Employees at Ford in Windsor raised over half a million dollars in 2022 for United Way.
The UNIFOR Locals 200 & 204, along with Leadec Industrial Services and Penske Logistics, raised $500,907 through regular paycheck contributions and other initiatives throughout the year.
Lorraine Goddard, CEO of United Way Windsor Essex, indicated the organization relies on workplace campaigns for a major part of its revenue.
"It's been challenging for United Way to make sure that at a time where there's increased need, we're able to do our best to meet the need knowing that our revenue has been impacted over the last few years," said Goddard.
She said this donation gives her hope that the community is getting back on track after the pandemic.
"Things are improving in the community, jobs are more stable, more reliable, people are starting to earn their living back, and they're able to be as generous as these folks are here at Ford and Unifor," said Goddard.
All of the money raised for the United Way goes right back into the community to help children and families out of poverty.
"We're not just impacting the children and giving them a future and opportunities that they would never have had before, but also we're helping their families, we're changing our community," said Christina Grossi, co-captain for Ford's United Way campaign.