October: A Message From Our Executive Director

As I sit down to write my first newsletter message as Executive Director of United Way Oxford, one word keeps coming to mind: gratitude.  

I am incredibly grateful for the warm welcome, encouragement, and support I have received since the announcement that I was stepping into this role after Kelly’s retirement. This organization has been a huge part of my life for the past 10 years, and I don’t take the opportunity to lead it for granted. It is both humbling and inspiring to follow in Kelly’s footsteps, as she built such a trusted and caring organization.  

I am also filled with gratitude for this community. I was born and raised here, and I have seen firsthand what makes Oxford County special. Time and time again, I’ve watched people show up for one another. I’ve seen neighbours helping neighbours, businesses supporting local causes, volunteers giving their time, and donors quietly making a difference because they believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.  

Every day, I am reminded that United Way’s work is really the story of a community that comes together and cares.  

As I reflect on my own life, I realize how fortunate I am. I have a large family who are close and live nearby, friends I can lean on, colleagues who support me, and people I can call when life gets hard. Like many of us, I have a network of people who help carry me through challenges and celebrate life’s successes.  

But not everyone has that.  

There are people in our community who feel alone. People facing challenges they never expected. People struggling with their mental health, worried about putting food on the table, dealing with financial pressures, or simply wondering where to turn next.  

And that’s why United Way matters. Our work is about making sure people don’t have to face those moments and struggles alone. It’s about ensuring there is someone to answer the phone, a place to go, a program to connect with, and a caring person ready to help when support is needed most.  

I am deeply thankful for our funded partners and frontline agencies who do this work every day. Their compassion, expertise, and commitment make our community stronger.  

I am equally grateful for our Board of Directors, whose leadership and vision help guide this organization, and for our incredible staff team, who bring passion, professionalism, and heart to everything they do.  

And of course, none of this would be possible without you. 

To our donors, volunteers, workplace campaign teams, sponsors, and supporters: thank you. You are the reason this work happens. Your generosity creates opportunities, provides hope, and helps build a community where people know they belong.  

As we begin this year’s campaign, I’m asking you to once again stand with us.  

If you already support United Way, thank you. If you’re in a position to increase your gift this year, I hope you’ll consider doing so. And if you’ve been thinking about making a donation for the first time, please reach out to learn more.  

The needs in our community continue to grow, but so does our capacity to make a difference when we come together. 

Thank you for your trust, your generosity, and your belief in the power of community.  

I am honoured to step into this role, excited for what lies ahead, and grateful to be part of a community that continues to show what is possible when we care for one another.  

With gratitude,