Thank You Thames Valley
Throughout our School Board, we see the needs of so many children every day in the work that we do. We see faces of poverty, addiction, neglect and abuse in our classrooms and not one school or community is immune. We also know the difference that the right intervention can make in a child’s life.
When you give to United Way, you make sure our students start school with a full belly, ready to learn. You give vulnerable people and families access to basic needs like food, housing, transportation and recreation close to home. And you tackle big problems like local poverty and youth success at the root, making sure fewer people are vulnerable in the first place.
This year, as we look forward to the return of in-school learning, we hope that your United Way Campaign can bring a sense of fun and comradery to your school. As our communities continue to navigate COVID-19, we need your help. We know that many Thames Valley families are struggling to recover from the effects of COVID-19. For many families, it’s been a time of uncertainty: job loss, skyrocketing demand for mental health services, and increasingly visible homelessness. However; Hope is on the horizon. We now have an opportunity to create a fair and equitable recovery, one that truly builds a community where everyone matters. We urge you to unite with us in local love to provide help in our communities where it’s needed most.
| Director's Message to Thames Valley Staff |
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United Way Elgin Middlesex and Oxford and its associated programs help Thames Valley students feel safe, secure and ready to learn. During my time serving as Director of Education with the Thames Valley District School Board, I have seen first-hand the positive impact that local United Way programs have on our students and their families. I am proud to support the 2022 United Way campaign, as it assists TVDSB in our commitment to ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn and thrive. There are over 80 United Way-funded community agencies that help our students and staff overcome a wide range of challenges. These challenges include poverty, mental health, transition challenges in immigration, child welfare, and safety for men, women and children at risk of violence. United Way also funds services supporting special needs, as well as Indigenous and Francophone services and organizations. Last year, Thames Valley staff, students and families raised $168,439. This is a remarkable achievement, made even more amazing due to the fact that it was made during a year marked by pandemic restrictions. With these restrictions now lifted, Thames Valley schools are once again encouraged to participate in the popular fundraising activities that appeal to their school communities, including the much anticipated United in Sports events. Your contributions of time and creativity in planning these fundraising events have been highly successful strategies in supporting our school communities. In addition to online pledging and fundraising at the school level, I also ask that Thames Valley staff consider making financial contributions to the United Way through payroll deductions. This is a simple, but effective way to make a donation that can help TVDSB students and families who are in need. Thank you for your time, generosity, and commitment as we work together to support the 2022 United Way campaign. Mark Fisher, Director of Education |
| Why do we do this? |
| United Way makes our community stronger, identifying critical social issues in Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford Counties and finding solutions that get results. Through a network of social service organizations, United Way funds only the most effective and efficient programs that aim to prevent problems before they start.
The money raised stays in your community. These are families within your schools, your neighbours, and the people that share your sidewalks. Your donation goes to those who need it most. Unlike other charities, your donations are disbursed to 85 member agencies, not just one cause. When you give to United Way, you can specify the district; Elgin/ London-Middlesex or Oxford, and your donation is used within that community. If you do have a particular agency you wish to direct your donation toward, you may specify that on your pledge form as well. |
Three Easy Ways to Give
| 1. Online Giving |
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Again this year your school has the opportunity to support your community through online pledging. This tool will replace the need for paper pledge forms increasing efficiency and confidentiality while providing a user friendly experience for the donor. Throughout the month of October you will receive emails regarding your pledge. Your email is embedded with your own unique identifier that links you directly to your secure user account. Your financial information will remain confidential. Your United Way Champion will be able to see that you have accessed the tool, to include you in the overall status and/or incentives for your school/office, but will not be able to see any information about your current or past contributions. Payroll and credit card contributions will be processed in real time. For those choosing to give by cheque, please print your pledge confirmation and submit with your cheque to your United Way Champion. (Cash may not be an option at your location, so ask your site Champion first).
Roll-Over Giving: Payroll Deduction Only (Pledge Form or Online Giving Tool). When staff contribute through payroll deduction, the per-pay contribution will automatically continue (roll-over) each year. However, donors will have the option to opt out or alter their contribution at the start of each campaign. |
| 2. Events |
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With the return to in-school learning, we hope to bring back some of our favourite events. Please be sure to follow all Public Health Guidelines and reach out to your site champion for socially distanced event ideas. What a great way to create fun, momentum and team building experiences! We encourage you to get involved in your school/office events for United Way. If you have creative event ideas, please share them with your site Champion. |
* For a paper pledge form please reach out to your school Champion or local United Way contact.
Please don't hesitate to call United Way Elgin Middlesex or United Way Oxford, with any questions. You may also contact United Way Coordinator, Jason Rake for assistance.
| Director's Message to our United Way Champions |
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Thank you for taking on the role of United Way Champion within our schools and departments. Last year, Thames Valley staff, students and families raised $168,439. Through your leadership, I am hopeful that this year we will achieve our fundraising goals and exceed last year’s total! By supporting this year’s campaign, you will help ensure funding is in place to provide assistance to Thames Valley students and staff who may one day need to call upon a United Way agency. We encourage all TVDSB staff and students to support the United Way Elgin Middlesex and Oxford. There are over 80 United Way-funded community agencies that help our staff and students overcome a wide range of challenges. These challenges include poverty, mental health, transition challenges in immigration, child welfare, and safety for men, women and children at risk of violence. United Way also funds services supporting special needs, as well as indigenous and francophone services and organizations. Did you know that $2 per pay provides 100 healthy and nutritious snacks to students across the TVDSB to ensure they have the nutrition they need to get the most from each day? Payroll deduction information will be received from United Way. I encourage you to share information and advocate for United Way at your site. Again this year, every employee will have the opportunity to contribute online. Ensuring a successful campaign at your site happens with good planning. As a Site Champion, you are integral to the success of the TVDSB United Way Campaign. We could not reach our goal without you! Thank you! Mark Fisher, Director of Education |
| Champion Resources |
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United Way Contacts |
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Please don't hesitate to call United Way with any questions. Their numbers can be found below.
United Way Oxford
Online Giving Tool |
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