 short months. After two years of virtual events, United Way’s annual ChangeMakers Awards celebrated their incredible achievement live and in person. Check out our ChangeMakers Awards recipients

Our new Impact Report is here

by Dakota Halfpenny on June 14, 2022 Comments Off

Like many non-profits during the pandemic, United Way had to pivot, mobilizing quickly to provide funding, make connections and advocate so that frontline social services could do what they do best: meet urgent needs.

At the same time, we started transforming how we work to create a stronger social safety net.

Today, $6.65M in Community Fund grants and other investments are working to prevent and reduce poverty and increase opportunities for equity-seeking populations in local communities across our region.

This is our story. And it’s your story too.

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that working together, our actions contribute to a growing voice for social justice and building a fair and equitable community where everyone matters.

Learn more in our 2021-22 Impact Report: What unites us

Congratulations Trudell Medical Group on a century of care

by Dakota Halfpenny on June 10, 2022 Comments Off

Trudell’s deep commitment to our local community runs parallel with its incredible accomplishments as a local business leader. As supporters of United Way Elgin Middlesex through The Mitchell and Kathryn Baran Family Foundation, Trudell has helped individuals and families thrive, and most recently, weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the Foundation’s support is helping United Way meet urgent basic needs for fresh, nutritious food and personal hygiene items at partner agencies like Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre, provide subsidized mental health counselling at Daya Counselling Centre, and keep individuals living with mental illness safely housed through CMHA Elgin Middlesex. The Mitchell and Kathryn Baran Family Foundation’s sustained and passionate giving, including their most recent significant gift, is a bright thread in our region’s social safety net. Working with United Way, they’re building a strong community where everyone matters.

2021-22 ChangeMaker award winners Western Committee

ChangeMakers for the win!

by Dakota Halfpenny on May 26, 2022 Comments Off

United Way celebrates 2021-22
award winners with in-person event

Celebrating volunteers

After two years of pandemic events, United Way’s annual ChangeMakers Awards celebration happened live and in person last night. Over 100 people gathered safely at LiUNA Local 1059 to celebrate the success of the United Way 2021-22 fundraising campaign, and the incredible volunteers who made it happen.

“It’s so exciting to gather together and celebrate the people at the heart of our fundraising campaign,” said Penny Wise, President, 3M Canada and United Way 2021 Campaign Chair. “Throughout the challenges of the last year, our volunteers continued to step up to help their neighbours with United Way. I am proud to recognize those who went above and beyond to be real ChangeMakers for our community!”

Even though in-person gatherings and fundraising events took a back seat during the pandemic, United Way Champions—volunteers who coordinate fundraising campaigns in workplaces—never went away.

Thousands worked tirelessly at local businesses, schools, manufacturing plants, non-profits and other workplaces to rally co-workers and raise millions of dollars to fund programs and services that help meet urgent needs in our community.

Heather Dobbin, Middlesex Hospital Alliance, is just one of them. Dobbin rallied her colleagues to participate in an array of activities, raising an additional 89% over last year’s campaign and increasing total dollars raised from special events. Dobbin won the Outstanding Champion – Large Workplace Award for many years of hard work raising dollars and awareness for United Way funded programs and services in Strathroy and Middlesex County.

Tonight’s ChangeMakers Awards also recognized award recipients from the United Way 2019-20 and 2020-21 Campaigns who celebrated virtually due to pandemic restrictions.

“In life there are some moments that leave you speechless,” said Joan Fernandez from Ernst & Young, who experienced a tearful moment of gratitude when she found out she’d won the Outstanding Workplace Champion – Medium Workplace Award.

“Me and my family came with very little to this country,” Fernandez continued. “But two decades later, we are grateful to Canada, to the City of London and to organizations such as United Way for its programs that make a huge difference in the community, one person at a time.”

Passing the torch

United Way’s annual ChangeMakers Awards also signals the passing of the torch from one top Campaign volunteer to the next.

Alyson Paisley, VP, Direct Distribution, Intact Financial Corporation is stepping up as the United Way 2022 Campaign Chair. Paisley and her Campaign Cabinet team of 12 volunteers from across the region had their first meeting last week. Each year, a new group of volunteers partners with United Way staff and sponsored employees to help make the annual region-wide fundraising campaign a success.

