Dakota Halfpenny, Author at United Way Elgin Middlesex

Humans of United Way – Mario’s story

by Dakota Halfpenny on January 16, 2023 Comments Off

The first time I came to The London Coffee House was about seven or eight years ago. I lived with somebody who was really moody and he was having a bad day. And I thought, ‘well, the Coffee House has moved down to Hamilton Road and I hear they’re having chili.’ So, I came by walked past it two or three times, then I ran into Krista who works here. She said, ‘oh, we still have some,’ and she bought me a bowl of chili and we talked. Pretty soon, the Coffee House became like a second home to me.

I used to work as a chef at a restaurant. At the time, I was losing my sight bit by bit because of glaucoma and then they said it wasn’t safe for me to do that anymore. I went from being a chef to being a nobody.

Losing my sight was difficult. But the hardest part for me was adjusting. I was struggling and I felt like giving up. I’ve had people knock the cane out of my hand, I’ve had people push me, bump me. For a long time, I honestly started to feel like people really didn’t have any caring in them.

I was told a lot that I couldn’t do things anymore because of my sight. Once I started coming here, I was told anything’s possible – and I believe that. Because of this organization, I am a somebody. The staff talks to us and makes us feel we’re safe. There’s no one who’s going to hurt me. Coming to Coffee House made me realize there are people who care. When I was struggling and felt like giving up, they were the inspiration to keep me going. They’ve been there for me in so many ways. I love them all and, honestly, I’d give my heart for them.

Donate now

United Way Elgin Middlesex supports 41 local agencies that reduce and prevent poverty, address basic needs, and provide housing stability and homelessness prevention.

If you or someone you know is looking for basic-needs supports in your area, contact @211Ontario to be connected with local resources that can help.

$3M in federal grants available for local pandemic recovery

by Dakota Halfpenny on January 10, 2023 Comments Off

United Way Elgin Middlesex and London Community Foundation to shepherd granting process

January 10. 2023 – Local charities, non-profits and Indigenous governing bodies are invited to apply immediately for approximately $3 million in federal grants to help them adapt, modernize and better support pandemic recovery among people they serve.

United Way Elgin Middlesex, London Community Foundation and the Canadian Red Cross have been selected as trusted partners with the federal government in shepherding organizations through the application and granting process for the local share of the $400-million federal Community Services Recovery Fund.

United Way Elgin Middlesex will distribute approximately $1.75 million to help eligible applicants adapt programs for current or emerging needs in London and in Elgin and Middlesex counties, while London Community Foundation will distribute about $1.25 million for organizations’ infrastructure needs.

Since the early phases of the pandemic, charities, non-profits and Indigenous governing bodies have struggled with increased demand for their services. In addition, many are experiencing reduced revenues, declines in charitable giving due to the rising cost of living, and a greater need to make use of digital tools as part of adapting and modernizing their operations.

Funding from the Community Services Recovery Fund will enable charities, non-profits and Indigenous governing bodies in London, Elgin and Middlesex counties and in local First Nations communities to invest in people, systems and processes, and redesigned programs and services that:

adapt how they deliver services to support the needs of their staff and volunteers;
buy equipment such as computers and software;
create new ways of working, such as developing new fundraising approaches;
provide support for staff and volunteers, such as staff training, supports for mental health and wellbeing; and
develop plans to receive funding from diverse sources.

As a result of investments provided by the Community Services Recovery Fund, charities, non-profits and Indigenous governing bodies will be better equipped to improve the efficacy, accessibility and sustainability of the services they provide.

The open call for applications launched on January 6, 2023 with an announcement from Karina Gould, federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Applications close on February 21, 2023. Funded projects begin on May 1, 2023.

For more information, visit https://unitedwayem.ca/csrf/, www.lcf.on.ca/csrf or www.communityservicesrecoveryfund.ca

“This region has experienced tremendous change in the past three years as agencies grapple with increasingly complex community needs and, at the same time, struggle to find the resources to adapt and modernize their services. This Community Services Recovery Fund will help non-profits and charitable organizations serve people better. United Way Elgin Middlesex is proud to work alongside London Community Foundation and their peers in Aylmer and Elgin-St. Thomas to shepherd this investment – and to help this entire community emerge from the pandemic stronger than we were.”

