It is hard for me to believe, but the time has come to bid farewell.
To say that it is bittersweet is an understatement; serving the Oxford County community for the past 23 years as United Way Oxford’s Executive has been the greatest honour of my career. Every day was truly a labour of love. United Way allowed me the opportunity and the tools to help change lives and to positively impact our community, and it changed my life too. While retirement brings an exciting new chapter, United Way Oxford will always be a cherished part of who I am.
In this final message, it is only fitting to focus outward to thank each and every one of you. None of the amazing things United Way Oxford has accomplished would have happened without you. There are, quite literally, hundreds of individuals who have been by my side and have made this journey possible…even more, who have made it so much fun along the way! There are far too many to name – staff, board members, volunteers, agency partners, sponsored employees, community supporters, and donors, but you know who you are. I so appreciate how you mentored, challenged, supported, and inspired me, and throughout, you brought meaning, reward and joy to this work. You have all left a lasting impression, and I’d like to share some memorable quotes and ‘aha’ moments that really stuck.
“All it takes is 1 caring adult to change a child’s life forever.”
“Hope is not a strategy.”
“If not us, then who?”
“Up until Grade 3, children learn to read, after Grade 3 children read to learn.”
“If your house is on fire, you call 911. If you have a burning question, you call 211.”
“If you turn outward and make more intentional judgements and choices in creating change, you will produce greater impact and relevance in your community.”
“It’s ok to disagree, but don’t be disagreeable.”
“It doesn’t really matter where you start, just get started. You will begin to create a ripple effect of positive change.”
Also added to our team are more amazing folks from our corporate and business community, their incredibly generous employees and our local labour groups, which have brought thousands of supporters to our work over the years. I have always said that it takes a village to do our work – thank you all for being part of our village of care.
As I step into retirement and embrace this new chapter, I could not be more thrilled to hand the reins over to Amanda Kreiger, your new Executive Director. Having had the pleasure of working with her for 10 years now, I can assure you there is no one better positioned to guide United Way into the future. Under her leadership, there will be wonderful new opportunities for engagement and for investment. I can’t wait to see what the future will bring and will be sitting on the sidelines cheering her and her team on every step of the way!
Thank you for everything that you have done to support me personally and professionally. It is with a grateful heart that I want you to know how much I appreciate your belief in United Way Oxford and your trust in my leadership. You have positively changed my life, just as together we have changed so many others.
I will miss you dearly. With love,
Kelly Gilson
Executive Director
United Way Oxford