Work behind the scenes has started for this year’s 3M Harvest Lunch & United Way Campaign Launch, happening in person on September 19 in London’s Victoria Park and September 22 at the Horton Street Market in St. Thomas.

“I’m honored, excited and a little daunted to take on this huge role,” Paisley said. “But I have every confidence in my Campaign team, our workplace Champions and the thousands of generous people across our region who I know will step up with me to help United Way meet the most urgent needs in our community. There’s a changemaker in each of us.”

The United Way 2021 Campaign wrapped up March 31, 2022. In total, $6.65 million in Community Fund grants and other investments is at work in our community to reduce and prevent poverty, including $4.65 million in program grants at 43 local social service agencies, and an additional $100,000 in short-term project grants.

Learn more about United Way’s investments here

Meet the United Way 2021 ChangeMakers

These community champions stepped up in difficult times to support those in need. Using their energy, passion and commitment to improve lives locally, each one of our winners helped bring opportunity and hope to local people this year.

Top Campaign Team
Small Workplace
Gorman-Rupp Canada

These DoGooders pulled together and worked hard on an incredible United Way campaign with over 50% staff participation and $10,000 dollars raised to help local people and families across our region. The staff at Gorman-Rupp are committed individuals with a passion for helping others. Employees were given payroll giving incentives and guest speakers were hosted at both kick-off and wrap celebrations.

Top Campaign Team
Medium Workplace
Enbridge Gas Inc.

This outstanding group of individuals made an incredible contribution to their community for the 2021 Fundraising Campaign. Working together, they also collected and distributed masks for support workers in need during the pandemic. The team took full advantage of United Way’s fundraising and awareness initiatives including the virtual tour, having an impact speaker, 50/50 draw, in addition to their own internal fundraising events.

Top Campaign Team
Large Workplace
Western University Campaign Committee

This group of community advocators went above-and-beyond throughout this campaign to help their neighbours. They brainstormed new and creative ways to keep their campaign at full energy despite the ever-changing environment and regulations on campus. Hosting as many events as possible in-person, while being nimble and moving to virtual when necessary, this team was quick to adapt to any situation to raise dollars and awareness for local programs and services in our community.

Innovation Award
LiUNA 1059 Virtual Golf Tournament

This group of innovators landed a hole in one in spite of the pandemic. When lockdowns stopped the annual LiUNA 1059 Golf Tournament from taking place in-person on the green, the team at LiUNA 1059 switched to a pay-it-forward event format, raising a whopping $199,000 to help reduce and end poverty in our community, without ever swinging a club! Together this group raised more than any other single fundraising event hosted for United Way this year! Over the years, the LiUNA Golf Tournament has raised over $1 million for local programs and services helping people in our community.

2021-22 ChangeMakers Lifetime Achievement GKN

Lifetime Achievement Award
Workplace
GKN Sinter Metals Inc. Team

This incredible group is committed to a community that includes everyone. For over 25 years these individuals have hosted an outstanding workplace campaign in support of United Way. They have a long-standing tradition of holding a staff and retiree lunch and extraordinary bake sale, the employees maintain above a 50% participation rate in each campaign and raise considerable funds each year for local programs and services helping people in St Thomas and Elgin County.

Lifetime Achievement Award
Individual
Jim Yeomans

Jim has dedicated himself as an advocate, investor and collaborator for our community for decades. He was a workplace champion for many years and a Campaign Cabinet member from 2014 – 2016, bringing his incredible passion and commitment to his colleagues and his networks to help raise more funds for local people. Jim has prioritized the work of United Way throughout his career and advocated consistently within his workplaces to keep the needs of our community front and centre at Scotiabank, and now BMO Private Wealth. He is a true champion and DoGooder for United Way and our community.

Rookie of the Year
Mary Lasseter & Laura Reid, Enterprise Holdings
s

Being new didn’t stop this power-duo from running full tilt for their community. Both came to the 2021 United Way campaign as new champions for their workplace, but they hit the ground running for their teammates with lots of great ideas and energy. Together they worked to inspire teams across Southwestern Ontario, leading many regions to have increases in their fundraising results over previous years! Even when faced with a mid-campaign shutdown due to the pandemic, they were not phased. Mary and Laura kick-started their campaign when operations opened back up for a successful and exciting close to their fundraising year.

