United Way Supplies 4 Students campaign is underway

Amanda Kreiger to be new executive director as Kelly Gilson announces retirement

United Way Of Oxford is not resting this summer -- no feet up, no swinging in a hammock !
Just as one elementary school year ends, the United Way has already began its mission to assist students in September with affordability of Back-To-School supplies. The annual Supplies 4 Students campaign is underway now as coordinated by the focus of United Way. The goal is to assist 1,400 students with gift cards to be used at either Staples, Dollarama or Giant Tiger.
The website https://unitedwayoxford.ca/supplies4students/ indicates how the plan works as you can donate a sum in $50 increments to create a fund that will be distributed by the schools in September.
Oxford County Community Health Centre (OCCHC), Kiwanis in Ingersoll, Children's Aid Society, Operation Sharing and the Salvation Army are among the 8 additional groups also promoting this significant effort.

As of June 26

This is the 11th year for Supplies For Students by United Way Oxford. The format changed recently as previously each child enrolled in the program received a back pack filled with supplies, but now families can purchase specific needs from binders to pens to paper, etc.

The United Way continues to serve the county in many ways, including the 10th annual Day Of Caring earlier in June with 82 volunteers, and 11 projects and 9 locations. MW&Co Chartered Accountants (1321 Dundas) were the title sponsor.
United Way, which has its offices next to the Woodstock Public Library at 447 Hunter Street, will witness quite a transition in October when Amanda Kreiger becomes the new executive director.

Amanda Kreiger

The retirement of Kelly Gilson will create a gap that Kreiger will certainly quickly fill with their talented team, which includes Megan Porter as resource development coordinator and Lindsay Wilson as community impact manager.

Gilson joined the United Way back in 2003 and has been a shining community star for many years including previously with the Woodstock BIA. 
“Everything we do is really because of the generosity of the community, as well as the commitment of volunteers,” said Gilson in a Woodstock Sentinel-Review story. “My time in this role has shown me what a community can accomplish when people are inspired to help."

I too was inspired to help as a member of the original United Way Stair Climb committee -- an event where high school students walk the stairs at the Reeves Community Complex to raise dollars for the annual United Way campaign. Enthusiasm of youth has been key to that event over the years, especially since Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute has raised the most money just about every year proving once again the county-wide importance of the United Way.

As the years advance, the United Way of Oxford has seen many shifts including the establishment of transition-type homes in Tillsonburg first and later Ingersoll in a program called The Light House. OCCHC and United Way operate the Light House in Tillsonburg with a capacity for 7 residents. It was the United Way of Oxford which purchased the residence. The premise is to offer supports with a target for a resident to become more independent and be able to leave therefore after 364 days.

With Operation Sharing finding success with Coldest Night Of The Year in Woodstock, the United Way expanded the concept to both Ingersoll and Tillsonburg. 

There's a long list of associations receiving money from the United Way of Oxford after the annual campaign. Groups apply for funding and those receiving assistance include Big Brothers / Big Sisters, the Sea Cadets and Navy League, Fusion Youth Centre in Ingersoll, STEAM Education centre, and the Ontario Student Nutrition Program. Outside of the many youth associations there is also Ingamo Homes / DART, the local Alzheimer Society, Stich Supper Club,  Canadian Mental Health Association, Helping Hand Food Bank, Southwestern Public Health, and several others. 

Take a look at their website and 'United Way Oxford' on Facebook for even more details about the current and future of this effort-driven local non-profit organization. 

The respect earned by the United Way has also increased donations to their projects such as $92,500 received from the Great Give Oxford Committee from their recent Casino Royale Gala, plus monies received from Tim Horton's Smile Cookie promotions, more than $13,000 from a dodge ball tournament, the dozens of employee-deduction programs, and so many other campaigns. The overall annual campaign total was above $1.3 million.

 

 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

Article content It’s pretty remarkable what happens.”