Improving Lives Locally!
Thank you Irene Thompson for improving lives locally with the United Way of Guelph Wellington Dufferin!
As a member of the Campaign Cabinet, Irene volunteers alongside others to help run the annual fundraising campaign. Specifically, Irene co-chairs the United Way Leadership Giving committee which aides in attracting and retaining Leadership donors. ‘Irene often volunteers her time to make presentations to workplaces and place calls to donors to thank them for their support. As an employee of the University of Guelph, Irene also assists with the Campus United Way campaign.’ shares Colleen Murdoch, UW Director of Communications.
‘Being a Board member opened my eyes to the needs within my community and exposed me to the incredible generosity of spirit, time and giving of this truly amazing city.’ says Irene. ‘My volunteer experience has been enlightening; I have a very positive outlook on life and therefore love to be surrounded by like-minded individuals. Through my volunteer commitment with the United Way I have the privilege to work with passionate, creative, committed volunteers who I admire for their caring toward others and their commitment to the betterment of our community.’
Volunteering connects people. It connects community, builds circles of support and instils inspiration. Through her volunteer involvement with the United Way, Irene does exactly that. Following a leadership presentation at the Cooperators focused on local needs and impact, Irene shares a highlight, ‘one after another people began to speak about how they were personally impacted by the many agencies that received funding from the United Way; the story-telling of the participants beautifully illustrated the very real difference that my work and the work of all United Way volunteers makes to our friends, family, colleagues and community.’
‘More recently’ Irene shares ‘I am very grateful to PIN for their sponsorship of the Mental Health First Aid Course. As an instructor of the programme I volunteered my time to deliver this very important content. Doing so enabled me to meet two very important goals, the promotion of mental health and the United Way Campaign. During the training, several participants identified how important it was to have the many agencies supported by the United Way in our community.’
‘I love my job at the University of Guelph where I have the privilege of working with incredible young people. I am grateful that my employer gave me such an incredible start in my volunteer life. I am proud to work for an employer whose institutional values align so strongly with volunteering and creating stronger communities.’
‘Irene is a valued member of our team, always contributing ideas and time to make the Campaign a success. A donor herself, Irene’s dedication to United Way and her community is most appreciated.’ says Colleen.
To learn more about United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin, please visit www.unitedwayguelph.com
