United for community

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – United Way Campaign Season!

Our dedicated team of United Way staff and volunteers have been so busy over the past few weeks with events like the 3M Harvest Lunch and workplace giving campaigns throughout our region!

In both St. Thomas and London editions of 3M Harvest Lunch, I had chance to say hello to hundreds and hundreds of familiar faces – and lots of new ones. You may be able to spot some people you know in this photo gallery. Thanks to the support of everyone who attended Harvest Lunch, we were able to provide over 3,000 meals to neighbours in need through donations to the London Food Coalition and St. Thomas Elgin Second Stage Housing.

Watch how the London Food Coalition is saving thousands of pounds of food from being wasted while improving the offerings available to families accessing local food banks in this short video.

Learn how Natalie and others are helping women start new lives after leaving abusive relationships in this short video about St Thomas Elgin Second Stage Housing.

Agencies like Second Stage Housing are struggling to keep up with the demand for their services. That’s why United Way Elgin Middlesex joined 23 other United Ways across Ontario in calling on the provincial government to do more to alleviate intimate partner violence. Learn more on our Advocacy in Action page.

At our “United for Strategic Impact” event, I had the privilege of leading a panel discussion with members of Street Level Women at Risk (SLWAR), a program that helps women experiencing homelessness and often engaged in survival sex work. By collaborating with partners like the London Police Service, the program has had tremendous success. Hear why Melissa from SLWAR “never, ever wants to quit” helping women find a path off the streets and into long-term housing in this short video.

Events like these remind us just how many people (like you) share our goal of building a better community – for everyone.

With gratitude,

Kelly Ziegner
President & CEO, United Way Elgin Middlesex

Don’t forget — TD Stair Climb is coming up fast! It’s not too late to register or to pledge a friend!

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