” Kelly Ziegner, president and CEO of United Way Elgin Middlesex

“Charities and non-profits are at the forefront of addressing communities’ needs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many of them are struggling to recover and adapt their services to the changing needs in the City of London, County of Middlesex, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Oneida Nation of the Thames and Munsee-Delaware Nation region. The Community Services Recovery Fund will give organizations the support they need to serve these communities.”

Lori Runciman, director of grants, London Community Foundation

“The Government is supporting the long-term COVID-19 pandemic recovery in communities across Canada through this historic fund. This transformational investment with the National Funders supports a more inclusive model of economic growth that creates opportunities at the community level. The Community Services Recovery Fund will strengthen the ability of community service organizations, including charities, non-profits and Indigenous governing bodies, to deliver services and resources where they will have the most impact.”

Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

To arrange interviews with Kelly Ziegner, president and CEO of United Way Elgin Middlesex, contact Debora Van Brenk, United Way communications officer, at dvanbrenk@unitedwayem.ca or 519-318-0657

To arrange interviews with Lori Runciman, director of grants, London Community Foundation, contact Vanessa Dolishny, London Community Foundation director of communications, at vanessa@lcf.ca or 519-667-1600 x 107

3 millions de dollars en subventions du gouvernement fédéral disponibles pour la relance locale après la pandémie :

United Way Elgin Middlesex et la London Community Foundation dirigeront le processus d’attribution des subventions

Le 10 janvier 2023 – Les organismes de bienfaisance, les corps dirigeants autochtones et les organismes sans but lucratif locaux sont invités à présenter immédiatement une demande dans le cadre des subventions du gouvernement fédéral totalisant environ 3 millions de dollars visant à les aider à s’adapter et à se moderniser afin de mieux pouvoir soutenir la relance après la pandémie chez les personnes qu’ils aident.

United Way Elgin Middlesex, la London Community Foundation et la Croix-Rouge canadienne ont été choisis comme partenaires de confiance du gouvernement fédéral pour guider les organisations dans le processus de demande et d’octroi de la part locale des 400 millions de dollars du Fonds de relance des services communautaires.

United Way Elgin Middlesex distribuera environ 1,75 million de dollars pour aider les demandeurs admissibles à adapter leurs programmes aux besoins actuels ou émergents à London et dans les comtés d’Elgin et de Middlesex, tandis que la London Community Foundation distribuera environ 1,25 million de dollars pour les besoins en infrastructure des organisations.

Depuis le début de la pandémie, les organismes de bienfaisance, les corps dirigeants autochtones et les organismes sans but lucratif sont confrontés à une demande accrue de leurs services, à une réduction de leurs revenus, à une diminution des dons de charité en raison de l’augmentation du coût de la vie, et à un besoin accru d’utiliser des outils numériques pour adapter et moderniser leurs activités.

Le financement provenant du Fonds de relance des services communautaires permettra aux organismes de bienfaisance et sans but lucratif ainsi qu’aux corps dirigeants autochtones des comtés de London, d’Elgin et de Middlesex, ainsi qu’aux communautés locales des Premières Nations d’investir dans les personnes, les systèmes et les processus, ainsi que dans les programmes et services repensés qui visent à :

adapter leur mode de prestation des services pour répondre aux besoins du personnel et des bénévoles;
acheter du matériel, comme des ordinateurs et des logiciels;
créer de nouvelles façons de travailler, comme de nouvelles approches de collecte de fonds;
offrir un soutien au personnel et aux bénévoles, par exemple de la formation, des mesures de soutien en santé mentale et des mesures favorisant le bien-être;
élaborer des plans en vue de recevoir du financement de diverses sources.

Grâce aux fonds fournis par le Fonds de relance des services communautaires, les organismes de bienfaisance et sans but lucratif ainsi que les corps dirigeants autochtones seront mieux outillés pour améliorer l’efficacité, l’accessibilité et la durabilité des services communautaires qu’ils fournissent.

