NEWSFLASH – February 2020

At the start of 2018, the agents of Manor Windsor Realty Ltd. Brokerage — an independently owned and operated real estate firm since 1986 — began their own annual fundraising program, “Keys of Hope,” by putting aside money from each home sold during the year. This endeavour is a yearly fund that gives back to local organizations or charities, with all money staying in the Windsor Essex area. This year’s beneficiaries share in over $21,000! They are: CMHA Early Intervention Program; Brentwood Recovery Home Transitional Living Quarters; Leone’s Residence for Women; Street Help Homeless Shelter of Windsor and Grace’s Footprints. A special cheque presentation occurs in early February. “Manor is very proud to continue our ‘Keys of Hope’ program and to be able to donate to these great community organizations that work tirelessly for those in need,” says Rob Agnew, Broker/Manager. Visit online to learn more!

The Windsor Essex Care for Kids Foundation recently announced it was able to raise a recording breaking, $515,000 in support of paediatric programs in Windsor and Essex County, in 2019! This is the largest annual total the Foundation has raised in its 22 years. Windsor Essex Care For Kids Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the health and wellness of children in Windsor and Essex County through fundraising initiatives. Since 1997, W.E. Care For Kids has raised more $8.7 million in support of equipment for paediatric programs and services at Hôtel-Dieu Healthcare, Leamington District Memorial Hospital, Windsor Regional Hospital, John McGivney Children’s Centre, Ronald McDonald House Windsor, Learning Disabilities Association of Windsor Essex and the Windsor Essex Therapeutic Riding Association.

Erie Shores HealthCare’s (ESHC; 194 Talbot Street West, Leamington) youngest patients receiving care in the Emergency Department, now have their choice of six customized “Mason’s Power Poles” thanks to a donation from the Fight Like Mason Foundation. “We hope our poles can brighten up a hospital visit and allow all kids to be proud of their battle,” state Ian Macri and Chantelle Bacon, founders of the Fight Like Mason Foundation. Displaying fun and colourful designs of popular characters in comics and cartoons, these special IV poles give children receiving care in hospital and at home, a sense of comfort during their journeys in the medical world — and Erie Shores HealthCare is happy to partner with the Fight Like Mason Foundation to bring this equipment to the Essex County community. The foundation’s mission is to improve treatment, care, quality of life and awareness of patients diagnosed with childhood rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and other childhood cancers. Formed by Macri and Bacon, the Fight Like Mason Foundation carries on the legacy of their son, Mason Bacon-Macri, who was diagnosed with RMS on May 4, 2015 at the age of two. The organization strives to give children who are receiving treatment in hospitals and at home medical equipment that shows how brave and courageous they are. “When parents are bringing their children to our Emergency Department, my belief is to continue the comfort and compassion through their healthcare journey when they visit here,” says Janice Dawson, CEO Erie Shores HealthCare. “Having ‘Power Poles’ here does that and it’s an honour to ensure that the legacy of Mason lives on here at ESHC.”

ON THE MOVE
Dwight Duncan, Ontario’s former Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, has been appointed Executive-in-Residence at the Odette School of Business. Duncan, a UWindsor alumnus (BA ’84, MBA ’89, LLD ’13), spent 25 years in public service and is currently a Senior Strategic Advisor at McMillan LLP, as well as a principal at McMillan Vantage, the firm’s public policy advisory service. He is also a Board Member of Travelers Insurance Canada; The Dominion General Insurance Company; Crown Crest Trust; and the Global Risk Institute, and serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority. Mitchell Fields, Dean of the Odette School of Business says he is delighted to have Duncan on board at the faculty.

“As a business school, we believe it is very important to expose our students to real world leaders. He brings a wealth of political and managerial leadership to the school and our students.” Since September, Duncan has been teaching a class on managing political risk, using his experience in private and public policy and his nearly 10 years in Cabinet to drive interest and discussion. He says he enjoys teaching and notes the students are engaged and eager to learn.

“Teaching material on areas like risk management in our competitive economy is right on trend in the corporate world,” states Duncan. During his time with students he makes use of such real-world issues as public-private partnerships to keep the discussions relevant. “One of my lectures is on P3 in Canada and the U.S.,” he explains. “I use the Gordie Howe Bridge as an example when teaching my students the importance of risk management in both for-profit, crown corporations, and not-for-profit organizations.” Duncan is hopeful that by sharing his insights with students they will make a comfortable transition into the business world following graduation.

The Windsor-Essex County Association of REALTORS (WECAR) recently announced its new Board of Directors for the year 2020! The new board members (as shown in the accompanying photo courtesy of WECAR) from left are: (Standing): Julianna Biondo, Salesperson, Buckingham Realty (Windsor) Ltd. (Director); Damon Winney, Broker of Record, Jump Realty Inc. (President-Elect); Elica Berry, Salesperson, RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd. (Director); Darin Schiller, Salesperson, Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty (Director) and Maggie Chen, Broker of Record, LC Platinum Realty Inc. (Director). (Seated, from left): Tina Roy, Broker, RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd. (Past President); Lorraine Clark, Salesperson, Century 21 Showtime Realty Ltd. (President) and Krista Gionet (Del Gatto), CAE, CRAE, Windsor-Essex County Association of REALTORS (Executive Officer). WECAR’s mission is to be the voice and source for real estate by providing education and essential services to maximize the professionalism and business opportunities of its members so they are able to make a valid contribution to our communities. You can read more about this association online and also see pages 28 to 32 of this issue.