FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 20, 2022

United Way Leeds & Grenville Announces New Community Impact Officer

Brockville, ON - As a follow-up action to our report released earlier this year, United Way Leeds & Grenville (UWLG) is moving our community impact agenda forward. We are so pleased to welcome Jane Hess to the United Way Leeds & Grenville team as a Community Impact Officer effective Sept.13/22. Jane is well known to many in Leeds and Grenville from growing up in Kemptville, teaching nursing at St. Lawrence College and her years of experience with the LGL Health Unit. Jane has a passion for Health Equity, the Social Determinates of Health and the power of community to work together to improve life for all.

“I am convinced that Jane will add another layer of success to our Community Conversations as we transition from pandemic life”, said Trish Buote UWLG Executive Director. “Our United Way is committed to Health Equity and providing opportunities for success for all citizens. UWLG as an enabler of change, plans to partner with communities, community partners and citizens in Leeds and Grenville to achieve social change.”

Jane will be reaching out to key influencers in the communities to have them identify those who will contribute by identifying their shared concerns, visions and strategies to create diverse community teams to support innovation for social change. Communities working together will increase capacity and impact, powered by UWLG! 

About United Way Leeds & Grenville

United Way Leeds & Grenville is a non-profit agency that supports over 20 local partner agencies in the community. Its mission is to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action. UWLG is dedicated to bringing people together to build vibrant, and caring communities. For more information, please visit www.uwlg.org.

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For more information, please contact:

United Way Leeds & Grenville
(613) 342-8889
info@uwlg.org

42 George St. P.O. Box 576

Brockville, ON

K6V 5V7

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3M Harvest Lunch aims to provide 1,500 lunches for neighbours in need

September 9, 2022: Brockville, ON. 3M Canada and United Way Leeds & Grenville are teaming up again this year to launch the region’s second 3M Harvest Lunch on September 16^th.

The United Way Leeds & Grenville 3M Harvest Lunch aims to provide 1,500 free lunches to the most vulnerable in our local community. That is a 50% increase in target over 2021 because the number of food insecure individuals and families in our community continues to grow.

From September 16 to October 7th, the 3M Harvest Lunch Team will work with six different United Way agencies and hold eleven events across Leeds & Grenville to serve and deliver lunches being provided by local businesses. We’re asking our community to show their local love and purchase a lunch. Every $10 ticket sold buys a meal for a neighbour in need in our community. Meals can be purchased on the uwlg.org website. Simply click the yellow 3M Harvest Lunch banner! Note: a tax receipt will be provided.

“We are thrilled to offer the 3M Harvest Lunch event again this year in our Leeds & Grenville area. 3M is an amazing partner who shares our values of caring and supporting this community.” says Trish Buote, Executive Director United Way Leeds & Grenville. “This program is a WIN, WIN, WIN, WIN! With this program, you are buying a lunch for someone in need, from a local business, delivered by local 3M volunteers and you get to be a part of helping someone’s journey to move ahead in life.”

The effects of the pandemic continue to take a toll in our region, with more people than ever struggling to access healthy food, safe housing, and other basic needs. The local food bank, for example, is experiencing drastic increases in food cost and difficulty procuring items due to shortages. Marginalized youth and seniors are often going hungry because they do not have access to food on a regular basis. This is a basic necessity of life.

As our community continues to face challenge and uncertainty, the 3M Harvest Lunch and its team of dedicated volunteers will kick off what we hope will be our most successful United Way Campaign yet.

For more information, please contact:

Christine Radford

Director, Resource Development

United Way Leeds & Grenville

Email: christine.radford@uwlg.org

Phone: 613-342-8889

www.uwlg.org

This year’s Gord Brown Memorial Golf Tournament in support of the United Way Leeds & Grenville and the YMCA of Eastern Ontario has demonstrated the generosity of people in our region!

The final total raised is $186,367, which also includes funds raised from live and silent auctions. Monies raised will be shared between the two organizations in support of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“We are so pleased to be able to support the great work of the late MP Gord Brown and his family by raising money for the community,” said Trish Buote, Executive Director of United Way Leeds & Grenville. “Gord really set a standard of care and we are thankful for the Brown family’s trust in us to utilize the funds to help sustain important local programs and services for those who most need them. Finally, we were delighted to collaborate with the YMCA of Eastern Ontario, on the event, and welcome back so many volunteers, sponsors and golfers who truly care about our communities”  

Darryl Sittler and Rick Vaive were big hits with the crowd, signing memorabilia and being available for lots of selfies.