L’appel de candidatures ouvert a été lancé le 6 janvier 2023 avec une annonce de Karina Gould, ministre fédérale de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social. La date limite pour présenter une candidature est le 21 février 2023. Les projets financés commenceront le 1^er mai 2023.

Pour en savoir davantage, visitez https://unitedwayem.ca/csrf/, www.lcf.on.ca/csrf ou www.communityservicesrecoveryfund.ca.

« Cette région a connu d’énormes changements au cours des trois dernières années, alors que les organismes doivent composer avec des besoins communautaires de plus en plus complexes tout en ayant de la difficulté à trouver les ressources nécessaires pour adapter et moderniser leurs services. Le Fonds de relance des services communautaires aidera les organismes sans but lucratif et les organisations caritatives à mieux servir les gens. United Way Elgin Middlesex est fier de travailler aux côtés de la London Community Foundation et de ses pairs d’Aylmer et d’Elgin-St. Thomas pour diriger cet investissement et aider toute cette collectivité à sortir de la pandémie plus forte qu’elle était auparavant. »

Kelly Ziegner, présidente et directrice générale de United Way Elgin Middlesex.

« Les organismes de bienfaisance et sans but lucratif sont en première ligne pour répondre aux besoins des communautés, en particulier pendant la pandémie de COVID-19. Cependant, bon nombre d’entre eux ont de la difficulté à se relever et à adapter leurs services aux besoins changeants de la population de la ville de London, du comté de Middlesex, de la Première Nation des Chippewas de la Thames, de la Nation Oneida de la Thames et de la région de la Nation Munsee-Delaware. Le Fonds de relance des services communautaires fournira aux organismes le soutien dont ils ont besoin pour servir ces communautés. »

Lori Runciman, directrice des subventions, London Community Foundation

« Grâce à ce fonds historique, le gouvernement soutient la relance à long terme dans les collectivités de tout le Canada à la suite de la pandémie de COVID-19. Cet investissement transformateur concrétisé en collaboration avec les financeurs nationaux appuie un modèle de croissance économique plus inclusif qui crée des possibilités à l’échelle communautaire. Le Fonds de relance des services communautaires renforcera la capacité des organismes de services communautaires, y compris les organismes de bienfaisance, les organismes sans but lucratif et les corps dirigeants autochtones, à offrir des services et des ressources là où ils auront le plus de répercussions positives. »

La ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social, Karina Gould

Pour interviewer Kelly Ziegner, présidente et directrice générale de United Way Elgin Middlesex, contactez Debora Van Brenk, chargée de communication; dvanbrenk@unitedwayem.ca ou 519-318-0657

Pour interviewer Lori Runciman, directrice des subventions de London Community Foundation, contactez Vanessa Dolishny, directrice de la communication: vanessa@lcf.ca ou 519-667-1600 x 107

Retain, expand affordable housing options, United Ways advocate

by Dakota Halfpenny on December 14, 2022 Comments Off

Ontario United Ways call on Ontario government to keep existing affordable rentals, while expanding options for more units.

United Ways across Ontario are cautioning the provincial government that that the More Homes Built Faster Act 2022 could unintentionally magnify housing shortages and unaffordability.

And they’re advocating that the province take steps to ensure existing rental spaces be preserved and renewed.

The legislation was introduced to increase affordable housing in Ontario by giving municipalities added authority over demolition and conversion of private rental units.

But it may have the unintended opposite impact, says a written submission jointly made to the province by United Ways across Ontario and Tower Renewal Partnership and Neighbourhood Change Research Partnership.

“Older apartment buildings offering relatively affordable rents would be prime candidates for demolition and redevelopment, potentially deepening the affordability crisis by displacing thousands of low-income Ontarians struggling to make ends meet,” says the submission.

“With no other affordable housing options, this change could result in immediate housing instability for thousands of renter households throughout Ontario. And with affordable housing options ever more out of reach for low-income families, broader social and systemic inequities—including poverty and discrimination—are re-enforced and magnified,” the submission adds.

