Presented by:
ChangeMakers are people who step up to make a difference. Through their energy, passion and commitment, they set an example. Each of them has found a way to help improve our community.
Congratulations to all of this year’s ChangeMakers!
Thank you
Thanks to Presenting Sponsor Scotiabank, we are able to recognize the many hard-working Champions all over our community who are making a true difference for those who need it most.
“Through ScotiaRISE, Scotiabank is pleased to support The United Way. This partnership reflects our shared dedication to building more inclusive, sustainable communities where everyone has the chance to thrive. The Changemaker Awards celebrate individuals and organizations driving meaningful progress, showcasing the transformative power of collaboration. Together, we are empowering lives and driving lasting change.”
Victor Zamin
District Vice President Scotiabank
Meet this year’s United Way ChangeMakers
Lifetime Achievement
Larry Myny, CIBC Wood Gundy
From leading our Campaign Cabinet in the 1990s to rallying colleagues at last year’s Harvest lunch, Larry Myny has been a staunch supporter of United Way for decades. Larry leads by example, and has been a great ambassador for not only the work of United Way, but for the ethic of getting involved and giving back.
Although he is best known as a business leader, Larry is a generous mentor, and an active community builder. In addition to United Way, Larry has lent his support to many other organizations including Youth Opportunities Unlimited and Junior Achievement. Larry also sponsors the Industry Mentorship Program at Fanshawe College that now bears his name.
We are grateful for the multitude of ways in which Larry continues to contribute to our local community.
Innovator Award
Sifton Properties Limited
Sifton Properties was truly able to “think outside the box” in 2024. A longtime supporter of UW, this year they completely revised the way Sifton runs their campaign and expanded beyond their staff to include tenants and residents. Their philanthropy committee is made up of go–getters who were excited and willing to put in the work. Having senior management support allowed all divisions of Sifton to feel motivated and engaged.
ChangeMaker Award
Beata Suska, Changing Ways
Beata has been with Changing Ways for almost 3 decades. She is the first face clients see when they come to the agency and the first person they speak to when they call. She is also their United Way Ambassador and takes great pride in the role. Beata is an anchor in the Changing Ways organization, and we are honoured to recognize all these years of incredibly impactful work.
ChangeMaker Award
Khalid Alkhatib, London Cares Homeless Response Services
Khalid, as a security guard at London Cares, builds relationships and trust with those experiencing homelessness. Kal gets to know individuals – what they need, what resources they are missing in their life, what their story is – and Kal is often there rooting for the individuals through their journey out of homelessness. Kal’s calm and welcoming presence allows individuals to access commons spaces judgment free.
ChangeMaker Award
Tina Swaenepoel, Ignite Youth Centre
Tina is dedicated to the overall success of the Ignite Youth Centre. In addition to organizing volunteers, Tina also volunteers herself on a regular basis. Tina sources out free supplies and donations to support Ignite’s operations. Tina is responsible for building maintenance but regularly goes above and beyond, working after hours using her own time and tools for any repairs that are needed.
ChangeMaker Award
Terrell King, Atlohsa Family Healing Services
Terrell, also known by his Anishnaabe name Biidaaban, is a youth and cultural worker within Atlohsa and a young leader in our community. The word “biidaaban” roughly translates to “the morning dawn,” and refers to that first light of the new day. Terrell embodies the spirit of this name as a young person picking up his Anishnaabe culture and responsibility to share with the young people he works with. Terrell has also volunteered with Dreamcatchers Basketball, mentoring BIPOC youth through sport and community. Terrell is a young leader who will continue to share his gifts for the betterment of community.
ChangeMaker Award
Lawyers Leadership Challenge
We’re proud to recognize the Lawyers’ Leadership Challenge this year, to mark their 10th Anniversary. Through this long-standing initiative, legal professionals across the region have united in friendly competition to raise funds and awareness for critical local issues, from poverty to homelessness. The LLC Chair and Champion’s efforts go beyond financial contributions—they lead by example, demonstrating how a sector can mobilize its influence, networks, and resources to create real, lasting impact.
Rookie of the Year
Ryan Cadden, EPCOR Utilities
2024 was Ryan’s first campaign as a Champion, helping to run the campaign for EPCOR. He did such fantastic job coordinating and facilitating events, including the annual EPCOR Community BBQ. Ryan is dedicated and passionate about promoting UW within the workplace and across the community for a higher reach of impact.
DoGooder Award,
Doug Carter, StarTech.com
Doug was so passionate in wanting to make a difference with the 2024 campaign. Doug helped plan and execute StarTech.com’s workplace campaign, was active on UW’s Campaign Cabinet including development opportunities. Doug is a great communicator, proactive, and always willing to help.
DoGooder Award,
Sabrina Langill, City of London
Sabrina has been an integral part of their workplace campaign for years, and 2024 was no different. Her understanding of the City and unwavering dedication make her an incredibly valued contributor. We are grateful to Sabrina for her work ethic, dry sense of humour, and her deep organizational awareness and resourcefulness.
Outstanding Campaign Team – Small
John Howard Society of London and District
The JHS team led an outstanding campaign in 2024, resulting in 100% participation rate from their staff. This included big increases in their employee giving rate and total campaign funds raised. Led by Kelly Reiter and Courtney Coqu, the team worked hard to come up with personalized fundraising ideas that worked well for their agency.
Outstanding Campaign Team – Medium
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
This year’s team carried out their largest ever fundraising campaign, growing their total funds raised and their number of leadership donors. We are grateful to WSIB for their commitment to building a better community!
Outstanding Campaign Team – Large
Fanshawe College
Fanshawe College has been involved with UW for more 30 years and blew us away with their hard work and dedication again this year. Led by Campaign Co-Chairs Jeff Miles and Darleen O’Neill, the Fanshawe Committee worked diligently to plan events and promote the UW campaign, and came up with creative ways to fundraise successfully. Their campaign raised over $100,000 this year!
2024 Workplace Champion – Small
Barb McAllister, Entegrus Powerlines Inc
Barb was heavily involved in promoting UW at Entegrus Powerlines this year. She planned multiple fundraisers in the workplace, increasing special event contributions by nearly 35% and overall campaign donations by over 13%.
2024 Workplace Champion – Medium
Meghan Mills, Buckland
Meghan was dedicated to engaging the Buckland Campaign Committee. She planned events and spread the UW message across Buckland workforce. This led to a 3.63% increased in total campaign contributions.
2024 Workplace Champion – Large
Kimarie Harris, McCormick Canada
Kimarie once again led McCormick to an outstanding UW campaign in 2024. She is a great leader and shows her dedication to UW’s mission through her commitment to committee work employee engagement.