“Darryl and Rick added to people’s enjoyment of the day and their participation helped to raise money for the Y’s financial assistance program,” said Rob Adams, CEO, YMCA of Eastern Ontario. “The YMCA of Eastern Ontario is so pleased to have strengthened our partnership with United Way Leeds & Grenville, and on behalf of our two organizations I wish to thank all of the amazing staff and volunteers who made the event a reality. A very special thanks goes to the Brown Family for entrusting the YMCA as a new partnering organizer of the tournament that continues to carry on the legacy of Gord and his charitable efforts.”

The United Way and YMCA wish to thank all the sponsors of the Gord Brown Memorial Golf Tournament whose support was invaluable to the success of the event.

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About United Way Leeds & Grenville

United Way Leeds & Grenville is a non-profit agency that supports 20 local partner agencies in the community. Its mission is to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action. UWLG is dedicated to bringing people together to build vibrant and caring communities. For more information, please visit www.uwlg.org

About YMCA Eastern Ontario

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario is a charity that provides programs and services to improve health and health outcomes, develops leaders, helps build social connections and provides safe, inclusive spaces for

people of all ages. The Y is Canada’s largest provider of childcare with trademarked curricula and offers fitness and other specialized programs including Work Hard Eat Well, Karate and Total Life Care. www.eo.ymca.ca

For media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Position:  Community Impact Program Officer (6-month Contract) – 3 days/week

Reports to:  Executive Director

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF JOB

The role of the Program Officer is to support United Way Leeds & Grenville’s community impact work by; working with community partners and the community at large, providing research & data collection, recruiting volunteers to support the work, reporting and evaluating processes and serving as an active member of the Community Impact team. This position will function as the project leader for the Community Conversations project and assure proper administration.

The job description is to be used as a guideline only and may not incorporate all functions of the job; education and experience outlines are ideal qualifications/assets but do not necessarily reflect the requirements of the position.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

This project is the next step in the evolution of the Community Impact agenda for United Way Leeds & Grenville and will support its future direction and focus.

The project will ask the community for input by hosting open conversations across Leeds & Grenville where anyone can attend and provide their thoughts. These conversations will be a forum for various communities to explore the opportunities or challenges that they face. We will ask questions around the best pathway forward for our United Way.

Data collected and findings from the project will be added to the overall data analysis that will be completed. A report on finding, focus and next steps will be provided to key community leaders as well to the community at large.

Responsiblities

Support and oversee process functions of community impact work, research, data collection and reporting processes. Specific duties may include:

• Implements the Community Conversations Project. Provide leadership and information to staff, committees and program review teams involved in the project.
• Takes the lead in orienting, training, and managing volunteers for the session panels/teams. Coordinates activities of volunteers related to the project. 
• Builds on-going relationships with partners to ensure procedures and reporting systems are understood and supported. Provides guidance and support to partners throughout the project cycle.
• Facilitates the Community Conversations project including session planning, participant recruitment, volunteer recruitment, data reporting as defined by the evaluation.
• Monitors compliance with reporting requirements
• Retrieves data from sessions, presentations, marketing, and other venues for sharing results and impact. 
• Assists in the development of reports to the Board of Directors and the community
• Remains knowledgeable of community trends, needs, and gaps.
• Supports the planning and implementation of community impact strategies. 
• Other duties as assigned.

POSITION RELATIONSHIPS

External: Community Partners, Community Initiatives/collaborations, community at large

Internal: United Way staff, United Way Volunteers

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Project management
• Relationship management/customer service orientation
• Knowledge of outcomes and impacts
• Proven presentation skills
• Problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking
• Leads with confidence and provides leadership in coordination efforts
• Teamwork and cooperation with all departments
• Upholds the highest ethical standards

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Post-Secondary Education in related field. Will consider an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience/Knowledge

• Must possess excellent analytical, organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to prioritize work, handle multiple tasks and follow-up to ensure responsibilities are fulfilled
• Proficient knowledge of computers and experience utilizing Microsoft Office applications (i.e. Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Demonstration of professionalism - Tact, courtesy, diplomacy with the public.
• A strong team player.
• Valid Driver’s license and required minimum insurance coverage
• Travel or Transportation Requirements – local meetings (Leeds & Grenville) as required.
• Ability to attend functions outside of normal business hours, as required

The 2nd Annual Gord Brown Memorial Golf Tournament is coming up on August 17th and we'd like to thank our generous sponsors!

You might recognize Gene O'Grady's smiling face as the winner of the Indoor/Outdoor Sports package in draw #3. This time, he's won the cash! Congratulations, Gene!!

Yes! It's possible to win multiple times. In fact, you could win the Super Early Bonus Draw, the Early Bonus Draw AND the 50/50 prize in the same draw, but only if you've got your tickets in early!

To buy tickets for our 5th 50/50 draw on now, please visit www.uwlg5050.ca.

United Way Is Deepening Its Impact On the Leeds & Grenville Community

Media Release

June 22, 2022

Brockville, ON – United Way Leeds & Grenville releases Our Strategic Journey – Step One Report to the public.