They recommend the province take further steps to preserve and renew existing affordable rental stock so that low-income Ontarians can remain safely and securely housed, including:

Consult with municipalities to develop regulations that ensure municipalities can continue to require replacement rental housing and support tenants.
Preserve Ontario’s affordable rental housing stock by supporting mechanisms that enable community-based non-profit organizations to acquire and preserve existing affordable rental stock.
Work with municipalities, community agencies, residents and building owners to explore opportunities to leverage development capacity of existing rental housing sites, including those that have capacity for new housing and mixed-use development by supporting mixed-use intensification.

“When London grapples with a 6,000-family waitlist for affordable public housing, and when local apartment vacancies are virtually zero for people experiencing poverty, it’s especially important to preserve the rental housing we do have.”

Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO, United Way Elgin Middlesex

“Housing affordability solutions require collaboration among all levels of government, the not-for-profit and corporate sectors, as well as meaningful consultation with persons with lived experience … We look forward to ongoing engagement and collaboration with the Province of Ontario to preserve and renew existing affordable rental stock so that all Ontarians are safely and securely housed,” the submission concludes.

As a non-partisan agency, United Way Elgin Middlesex works with all governments to address poverty, provide basic needs and work towards housing stability for all, noted president and CEO Kelly Ziegner.

“We’re advocates, connectors and funders – and every day, we see the impact housing unaffordability has on people who struggle the most,” Ziegner said.

“When London grapples with a 6,000-family waitlist for affordable public housing, and when local apartment vacancies are virtually zero for people experiencing poverty, it’s especially important to preserve the rental housing we do have,” Ziegner said.

“We’re asking the Premier to build safeguards into the More Homes Built Faster Act 2022 that keep existing affordable housing options today, while creating additional new affordable housing options for the future.”

The submission to the province notes that secure housing is a social determinant of individual and population health, while preventing additional strain on other systems including health care and the economy. “There is economic value in keeping people housed – we know that for every $10 invested in housing and related housing supports there is a cost savings of up to $20 within healthcare, justice, shelter and social assistance,” the submission notes.

“The government’s demonstrated support for working class, low-income residents during the pandemic would be significantly undermined by legislation that removes those fundamental protections Ontarians will depend on in the current economic challenges,” it concludes.

Kadeen Mowatt, 3M Canada 2022 Sponsored Employee

In the News: Inspired to improve lives: my first-hand experience with the United Way

by Dakota Halfpenny on November 29, 2022 Comments Off

Photo courtesy of the 3M Canada website.

“We’re all facing inflationary pressures, but when you’re living with poverty or low income, there’s more month than money for far too many families and individuals in our community. That means they are faced with impossible choices: do I pay my rent, or do I buy groceries? do I buy school supplies for my kids, or do I pay the hydro bill?”

KELLY ZIEGNER
PRESIDENT & CEO
UNITED WAY ELGIN MIDDLESEX

Kadeen Mowatt shares her United Way story in a 3M Canada blog and calls being a sponsored employee ‘an eye-opening experience, and one that has brought me into closer connection with my community.

To learn more about Kadeen’s story and her journey with us the last 4 months, visit the 3M Canada website.

Tanya, London Cares United Way program participant

Humans of United Way – Tanya’s story

by Dakota Halfpenny on November 21, 2022 Comments Off

“I moved to London in 2016 and we couldn’t find a place to rent. It was hard, really hard. I was homeless for two years and lived in shelters. After a while, I put most of my important stuff in a locker so I didn’t have to carry a bunch of stuff when I went to see landlords. Then I talked to people at London Cares and they helped with bus tickets to go to viewings and coached me for interviews with landlords. They helped me find a clean and affordable apartment and I love it.

“When I found a home, I was able to start looking for a job. I had no experience and so my worker at London Cares was really helpful preparing me for a job. I did volunteer work at first, trying to build up my resume. In my job interview, they said, ‘Are you okay?’ and I told her, ‘It’s my first interview ever in my whole life,’ and she said, ‘You don’t have to be nervous, you’re okay.’ Then at 4 a.m., I checked my email and I got the job!

“London Cares still helps me when I need it. They help me with eyeglasses. They help me with the dentist. When I need someone to talk to, I can talk to them about anything. It feels great to have someone have my back.

