Likening the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board’s annual United Way employee campaign to Pope Francis’ preference for a church “which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets,” Director of Education David Hansen urged site reps at the board’s October 26th employee campaign kick-off meeting to “go out” and bring the work of the United Way to their colleagues.
“One of the things that I believe is central to the Holy Father’s message to the world is, ‘Avanti – go out,’” said Hansen in a campaign kick-off pep talk. “He’s always talking about wanting a church that’s out in the streets; he wants a church that is out there and getting dirty.”
“So, this is one of our calls to ‘go out.’ We want you to go out and promote the United Way at your schools. Avanti.”
Emphasizing that the site leaders are vital to the success of the United Way employee campaign, United Way Co-chair Dean DiFrancesco called them “catalysts in providing something of importance to those in need in our communities – hope.”
“By contributing your time, expertise and talent to the United Way, you are helping to build strong communities and creating positive change, and we sincerely thank you for your significant contributions.”
Those contributions translated last year into a system-wide campaign tally of $81,483.85. “And to achieve that, we had a 100% site participation,” added Co-chair Grace Cino.
This year’s campaign goal is $85,000 – a goal that Cino said, “with some imagination and encouragement,” can be achieved.
“In order to reach this target, we are adopting ‘Beat our Best’ as the title of our campaign. So, let’s ‘Beat our Best,’ trying to achieve again 100% site participation and achieving the $85,000 goal.”
The funds go a long way to supporting much needed programs and services in the community, said DiFrancesco. He added that donations to the United Way attack poverty on multiple, interconnected fronts by stabilizing families, helping children succeed, and empowering healthy lifestyles.
He added that United Way dollars and programs touch one in three individuals in our region.
Those individuals could easily be you and me, suggested this year’s United Way campaign video, “It Looks Like Me.”
“We know from personal experience that these are our family members, these are our friends, these are the kids we serve every day in schools who benefit from essential funding that, if it didn’t exist, would put a stop to the programming and supports they require,” said Director Hansen.
“It is the collective small gestures of the employees of this school board that allow for great changes in the lives of so many,” echoed DiFrancesco, urging employees to be part of the change.
“Together, when we live united and ignite possibility, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow.”
The United Way employee campaign runs from October 26 to November 24, 2017.