Testimonials

"Why I give.  It’s pretty simple really.  I give because I can, and because
I believe that it makes a difference.  I have always viewed United Way as
having a natural fit with my own core philosophy about volunteerism, and
about supporting this amazing community that I am fortunate enough to call my
home.  After living in Guelph for more than 40 years, I’ve recognized how
important it is for each member of our community to take ownership over
‘giving’, even if it’s just a little.  As great as Guelph and the
surrounding region is, there are still many people and programs that need our
help.  We are not immune from the challenges associated with poverty, hunger
alleviation, literacy issues, mental health, and basic life support for the
needy, and especially for the kids in our community.  I’ve witnessed
first-hand, how United Way programs benefit so many people, and how their
positive effects weave through every part of the social fabric of the city in
which we live.  And if you can’t afford to give money, volunteering your
time to help others is also a valuable and sought-after asset that nearly
everyone can afford.   I’m humbled to be able to be part of our
community’s proud culture of philanthropy and helping others. Supporting
the United Way is just an honourable way to help change people’s lives and
improve life for everyone.  After all, isn’t that exactly what the
University of Guelph is all about?!

-- Rich Moccia

"When I started working at the university, I had the good fortune to meet and work with Gabrielle (Gabi) Hubert.  I was impressed by her warmth, patience and respectful way in which she treated every individual.  It wasn’t long before I learned of her involvement with Big Sisters and she had recruited me to be a canvasser for the United Way.  Gabi's ability to listen, to mentor and to have fun extended beyond her role as a ‘big sister’ and into to her work and personal relationships.

Over the years, I have given to the United Way to support programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington and so many others.  With one donation, I can reach out to so many in my community.  My involvement with the campus United Way campaign was inspired many years ago and that inspiration continues to direct my efforts beyond the campus and into the local and global community."

-- Margaret Barth

"I give to the United Way because it provides funding to a wide variety of programs in my local community. It is so easy to give by making a pledge through payroll deduction!"

-- Judy Metherel

“When my grandma couldn’t live independently any longer, she moved in with my parents. It was the right decision, but put an emotional strain on our family. My mom found a United Way-sponsored program in my hometown that provided an invaluable social environment for my grandma. It helped keep her sharp and gave her something to look forward to each week.

I give to the United Way in Guelph and Orillia because I know how important these community services are to families like mine. I do it not just for my grandma, but for other people’s grandmas too.”

-- Jenna Hennessy

"I love how living in Guelph helps me keep in touch with my small-town
beginnings and the spirited, community atmosphere I enjoyed.  Growing up in
small-town Ontario included lots of great fun and plenty of
neighbour-helping-neighbour activities.    This background helps me pay
attention to the great culture of Guelph, including its friendly, fun
environment and many local  initiatives,  It keeps me alive to the value of
being neighbourly.  I wish for all of us to be able to enjoy living here.
The way I see it, this means that when there's a need in this community, it's
about the needs of my neighbours, my neighbourhood, my home town.  I want to
do my part and be a good neighbour.  It's true: "Change Starts Here"! That's
why I choose to give annually to the United Way of Guelph Wellington
Dufferin."

-- Vicki Hodgkinson

"I give to the United Way because it supports the community in which I live
and work.  I want to live in a place where children have the opportunities
they need to be successful and happy, where people living in poverty have the
opportunity to gain new skills and to build a better life for themselves and
where the elderly have opportunities for recreation and engagement.  The
United Way funded agencies do all this and more!  I am proud to support
Hospice, Immigrant Services, Big Brothers, Big Sisters and all of the other
agencies that receive United Way support."

-- Catherine Carstairs

"I give to United Way because of the significant impact the dollars make in
our local community. When you meet the clients and staff of funded agencies,
it really hits home.  Our donations - time, talents and treasure - are a
critical investment where we live, work and play.  Giving back ensures others
in our community have the equal opportunity to thrive and that our community
stays healthy - for the long term."

-- Patricia Tersigni