Dakota Halfpenny, Author at United Way Elgin Middlesex

The spirit of giving isn’t done yet!

by Dakota Halfpenny on January 13, 2022 Comments Off

Magic of Lights donates $10,000 for local programs and services

Cheque Presentation for Magic of Lights at Victoria Park

It’s looks like the spirit of giving isn’t quite done with the holiday season yet, and that’s good news for our community. Organizers of Magic of Lights, the drive-thru holiday light spectacular, generously contributed $10,000 from the proceeds of the event to be used to help local people in need.

In case you missed the action, Kyla Woodcock of Woodlo Productions and past United Way Campaign Cabinet Chair, together with presenting sponsor Auburn Developments, brought the holiday fun to our community this holiday season. Hosted at Longwoods Conservation area outside Mount Brydges, the light-show saw patrons driving through the park while being treated to a dazzling display of lights and music, all from the safety and warmth of their own vehicles.

The $10,000 donation, made from the event proceeds, were given to United Way yesterday at a cheque presentation highlighting the event.

“The spirit of giving in our community is inspiring. Times have been tough for people, and vulnerable individuals have struggled even more. This donation will be invested in programs and services that address poverty, inequity, intimate partner violence, and mental health concerns – issues that have been exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic.”

Kelly Ziegner, CEO & President, United Way Elgin Middlesex

The event drew well over 30,000 families across November and December, and the aim is to have the event become an annual one, with proceeds being marked for United Way funded programs and services operating across our region.

With 100% local gratitude this holiday season

by Dakota Halfpenny on December 14, 2021 Comments Off

The #LoveLove Letter, United Way Elgin Middlesex

local news with impact

Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO United Way Elgin Middlesex

What do the holidays mean to you?

It’s a question we asked local Ojibway artist Michael Cywink as the first snow started falling and we started thinking about celebrations with family and friends, just around the corner.

As a 100% local non-profit organization, United Way shows our local love by supporting hometown suppliers. This year, we commissioned Michael to create a meaningful piece of digital art to share with you in celebration of winter and the holiday season.

Here’s what the holidays mean to him. “Everything changed when my sister gave birth to my nieces,” Michael says. “I get more excited to see them open their presents than I do opening my own. The holidays are all about family and the positive feelings knowing we’ll be able to get together this year. What brings me joy? Family for sure.”

Michael’s joy jumps off the page. He describes his piece as something a bit personal and something everybody can connect to.”

The turtle shell and warm colours represent home. “Home can be anything, it’s not just a building,” he explains. “Home is where you feel safe, loved, appreciated, respected. It can be how you feel with someone. The beautiful thing is, we’re not trees, our roots aren’t planted. You can find that place for yourself.”

The eagle feathers represent value at a time of year that can be a financial strain for so many. “One of the things I value more than anything is an eagle feather my brother gave me,” he says. “I use it with my own smudging and ceremonial stuff I do with Indigenous youth throughout the London area. It has passed through so many hands, powerful in the healing work it’s done so far. It has no monetary value whatsoever but it’s so valuable to me.” Watch this short video to hear more from Michael.

A sense of belonging. A safe home. Simple gestures of kindness and gratitude. Michael’s artistic expression mirrors perfectly my holiday wishes for you and for our community. As we look toward 2022, I look forward to continuing the good things we are doing together to make those wishes come true.

On behalf of everyone at United Way, here’s to a safe and joyful holiday season and a bright new year.

With gratitude,

Get the #LocalLove Letter,
straight to your inbox

Sign me up

From the artist – This holiday edition of the #LocalLove Letter gave us an opportunity to partner with local Indigenous artist Michael Cywink. Michael’s take on winter, holidays and family has us thinking about our own traditions and the new memories we’ll make this year. Learn more from Michael about his artistic vision for the piece.

211 is here for you – We get it, the holidays aren’t a happy time for everyone. Along with the joys of the season, there can be added pressures of higher utility bills, keeping enough food on the table, and finding work. If you need help for you or a loved one, call 2-1-1 to speak to a Navigator who can connect you to information, programs and services close to home. Free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in over 150 languages by phone, live chat and email.