Outstanding Champion
Small Workplace
Silvia Langer, Unity Project

This workplace Champion gave it their all in a difficult year. Part of the small but mighty staff at Unity Project for the Prevention of Homelessness, Silvia brought her passion and energy to rally her colleagues behind her for TD Bank StairClimb, and really go for it – resulting in this dedicated and hardworking team of frontline workers to being the 10th team overall on the leaderboards and 9th position for total points earned!

Outstanding Champion
Medium Workplace
Vicki Ng & Katie DenBok, KPMG LLP

These two individuals work hard behind the scenes to inspire and engage their colleagues for United Way. Vicki and Katie are committed advocates for their community who pull out all the stops to make their workplace campaign fun and meaningful. Whether bringing in impact speakers, organizing virtual tours, or collecting pledges and teammates for StairClimb, they are passionate individuals working to help those in need.

Outstanding Champion
Large Workplace
Heather Dobbin, Middlesex Hospital Alliance

This Champion has worked hard for many years, nurturing and growing her workplace campaign, creating energy and excitement while raising dollars and awareness for United Way funded programs and services in Strathroy and Middlesex County. Heather rallied her hospital colleagues to participate in an array of activities, raising an additional 89% over last year’s campaign and increasing the total dollars raised from special events. She has also dedicated herself to educating her colleagues on the value of giving, the local services available, and the impact they can have on the lives of local people.

GenNext Award
Keri-Anne Mizzi, RCMP

Keri-Anne has led her workplace campaign as Champion for many years. She is dedicated to helping those around her and serving her community and a key part of that is through raising both dollars and awareness for local United Way funded programs. She has also taken an avid part in Best First Day, organizing the collection of backpacks and other school supplies for young people in need.

Congratulations to the 2019-20 and 2020-21 United Way ChangeMakers

See the images from the event!

Thank you to our generous sponsors

Introducing the United Way 2022 Campaign Chair, Alyson Paisley

Alyson Paisley: people are the heart of this Campaign

by Dakota Halfpenny on May 26, 2022 Comments Off

“People give me hope. During the pandemic, we heard so many stories about everyone digging deep to support their neighbours. We have a lot of compassionate people in this community who are willing to step up.”

Alyson Paisley
VP, Direct Distribution, Intact Financial Corporation
United Way 2022 Campaign Chair

Throughout the uncertainty of the past two years, Alyson Paisley says she noticed one constant: people willing to step up for those in need. Now, as the mother of three takes on a new career role as VP of Direct Distribution at Intact Financial Corporation, she is stepping up to lead the region’s most important fundraising initiative as the United Way Elgin Middlesex 2022 Campaign Chair. And what an exciting time to do that, with the return to in-person 3M Harvest Lunch & United Way Campaign Launch. While she knows the pandemic has left many feeling call-to-action fatigue, Alyson says she continues to be inspired by the local love that unites this community.

Looking back on the past few years, what gives you hope for our community?

People give me hope. Do you remember, at the beginning of the pandemic, when people were leaving painted rocks with notes to lift your spirits? My kids and I would go for walks, and they were everywhere. It was a lovely show of community. 

During the pandemic, we heard so many stories about people checking in on each other when things were shut down, people getting groceries for their elderly and vulnerable neighbours. People personally impacted by COVID-19, were still digging deep to support their community. And organizations stepped up—they went to unrestricted giving to give charities the flexibility to use their corporate donations to deal with new issues that emerged during the pandemic.

We have a lot of compassionate people in this community who are willing to step up and care for others.

What are some of the challenges this particular Campaign is facing, and how can the Campaign Cabinet overcome them?

Fatigue is a big one. People are tired of talking about the pandemic, tired of the calls-to-action over the last couple of years. Finding a strong call-to-action that inspires people might be our toughest challenge.

But when I look at this year’s Cabinet committee, I see a diverse group of energetic people who want to drive change. The concept of the Cabinet is building relationships to help fill needs of the community.

Relationships are at the core of what makes us successful. So when we talk about the activities needed for a successful Campaign, I’m looking at it through the lens of building relationships.

Do you have a story about giving back to the community? How did it make you feel?

I volunteered at a community meal program in London with a group of co-workers. We worked with the team cooking and serving meals, and I walked away feeling deeply thankful for the community around me and the people who do this every day.

Another thing that resonated with me that day was that people in need come from all walks of life, they are just in a moment when they need support. As a community, we need to make sure we are there to provide that support.

So many of us have been dealing with new challenges since the pandemic. What challenges have you personally overcome and how can that help you as Campaign chair?

