The United Way of Windsor and Essex County is celebrating its 70th anniversary.
Back in 1947, the local Chamber of Commerce alongside Ford, Chrysler, General Motors and Hiram Walker decided to start raising funds to help soldiers returning from World War II transition back into civilian life.
"With advancing technology and changes in donors expectations [over the decades] United Way has really had to re-examine its role in the community," says CEO Lorraine Goddard.
She adds that there's been a major shift toward poverty reduction over the last ten years or so.
"[We want to] ensure that we're creating the greatest impact we can with the financial resources that we're entrusted with," explains Goddard.
The CEO helped celebrate the anniversary by honouring long time members, volunteers and donors at the JP Wiser's Brand Centre on Riverside Dr. in Windsor Tuesday.