Western and United Way raise record funds for local agencies
Thanks and congratulations to all members of our campus community who contributed to this year’s United Way campaign, helping Western exceed our goal of $400,000 by raising a total of $430,620.
This amount exceeds last year’s total by $55,000, which speaks to the generosity of our faculty, staff, retirees and students, and their desire to ensure United Way supported agencies continue to serve those in need.
It should also be noted that Western led the way with 150 Leadership donors (those who give $1,000 or more), an increase of 48 per cent over last year. This is also the second year in a row that our campus community has given more than any other business or organization in London and Middlesex.
I extend special thanks to our campaign co-chairs Gary Blazak (Director of Alumni Relations) and Elizabeth Skarakis-Doyle (Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences) who led the 2005 fundraising drive with the support of a committee including Former Dean of Dentistry and Western Retiree Dr. Wes Dunn (Retiree Chair) and USC Charity Commissioner Ashley White. Thanks also to Colleen Thody of Western’s Advancement Services team, who served the United Way for more than three months during the Campaign as part of the Sponsored Employee program.
Western's contribution to the London and Middlesex campaign, which I was honoured to serve as Chair this year, ultimately helped the United Way raise a record $6.57 million for local social service agencies.
It wasn’t until I became involved as the Campaign Chair that I experienced how truly dedicated this community is to United Way and the people it helps. It also provided me an opportunity to meet many exceptional people who work in the social agencies supported by the United Way, and witness first hand the vital services they provide.
I also learned that the United Way is about building community. It was especially rewarding to watch how the Campaign brought together management and labour, the public and private sectors, education and health care, small businesses, large corporations and individual donors, all united for one important cause.
Finally, I wish to extend a very sincere thank-you to all members of the Campaign Cabinet, whose leadership and varied contributions enabled us to surpass this year's goal. Our cabinet team included:
Jim MacKinnon, Campaign Vice-Chair Labour
Local 1059
Labourers' International Union
Bill Bryce
Director of Education
Thames Valley District School Board
Helen Connell
Executive Director
United Way of London & Middlesex
Vic Cote
General Manager, Finance and Corporate Services/Administration
City of London
Jo Deslippe
Director, Resource Development
United Way of London & Middlesex
Keith Gibbons
President and CFO
McCormick Canada
Ian Hardgrove
President & General Manager
3M Canada
Ed Holder
President
Stevenson & Hunt Insurance Brokers Ltd.
Romeo Jackson
Compliance Verification Officer
Customs – Verification & Services
Canada Customs & Revenue Agency
Rick Jess
Director of Human Resources and Administration
General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada
Waltraud Knott
Psychometrist
President, OPSEU Local 112
Ministry of Community, Family and Children’s Services
Child & Parent Research Institute
Ron McRae
Vice President Finance and CFO
LHSC & St. Joseph’s Health Care London
Roger Moyer
Manager
Local Government, Municipal Services Office - Southwestern
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Margaret Nish
Executive Vice-President
Clinical Care & Academic Affairs
London Health Sciences Centre
Diana Poole
Assistant Director, Program Services
Canada Revenue Agency
Joe Rapai
Director of Education
London District Catholic School Board
Fred Rose
Solicitor
Siskinds, The Law Firm
Chirag Shah
Partner
Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP
Stan Szydlowski
C.A.W. Financial Officer
C.A.W. Local 1520
Cathy Urquhart
Executive Director
Big Sisters of London
Sharon Young-Kipp
Department Head – Physical and Health Education
London Central Secondary School