The Step One Report was released last week during United Way Leeds & Grenville’s Annual General Meeting. It outlines United Way’s progress on its strategic journey to address key systemic issues in the Leeds & Grenville community. The report highlights the approach they will take to narrow the focus around key issues and priorities in the community where the United Way can have a significant impact.

To this end, United Way Leeds & Grenville will explore the possibilities of a collective impact strategy which will focus on a collaboration between organizations, community and institutions. This approach will be deeper and more strategic than simply partnering on a project. It will mean coming together and collaborating in new ways.

“If we want to improve the resilience of our communities, we need to better understand the root causes of critical social issues in Leeds & Grenville, and how we can close the gap,” said Ian McFall, President of the Board of Directors, United Way Leeds & Grenville. “The community, including United Way’s network of agencies and partners, is an important bridge to understanding the critical issues and delivering the right solutions. This report is an important first step to letting the public know where we are heading and how we will invest important donor dollars.”

Communities across Canada are facing many complex social issues that affect every facet of daily life. Those who are struggling with issues have been further marginalized by the pandemic. The Leeds & Grenville community is not immune to these issues; in fact, we are just beginning to see the fall-out. United Way is on a journey to actively identify the key issues by listening to our communities through direct conversations and through the expertise of the social service agencies that provide services.

“We are very pleased to present our initial step to evolve as a critical advocate and investor in key social issues that affect our community,” says Trish Buote, Executive Director, United Ways Leeds & Grenville. “Although this may take some time, I am excited to ask the community for input, develop a plan and begin providing solutions that address the issues here. For our own sustainability, we must be able to demonstrate impact and progress and we must invest our donor dollars on the right things”.

For media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Trish Buote

Executive Director

United Way Leeds & Grenville

Email: trish.buote@uwlg.org

Phone: 613-342-8889

www.uwlg.org

About United Way Leeds & Grenville

United Way Leeds & Grenville is a non-profit agency that supports 20 local partner agencies in the community. Its mission is to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action. UWLG is dedicated to bringing people together to build vibrant and caring communities. For more information, please visit www.uwlg.org

Our 2021 Annual General Meeting was held on June 14th at 6pm. Click here to view our AGM Presentation.

You can find our publications here:

2021 Annual Report

2021 Audited Financial Statements

Job Description

Resource Development Coordinator - Summer Student age 16+

Tasks & Responsibilities

The Resource Development (RD) Coordinator, under the direction of the Director, Resource Development (RD), is responsible for researching, contacting and securing individual donations and employee workplace campaign donations and corporate sponsorships. The RD Coordinator will also assist with United Way Leeds & Grenville (UWLG) fundraising activities including: workplace giving campaigns and partnership development. This will include the preparation of fundraising and training materials. This role will also assist with volunteer recruitment and management for fundraising events and in workplaces; Direct Mail campaign preparation; cold calling to secure donation of goods; and assist with workplace giving kick-offs and events.

Nature of Supervision

The Participant will work in our office and day to day with the Director, Resource Development. The Participant will receive the following support and supervision: 1) Orientation: Health & Safety; Schedule; Job Duties & Expectations; Technology Review; Work Environment; Privacy, Office Tour; Review of other duties; Meet & Greet (Welcome) team members; 2) Detailed Policy Review; 3) Training: United Way Organization Training; Systems & Process Review; Available Tools;

Director, RD will determine other specific training required based on Participant’s abilities. The Director will also provide day-today feedback and oversight. A weekly meeting will be set-up to review priorities, offer guidance on projects and to remove barriers to success.

Nature of Mentoring

Mentoring – the Participant will be provided with the opportunity to sit with each team member individually to shadow them on their work so that they obtain a good understanding of how the organization operates. It will also give them a good understanding of who to go to when they have questions while working through projects. Director, RD will work with the RD Coordinator daily to get acquainted with workplaces and available resources for fund building.

The Participant will shadow the Director, RD and then be asked to take on some projects of their own to lead. Director and Executive Director will be available at any time to support the success of the Participant in their role.

Client Service

Great Client or Customer Service skills is critical to the success of the United Way. It is the basis for building positive relationships with donors, workplaces, businesses, volunteers and team members. Participants will gain skills on great Customer/Client Service through mentoring, observation and doing. The specific skills that they will develop or improve will be: Patience, Attentiveness, Clear communication skills, Knowledge of the United Way and the agencies we support, Ability to use positive language and time management skills.

Communication

Communication skills are critical both internally and externally to be successful at the United Way in helping us meet our mandate. Participants will develop or improve business communication skills and presentation skills, from strategy and text preparation to voice quality, body language, establishing rapport, and overcoming speaking anxiety.

