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FCA Canada (Stellantis), United Way/Centraide, Meloche Windows & Family Respite Services
This past year has been full of challenges, but there are still plenty of feel-good stories happening.
While charities have not been able to host in-person fundraising events, due to COVID-19 restrictions, for 14 months and counting, many businesses and organizations, large and small are pitching in to do their part. On Page 8 of this issue you can read about St. Clair College’s food fundraisers and on Page 12 learn which companies donated to the “Easter Seals Ontario (Windsor-Essex) Telethon,” but in my column now I shine the spotlight on a large corporation’s donation from its employees and how a family business is assisting a local non profit.
In mid-April, FCA Canada (Stellantis) announced a donation of $943,149 to the United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County (UW) 2020-2021 campaign. This marks the largest donation for United Way in the Windsor Essex community this past year!
“In this challenging past year, FCA Canada employees have demonstrated even further resolve in their unwavering support to help give back to those facing mental, social and financial struggles, in our community, through their generous donation to United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County,” says Dave Buckingham, President and CEO, FCA Canada.
Lorraine Goddard, CEO of UW adds: “Without their generosity, we simply would not have been able to maintain our support for community programs. COVID-19 has challenged many non-profits, and FCA Canada’s giving helps with our focus on assisting local children and youth and supporting mental health in the surrounding neighbourhoods, in a safe and secure manner.”
Windsor-Essex residents can donate as well, with a pledge online at: WeAreUnited.com/donate.
Next up is Family Respite Services Windsor-Essex (FRS), a non-profit organization that had a projected budget to build a new accessible $1.5 million respite home, but when the pandemic hit, they started to see construction material costs increase significantly.
“We wouldn’t be able to move forward with the build of our new respite home unless our community stepped up,” states FRS Community Relations rep Alexandria Fischer.
So Meloche Windows & Doors has made it possible to continue construction by donating all of the doors and windows for the 4,600 square foot home, for families caring for children with disabilities.
“This project is special to us at Meloche Windows,” expresses Elise Meloche, Owner. “I’m able to help by donating the windows and the doors for this home, because of the loyal customers we have had over the last 64 years. To know that the home will have triple-paned, shatter-proof glass because of the custom work we do, makes me so proud that the children will be safe while accessing this respite home.’’
To view a list of donors helping to make the Solcz Family Foundation Respite Home, 4400 Howard Avenue, a reality, go to: FamilyRespite.org/are-you-in. You will also see contact information for how to donate.
As we continue to deal with COVID-19 in our lives, let’s make sure we keep on looking after each other every way possible. Stay safe everyone!
