Dakota Halfpenny, Author at United Way Elgin Middlesex

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/

United Way remembers Deb Peckham

by Dakota Halfpenny on April 20, 2022 Comments Off

Remembering Deb Peckham, Allocations volunteer Member, Leadership Table, London for All

Deb Peckham was a valued and long time volunteer with United Way Elgin Middlesex, sharing her time and expertise in our Community Impact work including grant review processes and the London for All project. We are grateful for Deb’s dedication to our shared poverty reduction and prevention work. She brought energy and passion to volunteering and was deeply committed to collaboration and collective impact.

As a member of the London for All Leadership table, Deb represented the project at regional, provincial and national conferences and events.

She helped ensure London for All was led by people with lived and living experience of poverty and was instrumental in the achievement of many successful project outcomes that have positively impacted people living in London.

We will miss Deb’s spark and insight at the many community planning tables she was involved in especially London’s Child & Youth Network and the London Homeless Coalition.

Thank you Deb. You will be missed.

Want to do good? Join us! Volunteer Board Director Opportunity

Recruiting New Board Directors – Members

by Dakota Halfpenny on February 25, 2022 Comments Off

Posting Deadline: March 18, 2022

We are currently recruiting up to 3 to 4 individuals to join our Board who will be elected at our Annual General Meeting on June 15, 2022.

We are committed to having our Board and committees represent our community. We welcome and encourage the broad range of experiences, skills and knowledge that applicants with diverse abilities, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, and ethnicity bring. It is expected that Directors will champion reconciliation, anti-racism/anti-oppression, diversity, equity and inclusion and apply this lens to their work.

Preferred attributes and competencies:

Although applications are welcome from all interested individuals we particularly welcome applications from individuals with the following attributes or competencies:

Lived or living experience as a member of an equity-seeking population
Individuals who live and/or work in our catchment area of Elgin and Middlesex Counties
Human resources management
Fundraising background or entrepreneurial mindset with experience launching new initiatives and accelerating growth
Public policy and government relations
Finance and / or accounting, CA or CPA designation preferred

These attributes and competencies will be considered through the lens of UWEM’s Board Diversity Policy. Candidates will also be screened to identify potential conflicts of interest.

Responsibilities

The Board of Directors has a governance mandate and is responsible for ensuring the United Way’s mission and strategic plan are achieved. Board members are responsible for:

Providing strategic leadership to United Way, including but not limited to:
- establishing the long-term direction and vision,
- monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the strategic plan,
- overseeing the financial health of the organization, and
- providing business and personal insights to inform major organizational decisions.
Acting as a positive and passionate ambassador for United Way both in the board room and out in the community.
Has a willingness to connect the organization to capital such as:
- financial resources or prospective donors
- policy makers or community leaders
- diverse populations or community issue subject matter experts
Keeping informed about the organization, its issues, and its connection to the community through active participation.

Time Commitment

Board members hold a three-year term, renewable up to three times. During that term, board members are expected to:

Attend monthly board meetings. Meetings typically take place the third Wednesday of the month at 4:30 p.m. Currently board meetings are virtual but once it is safe to do so, meetings will be held in person but with the option to participate virtually.
Participate on one United Way governance or operational committee. Between Board meetings, members are asked to actively work on their committee projects to ensure activities are proceeding according to schedules.
Represent United Way at community events.
Total time commitment of approximately 4 – 6 hours a month plus meeting preparation time.

How to apply:

If you are interested in applying to be become a Board or committee member, send a copy of your resume and a personal statement about why you are interested in joining to BChair@unitedwayem.ca. Your application will be reviewed by our Nominations Committee and we will be in touch with next steps.

About us:

United Way works so that every person in every community across our region has a fair shot at their best life. As the largest non-government funder of essential social services in ElginMiddlesex, we tackle issues linked to poverty and social exclusion through strategic leadership, advocacy and investment in programs proven to get results. Donations stay 100% local, always.

United Way Elgin Middlesex is committed to diversity and encourages applications from people who are Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, women, persons with disabilities, and other overlooked and underestimated groups.

Advocacy in Action, We stand with #OurLondonFamily graphic

United Way urges support for Our London Family Act

by Dakota Halfpenny on February 25, 2022 Comments Off

We stand with #OurLondonFamily long banner

United Way’s letter to regional MPPs calls on all parties to unite in meaningful action to support The Our London Family Act and ensure legislative changes to end Islamophobia are implemented swiftly.

At United Way Elgin Middlesex, we condemn racism and Islamophobia as it is unjust and wrong. As community builders, we work alongside partners, including government, to ensure that Elgin Middlesex becomes a truly equitable, safe and inclusive place.

The murder of the Afzaal family and the ongoing hate-motivated attacks occurring across our province are an assault on our collective aspirations to build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community here in London and region. These acts of violence show we still have significant work to do to root out hate before it causes more harm.