“So now I have a job and a home and I love it. It’s important to have a home because a home is having your own safe place. I can hang out with my brother and we can have guests here. His friends come over, my friends come over and we make dinner together. I have a better home than before. I can have my cat at my apartment – I rescued her at my old place because she was really skinny – so she has a better home, too.”

Donate now

United Way Elgin Middlesex supports 41 local agencies that reduce and prevent poverty, address basic needs, and provide housing stability and homelessness prevention.

If you or someone you know is looking for housing supports in your area, contact @211Ontario to be connected with local resources that can help.

Love for Dinner, by Andrés Garzon Colombian-born London artist

Wishing you a #Reunited holiday

by Dakota Halfpenny on November 20, 2022 Comments Off

The #LoveLove Letter, United Way Elgin Middlesex

local news with impact

Love for Dinner art by Andrés Garzon shows two people holding hands around a table laden with food and fresh flowers and candles, all on a blue background with yellow stars.

Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO United Way Elgin Middlesex

One of life’s greatest joys is being part of an authentic and welcoming community.

Holiday traditions, at their best, are like that too.

They’re about strengthening ties with family and friends; preparing and sharing food together; and finding common ground even in our differences.

That’s one reason I find such joy in this sparkling new artwork by Colombian-born London artist Andrés Garzon.

When we commissioned Andrés to create the art to accompany this year’s annual holiday card, we asked him to reflect on United Way’s 2022 campaign theme of being ReUnited in community and local love.

We hope you’ll agree that Love for Dinner is a strikingly beautiful interpretation.

“Community means to be accepted, to be supported and celebrated,” said Andrés, a resident artist at Good Sport Gallery & Studio in London.

His coloured-pencil-on-paper artwork celebrates the holidays in the intimate setting of a dinner still life and pays homage to the countless meals shared with family during the winter season. Bright colours, fresh flowers, candles and hands held in unison honour the quiet moment of gratitude before sharing a bountiful feast with those we love.

(You can watch this video to hear more of the story behind his art.)

Family, history, love, identity and queerness are recurring themes in the visual and written art Andrés creates.

In Love for Dinner, Andrés recalls and looks forward to milestone moments that reinforce what it means to be united and reunited … around a common table, with the most important people in his life.

“My family means everything to me. We’ve always had each other’s back,” he says. “Even when I dream about home, it’s always about the family house I grew up in. It’s more than nostalgia, more like knowing you belong.”

I love that phrase: knowing you belong.

At United Way Elgin Middlesex, we aim to create a community where everyone matters, everyone belongs.

As we close out 2022, I want to thank you for working with us towards that same goal. I am grateful we stand together in community and am encouraged, always, by the good we can do together when we are ReUnited in a common purpose.

On behalf of my colleagues at United Way, I wish you and those you love a joyful holiday season – and a new year filled with good.

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From the Artist –– This holiday edition of the #LocalLove Letter gave us an opportunity to partner with London artist Andrés Garzon. Learn more from Andrés about his his family traditions and his artistic vision for Love for Dinner.

211 is here for you –– 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.

ReUnited in Solidarity and Local Love

by Dakota Halfpenny on November 15, 2022 Comments Off

Every year United Way Elgin Middlesex, in partnership with Labour United, recognizes local labour community activists who go above and beyond to make sure everyone in this region has a fair shot at their best life.

In a year that has tested our capacity to connect meaningfully with our neighbours, these dedicated folks have stepped up. They have helped us hear and elevate the stories of need and of hope in our community. They have mobilized their friends and co-workers to make a difference.

We want to celebrate these labour members who inspired us to be ReUnited this year. People who not only understand that we all need help sometimes but who also motivate us to recognize that we all can give help sometimes too.

Nominate someone now!

We invite you to nominate your members, your co-workers and your friends who have helped bring us together in a common purpose to do good in the community.

The nomination deadline is December 15, 2022. Winners will be celebrated at our Labour Appreciation event on January 26, 2023.

