By Sarah Flemming
Executive Director, United Way of Colchester County
Summer, 2023
While I was off on maternity leave for most of the fiscal year, I was fortunate to stay engaged in United Way and the work. I want to say a big Thank You to Sam Madore and Heather Hamilton for continuing the great work over the past year. Knowing that United Way Colchester was left in capable and compassionate hands made my absence somewhat stress-free and enjoyable!
Over the past year, we moved offices and expanded to include a whole new county – both things I just got to enjoy after all the hard work was completed. While Sam was in the role of Executive Director, we were able to bring back Day of Caring, with a stellar committee of engaged local volunteers who helped us to expand our projects into Millbrook and Stewiacke. We opened up our Campaign kick off breakfast to more guests this year and got to collaborate with our fun, passionate campaign team. Being part of a new campaign event – A Laughing Caring Community – sponsored by RBC Dominion Securities and RBC Royal Bank was a highlight to all involved.
I am overjoyed to be back at the helm this year. I truly love the work United Way does and I love being involved intimately in the place we call home. I am particularly proud to continue with the Coordinated Access work, ensuring that those most marginalized and equity-deserving are prioritized in our communities across the Northern Zone.
I have enjoyed making new connections in the Cumberland area and learning about the innovation and collaborative work happening across the county. I want to thank the agencies we fund for their tireless work and expertise in community. We have seen our share of tragedy across Colchester and Cumberland counties. My hope is that we will continue to rise and meet the community needs with the help of our amazing donors, volunteers, and corporate sponsors that believe in the work we do and help us create sustainable impact in the sector, and community at large.
I also want to take the opportunity to thank the Board – the rockstars that dedicate their free time to making sure we are creating forward momentum. Special shout out to Chris Hamilton who has gone above and beyond to support United Way collaboration across the Atlantic provinces and was awarded a national award for Outstanding Volunteer Leadership in the United Way Centraide Canada movement.
It goes without saying we could not do this without all of our incredible supporters.
unitedwaycolchester.ca | @uwcolchester