United Way Oxford announces most successful campaign to date

During the 2024-25 United Way Oxford’s annual fundraising campaign, a record-setting $1,301,252 was raised. (Connor Luczka Photo)

Connor Luczka, Post Contributor

The annual United Way Oxford campaign surpassed all expectations this year.

On March 27, at the Sally Creek Adult Community Centre in Woodstock, the United Way announced that the community raised a record-breaking $1,301,252.

“Thank you all,” Kelly Gilson, executive director of the local United Way, said after a drumroll announcement. “I promise you, our volunteers and our team and our board will spend those dollars wisely and we will leverage and maximize each and every penny…So, thank you very much. See you next year.”

It wasn’t enough for everyone. To the shock of many in the room that evening, Ryan Westbrook of Toyota Motor Manufacturing announced a surprise $75,000 donation in support of the Ingersoll Light House, United Way’s second transitional home in the county.

“This wonderful place will have a huge impact and an incredible home to help its residents have a stable and positive environment to grow,” Westbrook said. “After supporting the Tillsonburg Light House and seeing the impact it had on residents of that community, we couldn't wait to help in Ingersoll.”

Additionally, two pillars of the organization were honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medals, a medal which recognizes notable Canadians who go above and beyond to make their community a better place.

Beth Taylor, a long-time community volunteer and retired educator with a 30-plus-year history with the United Way, and Gilson, who has steered the organization for 22 years and counting, tearfully accepted the awards that evening. Both of them took the time to encourage everyone in the room to do their part.

“I’m truly humbled by this award,” Taylor said. “Volunteering is the best job in the world. There is none better. You get to choose the time, you get to choose the job, you get to say no if you really don't want to do it, or if you want to go on vacation. You get to choose who you work with, and I've been able to work with some of the best people around. They're kind, compassionate, they're passionate of the work that they do and they're dedicated to working towards a better and stronger community and leaving the world in a better place.”

“It takes a village to raise a child,” Gilson said. “It takes a village to do what we do. None of us do it in isolation. We have a small but mighty team, but man, we work hard and we can achieve things that most other organizations our size surely cannot. And that ability to know that what we do matters – and it really is changing lives and it changes our community – I think that feeds each and every one of us each and every day.”

The annual Community Impact Award winners were also announced. They include:

• Community Commitment Award – Maglin Site Furniture

• Corporate Support and Engagement Award – Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada

• Joint Management and Labour Award – GM Cami Assembly & Unifor Local 88

• Outstanding Team Award – RBC

• Quantum Leap Award – Saputo

• Employee Campaign Champion Award – Sarah Tyson, South Ridge Public School

• Employee Campaign Champion Award – Julie Martens, St Patrick’s Catholic School

• Special Appreciation Award – Bonnie Buchanan

• Rising Star Award – Corteva Agriscience

• Local Love Award – Sierra Construction Group

• Game Changer Award – Dale Flynn Jr