Please support local holiday drives

Many social service agencies across our region are putting out the call for toys, books, food and presents.
Why not consider a gift that gives? Here are just a few.

Anova’s Festive Wishlist – Check out Anova’s most recent Needed Items List or shop their oh-so-handy  Amazon Wish List. Your thoughtful donation, like a pair of cozy slippers or a gift card for a good book or the latest tunes, will be so appreciated by women and children living in a shelter who can’t be home for the holidays. Donations accepted until Dec. 18.

Christmas Care St Thomas – https://christmascarestthomas.com/  
This traditional toy and food drive has supported more than 4,000 families since 1980. Donate new toys, gift cards and food at Elgin Centre, 417 Wellington St. or make a donation on the website. No clothing donations please.

Atlohsa Gifts – Looking for gifts that make a difference? Check out Atlohsa’s Holiday Gift Guide

Aylmer Christmas Care Food Hamper Program and Toy Drive – Drop off non-perishable food items and toys at any of these locations: Hills Pharmacy, Campbell’s Office Pro, Aylmer Valu-Mart, Meridian Credit Union, Port Burwell Post Office, Port Burwell Legion and Aylmer Food Bank – The Corner Cupboard. For more information, call 519-773-5548

Youth Opportunities Unlimited – The holidays are a difficult time for many, but for kids who are street-involved and don’t have a stable family to go home to, it’s especially tough. You can make their day a little brighter by dropping off bus tickets, gift cards, movie passes, hygiene kits, houseware items and new winter clothing at the Youth Action Centre, 332 Richmond St., London Mon-Fri 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more info, contact Lynne lynnew@you.ca 519-432-1112 x103 

Gifts of Securities - A win for your and our community

Gift of Securities

by Dakota Halfpenny on December 6, 2021 Comments Off

Save while helping the community

Year end is just around the corner, and with the markets as hot as they are, now is an excellent time to consider a Gift of Securities to help reduce your 2021 annual tax bill while investing in your local community.

The Canada Revenue Agency does not apply capital gains tax on donations of appreciated publicly traded securities. This means that you can benefit greatly to reduce the cost of your charitable giving with a tax offset or to increase the amount of your intended gift, possibly without increasing the cost to you.

As the donor, you’ll receive a donation receipt for the fair market value of the donated security. This amount is determined as the final closing price on the day the gift is received by United Way. Additionally, you’ll continue to receive and benefit from the regular tax deductions of making a charitable donation.

Utilizing this option to reduce the capital gains on appreciated stock could potentially save you a considerable amount – right in time for the holidays!

If you think this option might be right for you, then don’t wait. It does take a little bit longer to transfer your gift to United Way than it does to make a donation of cash, so with the donation deadline of December 31 just around the corner, you don’t want to miss your chance.

Download our Gift of Securities transfer form and speak with your financial planner who can advise you on the most tax effective approach for you.

Our handy Tax Calculator can help you get an idea of how you might be able to further maximize your savings while making a gift. For additional information, you can also take a look at our Gift of Securities FAQ or call Jennepher Cahill 519-280-5452.

Donate now

Shining a light on intimate partner violence

by Dakota Halfpenny on November 17, 2021 Comments Off

local news with impact

Tim Kelly, Executive Director at Changing Ways, an organization that helps individuals end abuse in their relationships, describes the pandemic as the perfect storm. Lockdowns and restrictions these past 19 months only exacerbated the intensity and severity of intimate partner violence in homes across our community, an issue that was already a problem before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. 

While increasing support for women and children is critical—rates of violence have soared 20-30% and the need for services is not slowing down—what is the role of men in ending abuse? It’s a question Tim answers every day. 

Tim and his team at Changing Ways run Caring Dads, a program currently funded by United Way that works with men who cause harm to help them create safety for themselves and their families. 