Nomination Guidelines:

Nominees must be a member in good standing of a Union or Association
Be sure to include those individuals who are our grassroots heroes and provide as much detail as possible to help the committee select the winners
All winners will be honoured in person at the Labour Appreciation Awards Night.
There will also be a special Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing a longtime committed activist
The Labour United Committee will select and recognize:
- - Labour Appreciation Award Honourees
  - ChangeMaker, group or team Honouree
  - Partnering with a Purpose a collaboration between teams or organizations
  - Jim MacKinnon Community Builder Honouree
  - All nomination criteria here

Nominate your colleagues today.

Nominate someone now!

Roxanne Riddell, United Way staff awarded Fanshawe honorary diploma

United Way’s Roxanne Riddell awarded Fanshawe honorary diploma

by Dakota Halfpenny on November 9, 2022 Comments Off

Roxanne Riddell has made a career of serving and strengthening the community.

And on Tuesday, her passion for community-building took centre stage as Riddell, who is interim director of community impact at United Way Elgin Middlesex, received an honorary diploma from Fanshawe College during the school’s fall graduation ceremonies.

Calling the honour both surprising and humbling, Riddell addressed new graduates with words of congratulations and challenge.

She urged graduates to make a personal commitment to their community.

“Engage with it. Broaden your vision. Use your voice, even if you’re scared speechless,” Riddell said.

“Make enriching the lives of others an integral part of enriching your own.”

Nominated by Fanshawe’s board of governors, honorary diploma recipients “must have a unique and outstanding impact at local, provincial, national or global levels,” Sandra Fieber, dean of Fanshawe’s School of Community Studies, said in her introduction.

Fieber noted Riddell has deep ties to the region, with extensive experience in fundraising and community development in the charitable and not-for-profit sector.

Prior to joining the United Way team in 2013, Riddell served as a Senior Development Officer for St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, the Client Services Manager for Tim Horton Children’s Foundation, Regional Director of Katimavik BC/Yukon, and as Camping and Outdoor Centre Manager for YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island and YMCA Western Ontario.

She is actively involved in several committees including the Child & Youth Network (CYN London) and the Elgin-St Thomas Coalition to End Poverty; is a member of Central Council of the London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership Project; and served as the Project Manager of London For All – A Roadmap to End Poverty for the City of London.

Riddell is a graduate of Fanshawe College and has Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees from Lakehead University and University of British Columbia.

Hundreds step up for TD StairClimb: The Remake

by Dakota Halfpenny on November 4, 2022 Comments Off

Enthusiastic walkers, wheelers and steppers wound their way through Budweiser Gardens on Nov. 3 in a high-energy show of support for United Way Elgin Middlesex.

TD StairClimb, United Way’s largest community fundraising and team-building event, featured more than 100 workplace and school teams.

With this movie-themed remake of a perennial favourite, many dressed as their favourite film characters – from Darth Vader to minions, Marvel superheroes, 101 Dalmatians and at least four Jurassic Park dinosaurs.

It was the 26th year for TD StairClimb, an in-person return after two years as a virtual event and the first time at Bud Gardens.

The new venue provided participants with more steps and more opportunities to reconnect safely with colleagues, friends and classmates. 

Helping, step by step

Event day was packed full, with an activity zone, photo booths, refreshments and more movie props than a Hollywood soundstage.

A seemingly indefatigable crew from FitClub BootCamps, aided by Fanshawe College students, led warm-ups before teams walked, and sometimes ran, a 480-stair circuit through Bud Gardens. Other participants used the rink-side walking and wheeling track.

“Step by step, and with the community’s generosity, we are all helping neighbours in need,” said United Way President and CEO Kelly Ziegner, whose team’s theme was inspired by the 1997 hit, Men in Black.

“This is a lot of fun, with a serious purpose,” Ziegner said. “If we’re going to achieve a common goal of improving lives locally, we need to work together, give together – and yes, laugh and play together too.”

Participants and supporters pledged donations for the event, which, across its 26 years, has cumulatively raised about $3 million for local social programs so far.

As of event day, the top fundraising teams included TD Canada Trust, Western University, 3M Canada and Canada Life. Voyago, in its first time participating as a workplace team, cracked the top-five list of fundraisers.