Participants will learn how to do an elevator speech on the United Way as well as be asked to develop and deliver a presentation on their projects. Team members will support them in the development of these skills and provide constructive and positive feedback.

Other – Fundraising Skills

Fundraising skills are critical to the success of the United Way and in achieving our mandate to help as many people in the community as possible. Participants will gain the following fundraising skills: 1) Social Awareness so that they can focus their attention on cues from a donor; 2) Ability to build a strong trusting relationship with the donor or volunteer; 3) Social Skills – being polished and gracious; 4) Etiquette; and 5) The ask.

Health & Safety Practice

As part of the orientation, the Participant will be required to review the Health & Safety Manual having the opportunity to ask questions. They will also be given a full tour of the building and its safety tools. Any new health & Safety updates are available on the main announcement Board on our main floor of the building. The office also has two staff members who are trained in CPR and AOD. The office environment is generally safe and will not require the Participant to utilize hazardous materials. General lifting may be required for some events. We will ask Participants to share any limitations they may have and both the United Way and Participant will ensure that we do not present any risks based on those limitations.

Career Related Experience

1. Philanthropy Management;
2. 2. Sociology – Community Impact Management;
3. 3. Health Care;
4. 4. Strategic Management;
5. 5. Special Events Management;

Please send your resume to info@uwlg.org.

News Release

Brockville, ON: NHL Hockey Hall of Fame member, Darryl Sittler, will join us for the 2^nd Annual Gord Brown Memorial Golf Tournament on Wednesday August 17 at Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course!

Hockey legend, Darryl Sittler played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Philadelphia Flyers, and the Detroit Red Wings from1970 to 1985. He holds an unbroken record for scoring 10 points in a single hockey game, scored the winning goal at the 1976 Canada Cup, and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1989.

United Way Leeds & Grenville and the YMCA of Eastern Ontario are collaborating on the event and all money raised will go directly into programs offered locally, ensuring that our community continues to receive support and programming provided by both charities.

“We are extremely excited and proud to have one of Canada's greatest hockey legends join us for this important event for our community,” said Trish Buote, United Way Executive Director. “Throughout his career and in his retirement, Darryl has been a strong advocate for healthy communities. His beliefs align so well with both our United Way and the YMCA.”

The past two years have put a lot of pressure on members of our Leeds & Grenville community. Returning to a fully healthy and prosperous community is the ultimate goal.  

“Whether you’re a hockey fan or not, there isn’t a Canadian who doesn’t know the name Darryl Sittler,” said Rob Adams, CEO, YMCA of Eastern Ontario. “We are thrilled that he has chosen to support this event and our community. It speaks to his long commitment to public service and his understanding of how difficult the past two years have been. Stepping up to support social and health-based programs demonstrates just how important these programs are.”

The return of the golf tournament will honour the Late Gord Brown’s legacy of giving back to our great community. Gord would be amazed that Darryl Sittler, #27 and his favourite professional hockey player, would join us for this event.

The tournament will attract golfers of all levels who are looking to support a worthy cause and enjoy a beautiful course.

Space is filling up fast. To register a team online please visit: uwlg.org or  http://united-way-leeds-grenville.square.site/ If you would rather register a team offline, sponsor the event or have questions please contact Christine Radford. Contact information is below.

About United Way Leeds & Grenville

United Way Leeds & Grenville is a non-profit agency that supports 20 local partner agencies in the community. Its mission is to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action. UWLG is dedicated to bringing people together to build vibrant and caring communities. For more information, please visit www.uwlg.org

About YMCA Eastern Ontario

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario is a charity that provides programs and services to improve health and health outcomes, develops leaders, helps build social connections and provides safe, inclusive spaces for

people of all ages. The Y is Canada’s largest provider of childcare with trademarked curricula and offers fitness and other specialized programs including Work Hard Eat Well, Karate and Total Life Care. www.eo.ymca.ca

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If you are interested in a sponsorship opportunity, please contact:

Christine Radford

Director, Resource Development

United Way Leeds & Grenville

Email: christine.radford@uwlg.org

Phone: 613-342-8889

www.uwlg.org

For media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Colleen Gareau

Director, Marketing & Communication

YMCA Eastern Ontario

Email: colleen.gareau@eo.ymca.ca

Mobile: 613-888-9298

colleen.gareau@eo.ymca.ca

We are in need of volunteers for many current & upcoming events!

Raffle ticket sales (Canadian Tire Brockville or Canadian Tire Prescott)

Golf Tournament (Smuggler's Glen Golf Course)

Docs & Diamonds (Brockville)

Hockey Tournament (Kemptville)

Please contact Wendy at 613-342-8889 if you are available for any events.  Our raffle ticket sales volunteers work a minimum of 2 hours based on availability.