As soon as the pandemic started, program staff figured out quickly how to keep the work going with men at risk of abusing by providing electronic tablets for clients so they could log in for virtual support meetings and counselling sessions from their car, home or even the bus stop. Learn more from Tim here. 

Dr. Anna Lise Trudell, Manager of Education, Training and Research at Anova, an organization that provides shelter and support for women and children experiencing intimate partner violence, agrees that men are key to ending the violence.

It  is many men doing this violence, she says, often good men who in other ways are doing harmful acts. And it’s going to take other men around them, their friends, colleagues, brothers and fathers, to step into discomfort and call out negative behaviour. 

Frankly, Dr. Trudell concludes, we’re never going to end violence unless men do the work of engaging other men. Hear more from  Anna Lise here. 

Caring dads and safer families. All part of a community where everyone matters. 

Thank you for improving lives locally,

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.

The #LocalLove Letter,
monthly updates,
straight to your inbox

Subscribe now

Shine the Light on Woman Abuse – Every November our community comes together to show support for survivors of abuse, bring attention to the issue of violence against women and girls, and stand in solidarity with the many agencies, organizations and activists working toward a community free from violence and abuse. Here are two ways you can support: Join the London Abused Women’s Centre’s 2021 Shine the Light campaign and Read Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Although the official inquiry concluded in June 2019, the work to transform systemic legal and social causes of violence against Indigenous women and girls, including sexual violence, continues.

United Way advocates for Living Wage — Ontario’s new minimum wage announced earlier this month is a good start, but a living wage that takes into account what people need to live, work and participate in their local community, is the goal. United Way’s Kelly Ziegner weighs in with CBC radio’s Chris dela Torre about the difference a living wage makes to ensure people are not just surviving, but thriving. Listen to the clip here.

Caring Dads — United Way helped keep families safe during the pandemic by providing funds to help Caring Dads deliver remote support to men at risk of abusing. As we start to recover and return to in-person activities, the program is exploring ways to keep the benefits of virtual support meetings and counselling sessions. Learn how Caring Dads is meeting the need for a 30 per cent increase in requests for service.

TD StairClimb TD MC's at FitClub Bootcamps

25 years of Stepping Up for our community

by Dakota Halfpenny on November 5, 2021 Comments Off

Yesterday saw London’s biggest all day party taking place – and COVID-19 couldn’t do anything to stop it. TD StairClimb for United Way, a community wide, annual event running 25 years now, continued its virtual format from last year with hundreds of ‘climbers’ transitioning their ‘Step Up’ activity to a 10-minute stair climbing session hosted by FitClub BootCamps.

And while the event might look a little different than previous years when hundreds of climbers gathered at One London Place to tackle the 472 steps to the top, pandemic gathering restrictions just couldn’t stop local people from participating online from home, the office or even outside!

TD StairClimb is an exciting day that gets people out and moving for our community. This is our 25th year and it’s been so much fun looking back over the great memories we’ve built together.

Kelly Ziegner
President & CEO, United Way Elgin Middlesex

COVID-19 has amplified issues like poverty, mental health and intimate partner violence that were hurting our community even before the pandemic. In our region, one in five children live in poverty and requests for subsidized counselling at Daya Counselling Centre are up 20-25% since the start of the pandemic. For many, it seems that a recovery is taking place – but for many others, these past 18 months have only widened the gap between thriving and just getting by.

The United Way is an important pillar of our community. Anytime we take part in an event like TD StairClimb, make a donation, or volunteer our time, we are giving back to those most in need. Your support, whether participating or donating, makes a huge difference in our community.

Penny Wise
President, 3M Canada

Thousands of community members have taken part in TD StairClimb for United Way since it’s conception in 1996, with over $2.8 million raised for United Way funded programs and services serving people across our region. Over 100,000 people used a United Way funded service last year alone, that’s more than one in five of us getting the support we needed, when we needed it.

Didn’t get a chance to take part but want to help your community? You can still make a donation until November 12, online.