People can still add to their StairClimb pledges in person at 409 King St. London, until Nov. 10 or online until on end of day November 11.

This year’s fundraising totals should be available later this month.

TD Canada Trust, presenting sponsor of the event, signed 30 teams into the day and topped the leaderboard.

The long-time sponsorship and participation by everyone at every branch and office are part of TD’s commitment to community, connection and customers, said TD District Vice President Keri Kowalski, who also joined in the StairClimb.

As has been a perennial tradition, several busloads of high-school students also added their enthusiastic participation.

The entire school at A.B. Lucas Secondary, part of the Thames Valley District School Board, has contributed to lunch-time charity bingo and three-on-three basketball to raise money for United Way, said teacher Jake Menhinick.

And on Thursday, 40 Lucas students and teachers joined StairClimb to add to the school’s cumulative donation this year of about $5.000.

“United Way has a big presence at Lucas,” Menhinick said. “United Way has showed students how important it is to help the community and help each other.”

The annual StairClimb and other campaign events help United Way Elgin Middlesex support 52 essential programs and seven pilot projects at 41 local agencies – each focused on reducing and preventing poverty and promoting social and economic inclusion for all.

#ReUniting the community

This year’s campaign theme of a community #ReUnited places a spotlight on the important of reconnecting after more than two years apart.

It also highlights how everyone has the potential to need help sometimes, and everyone has the potential to give help too.

All money raised through United Way Elgin Middlesex stays 100% local.

See all photos from the event now!

United Way Elgin Middlesex is especially grateful for the support and generosity of TD StairClimb sponsors: presenting sponsor TD Canada Trust; event sponsors Royal Fence Ltd. JAS Mortgages, Simalam, LiUNA Local 1059, Collins Clothiers; media sponsors Country 104, FM96, Fresh 103.1 and 980 CFPL of Corus Radio; and in-kind sponsors Budweiser Gardens, City of London and FitClub Bootcamps.

Star-studded TD StairClimb takes place Nov. 3

by Dakota Halfpenny on October 29, 2022 Comments Off

A star-studded cast of teams has signed up to step up for an in-person remake of a perennial classic: the TD StairClimb for United Way Elgin Middlesex.

Scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3, the fundraiser will take place at Budweiser Gardens for the first time. It’s not too late to register and gather pledges, either as part of a team or as an individual.

Participants will have the opportunity to be the stars of this movie-themed event, complete with popcorn, costumes and film décor throughout London’s premier entertainment facility.

The new venue provides participants with more steps, more fun and more opportunities to reconnect safely with colleagues, friends and classmates.

Register now

More steps, more fun

In this fully accessible venue, participants can climb the 480 stairs of Budweiser Gardens (One London Place, by comparison, was a climb of 472 steps). Or, they can walk or wheel their way around the rink at ice level.

One-way directional routes and signage will ensure safe physical distancing.

Event day will be packed full, with an activity zone, photo booths and more movie props than a Hollywood soundstage.

Warm-ups will be led by the energetic crew of FitClub BootCamps.

The minimum $25 registration fee also includes swag bags, refreshments and snacks.

Team-builder with a purpose

This is the 26th year for StairClimb, and a return in-person after two years as a virtual event.

Each year, teams challenge themselves and each other to raise pledges and wear costumes reflecting the theme of the day.

TD StairClimb is an ideal team-builder with a purpose: a perennially fun fundraiser that supports United Way’s goal to support programs and services that help give everyone a fair shot at a good life.

More than 2,000 people – including dozens of workplace and high-school teams – have participated in previous years and have collectively raised more than $3 million.

#ReUniting the community

The annual TD StairClimb and other campaign events help United Way Elgin Middlesex support 52 essential programs and seven pilot projects at 41 local agencies – each focused on reducing and preventing poverty and promoting social and economic inclusion for all.

This year’s campaign theme of a community #ReUnited places a spotlight on the important of reconnecting after more than two years apart.

It also highlights how everyone has the potential to need help sometimes, and everyone has the potential to give help too.

All money raised through United Way Elgin Middlesex stays 100% local.

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TD StairClimb now!

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