Hate, racism and Islamophobia must be addressed by all political parties in Ontario. All of us have a part to play in moving beyond “thoughts and prayers” and we urge all parties to come together to act swiftly on this call to action by ensuring the proposed legislative changes are implemented in a timely manner.

Together, we continue to grieve for Our London Family and together we must unite in meaningful action to condemn Islamophobia, white supremacy, racism and hate in all its forms. Passing the Our London Family Act is an important first step.

Letter to regional MPPs

Dear MPP Armstrong, MPP Kernaghan, MPP McNaughton, MPP Satlerand, MPP Yurek:

On behalf of United Way Elgin Middlesex, I urge you and your party to support the introduction and passage of the Our London Family Act as proposed by the National Council of Canadian Muslims recently.

In response to the horrific violence on a Muslim family in London, Ontario, in June 2021, the proposed legislation addresses Islamophobia and the systemic discrimination and racism experienced by Muslim Ontarians in six key areas:

Changes to the Ontario education system to ensure children and youth learn about and understand Islamophobia
Changes to the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act to prevent white supremacist groups in the province by from registering as societies; and new legislation to prevent acts of intimidation on provincial property, as well as prevent intimidation tactics targeting worshippers at mosques and other religious institutions
Development of a provincial hate crimes accountability unit to improve reporting of hate crimes, including third-party reporting and provide guidance on appropriate penalties for police officers or officers who discourage reporting of hate crimes
Amendments to the Anti-Racism Act including developing provincial anti-racism councils, conducting regular surveys to understand trends and changes in attitudes regarding Islamophobia and racism and ensuring frontline staff at social services agencies participate in regular training on anti-racism and anti-Islamophobia
Increase hiring and appointments of equity-seeking Ontarians to provincial agencies, boards and commissions and with the Ontario Public Service
Increase the limitation period to five years for those wishing to report an incident of racism or Islamophobia through the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario

Hate, racism and Islamophobia must be addressed by all political parties in Ontario. All of us have a part to play in moving beyond “thoughts and prayers” and as such we urge you and your colleagues to act swiftly on this call to action by ensuring the proposed legislative changes are implemented in a timely manner.

Together we continue to grieve for Our London Family and together we must unite in condemning Islamophobia,white supremacy, racism and hate in all its forms through meaningful action.

Sincerely,

Kelly Ziegner signature

Kelly Ziegner
President & Chief Executive Officer

cc: Mustafa Farooq, CEO, National Council of Canadian Muslims
Bilal Rahhal, Chair, London Muslim Mosque
Aarij Anwer, Director, Religious Affairs, London Muslim Mosque
Nawaz Tahir, Muslim Community Leader

February 11 is 211 Day across Canada

by Dakota Halfpenny on February 10, 2022 Comments Off

Organizations and businesses across Canada are celebrating 211 Day today by turning their lights red to raise awareness and share this incredible resource with as many people as possible. Locally, the Canada Life Building, London Convention Centre, RBC Place, City Hall and the JA Taylor Building will join 38 other local landmarks across the country as they raise awareness for this important, free, 24/7 service that puts help at the tip of your fingers.

Reaching out for help is often the first step, but what happens if you don’t know where to turn? That’s where 211 comes in.

For more information you can visit 211.ca or call the line directly at 2-1-1

211 is a nationwide telephone service available 24 hours a day for individuals looking for non-emergency related support. It is free, confidential and helps people navigate the network of government and community support programs available. Callers reach live Navigators who help them get connected to the resources and support they need for their unique situations.

Navigators are highly trained individuals who know how to ask the right questions to fully assess a person’s need. Many callers are often connected with resources they didn’t even know exist, and will call back looking for more support as additional questions arise. In fact, last year in our region alone 4,754 individuals reached out for help through 211 for issues relating to health, housing, income support, mental health resources, addictions and many more.

United Way Elgin Middlesex has been a proud partner in offering this award-winning service in our region for over a decade. The program launched across London and Middlesex County on October 21, 2011, with an expansion of services into St. Thomas and Elgin County following shortly after in December of that same year.

And it’s no surprise that as of October 15, 2020, the Government of Canada, in partnership with United Way Centraide Canada, announced funding to activate this service nationwide. The government also announced additional funding at that time to support existing 211 services experiencing a surge in demand due to pandemic related causes.

Advocacy in Action. Prioritizing poverty reduction in the 2022 Provincial Budget

United Way joins forces with local nonprofits

by Dakota Halfpenny on February 2, 2022 Comments Off

Alongside other local funders, United Way has penned a letter to the Ontario Minister of Finance emphasizing the need to prioritize poverty reduction in the 2022 Provincial Budget

United Way, alongside other local funding organizations, has sent a budget submission letter addressed to the Ontario Minister of Finance emphasizing the need to prioritize pressing issues like housing affordability, inadequate social assistance rates and implementing the Our London Family Act in the 2022 Provincial Budget.