I had a difficult period over the last two years. I had to support a family member going through a significant health crisis in the height of the lockdown—and we couldn’t be together.

I learned a lot about the importance of listening. There were things I couldn’t control, but I could listen and be a shoulder for this family member. That experience gave me an understanding about how when people are going through a difficult time, they need a safety net of folks to be their shoulder.

Sometimes you get caught up in the technical effort of trying to raise the funds, but you lose sight of why. My experience the last couple of years keeps reminding me of the “why.” I think that since the pandemic, a lot of us have a new appreciation for how we can all help support each other and how we can all make a difference. The people in our community are the “why” for what we do here, and I want to keep them at the heart of this campaign.

What does this Campaign mean to the team at Intact?

One of Intact’s values is generosity to help build resilient communities. Through the annual Generosity in Action campaign, the foundation matches employee donations to United Way. The organization does a fantastic job of getting teams excited about that. I chaired the campaign last year and it was exciting to see all these people who are busy with their jobs and lives making time to put passion and energy into it.

After two years of pandemic United Way Campaigns, what can we look forward to this year?

I’m excited about going back to in-person events, starting with 3M Harvest Lunch & United Way Campaign Launch in September. This community should be proud of the way people stepped up to support each other in new ways during the pandemic. We did what we needed to do. Going online was a great way to keep helping, but virtual interactions can sometimes feel transactional. I’m so happy that this year we get to be around people again to work together as a team and as a community. It’s just super exciting.

Meet our 2022 Campaign Cabinet

Alyson Paisley
VP Direct Distribution, Intact Financial Corporation,
United Way 2022 Campaign Chair

Haider Khawaja
Senior Manager Credit Cards, TD Bank Group,
Campaign Ambassador

Penny Wise
President, 3M Canada,
United Way 2021 Campaign Past Chair

Tara McCaulley
Manager Business Development & Enterpreneurship, St.Thomas Economic Development Corp.,
Campaign Ambassador

Christy Bressette
Vice-Provost and AVP (Indigenous Affairs), Western University,
Campaign Ambassador

Jordan Millward
General Manager – One London Place, Sifton Properties,
Campaign Ambassador

Ryan Crechiola
Area Manager, Enterprise,
Campaign Ambassador

Nathan Moniz
Business Representative, LiUNA 1059,
Campaign Ambassador

Mark Egbedeyi – Emmanuel
General Manager, EPCOR,
Campaign Ambassador

Kate Montgomery
Senior Regional Manager, TD Bank Group,
Campaign Ambassador

Amy Gibbons
AVP Marketing, Canada Life,
Campaign Ambassador

Lindsay Rice
Executive Director, YWCA,
Campaign Ambassador

Kelly Hancock
Director of Finance, General Dynamic Land Systems – Canada,
Campaign Ambassador

United Way remembers Jennie Malone

by Dakota Halfpenny on May 9, 2022 Comments Off

United Way remembers Jennie Malone, a member of our staff team, who passed away after a brief, private and courageous battle with cancer.

Jennie Malone contributed to our organization through work in donor engagement and community impact. As the staff lead for GenNext, Jennie developed and strengthened relationships with volunteers and workplaces and played a key role in events and community activities.

More recently, as a Community Impact Specialist, Jennie coordinated funding allocations processes including Local Love in a Global Crisis and Youth United and worked to maintain strong connections with our volunteers and agency partners despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We will treasure our 2021 Virtual Impact Tour video which featured Jennie as the host – an opportunity for her to combine her radio communication experience with her passion for community development.

Jennie always showed up for United Way and our staff team, taking everything in stride in her relaxed and laid-back way. She found joy in every opportunity that came her way. She was dedicated to our collective commitment to preventing and reducing poverty and was always willing to contribute her skills and experience to any project.

While at work, Jennie prioritized relationships, taking the time to listen, talk and quickly share a laugh with colleagues and volunteers. Sometimes a quiet observer, she was insightful, smart and deeply committed to building community wherever she was. Jennie was skilled at every team building activity whether it was bowling, painting or cocktail mixing – and everyone’s top pick for a trivia team member.

Thank you, Jennie. Your friends and colleagues at United Way already miss you.

Celebrating the life of Jennie Malone

https://www.cremationandcelebrations.com/obituaries/malone-jennie-rose-of-london/