Wishing you all a happy 2026! This is the season when so many of us make plans about how we want to show up for the year, and often with a lens towards some sort of betterment or improvement. This year, my goal – personally and professionally – is to put more emphasis and energy into building and maintaining human connections. We are all hearing and reading more and more about isolation, loneliness, lack of social engagement, disconnections, etc., and how these are negatively impacting people of all ages, stages, and backgrounds. Although society was heading in that direction, the pandemic certainly did not help the situation. I realize that, if I am committed to making the time and to making the calls, I can be a small part of the solution. Rather than intending to reach out and get to know new-to-the community peers, or the new neighbours on my street, I am going to be dedicated to doing little things that can build those new connections. In addition to meeting new people, I am making the promise to be more available for friends and family and to re-connect with some folks I haven’t seen in ages. We’re also looking at what we could do as a United Way to help incentivize neighbours to create ‘get-to-know-you’ activities as a fun way to connect with people they may not know. How about joining me? We can all do a little something that can make someone’s day – a phone call, a coffee date, a Face-Time visit, a morning walk with a friend, or even a casual chat with a stranger – to help show others that we care. Not only can you make this your new ‘New Year’s Resolution,’ but you can also encourage others to join you as well. We can be a force for good and help ensure that all the citizens of Oxford feel a sense of belonging. Kindness and belonging matter now more than ever before.
Last year was another amazing and productive year for our United Way. Our Board and staff worked diligently to continue making a positive difference and building a healthier Oxford County for all. Our efforts are focused on knowing the local needs, understanding the programs, gaps and readiness, and then investing for the best possible impact for our community. We strive to proactively address root causes of social issues, such as investing in supports for families to ensure that they have what they need to thrive; investing in resources that provide basic supports for those with immediate needs; and building the capacity of the community through learning and engagement opportunities that build skills, connections and volunteerism. None of that would be possible without our generous donors, our amazing partner agencies and our knowledgeable volunteers who help guide the way. Thank you for helping us to help others. Together, we truly are changing lives!
A big highlight of our year was the opening of our new Ingersoll Light House in April. Following the incredible success of our Tillsonburg Light House, and with support from Oxford County, we were able to open a new 6-bedroom transitional home. We believe that housing is the answer to a housing crisis, and often the key is supportive housing, which can help people get back on their feet. This is a wise use of funds with an incredible return on investment… but it does require investment. If you want to help us to continue to deliver highly supportive and individualized housing support in an affordable and safe environment, please consider supporting our Coldest Night of the Year Walks in both Ingersoll and Tillsonburg on Saturday, February 28th. You can start a team and encourage others to join you, join an existing team, donate to a team or a walker, or volunteer… so many options. Visit cnoy.org and search for either Ingersoll or Tillsonburg… because it’s cold out there!
Our annual campaign continues through to the end of March. If you have not yet made a donation, I ask that you please consider making one. I’d like to remind you that our Friends at Maglin Site Furniture are still matching all new $1200+ Leadership Donors, as well as existing Leadership Donors who increase their gift or pledge. What a great way to double your donation and double your impact on our community!!!
Our Board of Directors is currently accepting applications for new members. If you are interested in being part of a committed, diverse group of action-oriented, forward-thinking volunteers who want to make a difference in their community, then this could be the group for you! Check out our website for additional information and an application. The Board Development Committee would love to meet with you to discuss the opportunity.
Following months of planning, we’re thrilled to announce that our next Community United Conversation will take place on Tuesday, February 24th, from 7 – 8:30 PM. This webinar series is designed to shine a light on unignorable social issues so that we can increase awareness, understanding and knowledge about local needs, gaps in services and available supports. The session will focus on the new HART Hub, and we’ll learn about what it is and how it will help people in our community. Watch our next newsletter or our social media for details on how you can register to watch the Conversation. Remember, all of our Community United Conversations are recorded and available on our website for viewing at your leisure.
Wishing you and yours a safe, healthy, happy and prosperous new year!
Kelly Gilson
Executive Director
United Way Oxford