Donate now

In the News: United Way advocates for Living Wage

by Dakota Halfpenny on November 5, 2021 Comments Off

Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre, outdoor market

Any more income in folks’ pockets is good news. But there is still a lot to be done when we look at the precarity of work, paid sick time and the rates for social assistance—all issues that are deeply concerning. The new minimum wage is a start, but it’s not enough to ensure that people are able to thrive in our community.

KELLY ZIEGNER
PRESIDENT & CEO
UNITED WAY ELGIN MIDDLESEX

Ontario’s new minimum wage is a good start, but a living wage that actually takes into account what people need to live, work and participate in their local community, is the goal. United Way’s Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO, weighs in with CBC radio’s Chris dela Torre about the difference a living wage makes to ensure people are not just surviving, but thriving. Listen to the clip here here.

To learn more about living wage and the wage calculations across the region visit https://www.ontariolivingwage.ca/

Mom holding daughter looking into the camera

$27. Twenty-seven. Two-seven.

by Dakota Halfpenny on November 4, 2021 Comments Off

It’s a number that haunts me; when I write the date; when I glance at a clock; when I purchase something that costs $27.

That number was seared in my brain a few years ago, during a meeting with Megan Walker, retired Executive Director of the London Abused Women’s Centre. I had paid her a visit to learn more about the impact of the New Beginnings Loan Fund – a fund that provides interest-free loans of up to $500 to women escaping domestic violence.

She told story after story, of women who had accessed the fund to cover expenses such as moving costs, first and last month’s rent, furniture or personal items. As I scanned the list of past loans, one caught my eye; it was for $27.

Megan confirmed that yes, a woman had accessed the fund for a loan of $27 to cover the cost of cab fare to a local shelter. Think about that for a moment. Imagine having your finances controlled so closely by your abuser, that you can’t pull together a few dollars for fear of retribution. Imagine $27 being all that separates you from safety.

Sometimes people ask me “will my small donation really make a difference?”

$27 was all it took to help her escape.
$27 was all it took to help her start a new life.
$27 changed her life and maybe even saved it.

27. Twenty-seven. Two-seven.

Kelly Ziegner
President & CEO

Donate today

Pressing play on back-to-school

by Dakota Halfpenny on October 22, 2021 Comments Off

local news with impact

We know enduring this pandemic has been hard on everyone, but for families the impact of virtual learning and lockdowns on kids’ mental health has been especially hard.

Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health at the Middlesex-London Health Unit, agrees. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Mackie where he confirmed that the return to school and seeing friends and being able to play with them, even in the conditions of restriction, makes a big difference for kids’ wellbeing and academic success.

Continuing this progress after school is a critical part of the equation, and that’s where United Way funded programs like Ignite Youth Centre come in. Ignite is just one of many drop-in programs United Way currently funds across our region that provide free, safe and inclusive spaces for youth to make social connections, access healthy food and basic needs, and learn alternatives to high-risk behaviours and activities.

Spencer Mederios, a youth engagement co-ordinator at Ignite, says that when the pandemic hit they had to figure out on the fly how to do virtual programming. It was all new for them but pretty soon virtual movie nights and online chat groups took hold and the kids were feeling that sense of connection again. This summer, Ignite started welcoming kids back in person. It’s been a pretty awesome journey—you can see for yourself here.

Hearing kids laugh and play when I walk past the local school in my neighbourhood brightens my day. And knowing that children and youth have safe spaces where they can connect and feel like they belong is one more important step on our community recovery.

Thank you for improving lives locally,

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.

Donate today

Ignite Youth Centre – Staff at Ignite Youth Centre in St. Thomas recognized early in the first COVID-19 shut-down that they needed a new way to help youth in the community. The Centre—which serves nearly 500 Elgin County adolescents yearly through its free programs and vibrant drop-in centre in downtown St. Thomas—shifted to virtual activities quickly.

Hey St. Thomas, it’s Love Local Week – United Way is painting the town red with a little help from the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation and local businesses. Head downtown Oct. 18-22 and look for the United Way decal at participating businesses to get your Shop Local, Love Local passport. Collect five stamps from participating businesses (no purchase necessary) and you’re automatically entered in a draw to win fiercely local gift basket filled with goodies. Local businesses are also generously donating a portion of their sales to United Way.