The letter was written by United Way Elgin Middlesex and signed jointly by leadership from London Community Foundation, Westminster College Foundation and Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada and presents Minister Bethlenfalvy with several action strategies to address the growing need across our region.

“As a strong non-partisan advocate, United Way works to keep important issues front and centre with leaders at all three levels of government, It is our hope that Minister Bethlenfalvy sees the urgency that is before us and prioritizes these strategies as we continue our community’s recovery.”

Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO, United Way Elgin Middlesex

Addressing complex social challenges requires complex strategies. Public policy work, including advocacy and government relations, is part of what United Way does every day.

Dear Minister Bethlenfalvy:

As nonprofit funders deeply connected to our local community, we have come together to share our recommendations on how the Provincial Government can address pressing and systemic social issues through the upcoming budget.

Address housing affordability
Ensuring that all Ontarians have access to adequate housing requires a systems-level approach. Leading up to the Ontario Housing Summit, a consortium of nonprofits who work with those dealing with housing concerns provided 10 recommendations that included:
– Increasing investment in Indigenous housing programs
– Increasing investment to make housing affordable to low-income households
– Making renting more affordable by amending the Residential Tenancies Act
– Giving renters more security by investing in community legal clinics
Increase social assistance rates
While we applaud the government’s recent increases to minimum wage, social assistance rates in our province continue to be woefully inadequate, especially in the context of skyrocketing housing costs. Failure to address this urgent need will delay life stabilization, push people further into the margins, and lead to costlier issues such as homelessness, addictions and health care concerns.
Participate in the National Childcare Plan
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected all parts of the Canadian workforce; but working women more than most. As Ontario moves into pandemic recovery, attention must be paid to the challenges facing working women including access to affordable and high-quality childcare. To ensure a strong economic recovery, we cannot lose the critical economic contribution of working women. We urge the provincial government to continue to negotiate with the federal government to ensure participation in the National childcare plan.
Invest in the implementation of the Our London Family Act
This past June, the London area was rocked by an act of terrorism when a Muslim family was murdered for simply existing in our community. Hate should have no home in our province, and we urge the provincial government to support and allocate adequate investment to ensure the successful implementation of the Our London Family Act as proposed by the National Council of Canadian Muslims.
Expand programs that support decent work and implement paid sick leave for all workers
We appreciate the government’s efforts to protect workers through Bill 27 and the increased focus on employment programs. We encourage increased investment to continue this momentum and for the government to prioritize access to additional paid sick leave so workers do not have to choose between endangering their coworkers and risking their livelihood.
Find a home in provincial government for the nonprofit sector
Nonprofit organizations in Ontario have been at the forefront of fighting COVID-19 and recovery efforts. All Ontarians rely on nonprofits, especially those that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Despite our province’s reliance on the sector, we continue to face challenges related to communication, financial support and participation in decision-making. We urge the provincial government to identify a Ministry or office that the nonprofit sector can work directly with so we can assist the government by sharing our expertise.

We thank you for your thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely,
Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO, United Way Elgin Middlesex
Martha Powell, President & CEO, London Community Foundation
Gloria Rolfe, Executive Director, Westminster College Foundation
Sister Margo Ritchie, Congregational Leader, Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada

Labour Appreciation Awards Night, Rise Above a Night of Hope and Solidarity

Labour Appreciation Award Winners celebrated as heroes of Hope and Solidarity

by Dakota Halfpenny on January 21, 2022 Comments Off

Last night we saw United Way supporters, friends, allies and donors come together to celebrate the incredible efforts of this year’s Labour Appreciation Awards winners. The annual January event hails the efforts and generosity of local Labour activists from across our region. It is a celebration of the work they do in building a united community where everyone matters.

This year’s event, entitled Rise Above: A Night of Hope and Solidarity, was delivered virtually again for the second year in a row due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions, but that didn’t stop these activists from sharing their stories of hope. In total, 14 awards were given out to individuals and groups for their efforts, ranging from organizing collection drives to restocking shelves at local agencies to working tirelessly to fill in the staffing gaps caused by illness during the height of the pandemic.

“Last night, we celebrated the good work of local people in our community who put the needs and care of others before themselves. This is an incredible group of people that has shown they put their personal interests aside to ensure those around them are supported.”

Kelly Ziegner, CEO & President, United Way Elgin Middlesex

Check out our winners.

Guests heard from keynote speaker Candice Dwornick, a United Way Elgin Middlesex 2021 Sponsored Employee from Canada Life. Candice shared her personal story of intimate partner violence and how supports and services from the community gave her the resources she needed to leave her situation and build a good life. Proceeds from the event go towards New Beginnings Loan Fund, a program making a difference in breaking the cycle of familial abuse. Last year, 95 women and children found support for their new beginning through the program.

Virtual guests also heard from musical talent and rising star Aaron Allen. Aaron is a raw singer and songwriter who found his voice with his guitar and donated his time to entertain this year’s award recipients and event attendees.

Miss this years event? Watch as the winners accept their awards below.