Stepping up for our community – The staff team at South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre are busy polishing their step-class moves in preparation for the virtual TD Bank StairClimb for United Way happening on Nov. 4. You can pledge South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Luso Community Services and many other United Way agency teams as they raise money for local United Way funded programs.

In the News: London Community Recovery Network launches pandemic recovery framework

by Dakota Halfpenny on October 14, 2021 Comments Off

This framework is setting a foundation, and it’s also providing direction to any organization, including ours, that sees themselves as having a role in recovery from the pandemic. We don’t have to wait until collectively, those actions or implementation plans are solidified. We can get to work in our own sphere of influence.

SARA MIDDLETON
DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY IMPACT
UNITED WAY ELGIN MIDDLESEX

A framework released today by the London Community Recovery Network highlights three targets for our community’s successful recovery from the pandemic: investing in people, driving prosperity, and fostering community. United Way’s Sara Middleton, Director of Community Impact, weighs in with London Free Press reporters Megan Stacey and Randy Richmond. Read the full story here.

Read the report

Stay informed

Updated! 3M Harvest Lunch supports 3,606 people through local food programs

by Dakota Halfpenny on September 30, 2021 Comments Off

3M Harvest Lunch wrap story banner, 3M volunteer handing food to participant

Our community did it again! While we couldn’t be together for the 3M Harvest Lunch and United Way Campaign Launch, that didn’t stop us from serving an incredible 3,000 meals to local people living in our community.

United Way and 3M’s community-wide tradition of coming together to share a meal while launching the annual United Way fundraising campaign happened virtually again this year. Last year, because of COVID-19 safety restrictions, the lunch pivoted to a virtual ‘pay it forward’ event where every ticket purchased bought a meal for a neighbour in need in our community.

3M and our employees are committed to building strong, vibrant communities across the country. With non-profit partners such as United Way, we help people in our local communities meet basic needs such as healthy food, safe shelter, and access to critical mental health services.

Penny Wise
President, 3M Canada

Meals were distributed during 3M Harvest Lunch week Sept. 20 – 24 through United Way’s partner agencies including Women’s Rural Resource Centre and Next Wave Youth Centre in Strathroy, YWCA St. Thomas Elgin in St. Thomas, and South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre, Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre and Horton Street Seniors Centre in London. Meal deliveries will continue for 3 weeks.

“For many people who were already experiencing poverty, hunger and mental illness before the pandemic hit, these past 18 months have widened the gap between thriving and just getting by,” says Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO, United Way Elgin Middlesex. “Others are experiencing challenges for the first time—job loss and precarious work, the deep impact of virtual learning on kids’ mental health, and the impact of many months of social isolation.”

“As we come out of this crisis, we need to make sure no one is left behind,” Ziegner continues.

The highlight of the week-long online event was a special presentation hosted by Pure Country Radio’s Dave and Rachel. They were joined by Penny Wise, President, 3M Canada, and United Way 2021 Campaign Chair, Lindsay Rice, Executive Director, YWCA Elgin-St. Thomas and Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO, United Way Elgin Middlesex as they discussed the launch of the United Way 2021 Campaign and the need in our community as we drive toward a recovery that includes everyone.

Ticket purchases from the event are also providing funding to additional programs through the United Way Community Fund at local agencies operating in our region like LUSO Community Services, Anova and Meals on Wheels in London, Inn Out of the Cold in St. Thomas and Women’s Rural Resource Centre in Strathroy. See the full list of the programs and services United Way funds.

All meals were purchased from locally owned and operated businesses and delivered safely through United Way’s partner agencies working in the community. Participating businesses include local favourites: Catering by James Meadows, Bifana Boys, Big Daddy Bacon, Big Fat Food Truck and Roy’s Family Restaurant.

There is still time to buy a ticket and pay it forward! Get yours now until October 1st!

Buy a meal now