Current and retired Stellantis employees in the Windsor area came up big for the United Way.

The employees made a donation of $746,756.24 to United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent for the organization’s 2024 fundraising campaign.

The donation was presented by Windsor assembly plant manager Dave Bellaire at General Brock Public School in Windsor. The school participates in the United Way’s Ignite Academy program.

“At Local 444, we’re committed to helping our members and the community. Supporting initiatives like the United Way ensures vital funds stay right here in Windsor-Essex,” said James Stewart, president of Unifor Local 444, in a news release. “Local 444 believes in the strength of teamwork, and this is another example where the collective generosity from our members year after year ensures the proper resources are available for those in need. Together we grow stronger.”

The donation will support the United Way’s efforts in providing youth mentoring, and in-person and online out-of-school programming in priority neighbourhoods, which includes providing technology for school-aged children, online academic supports, mental health counselling, and a food bank network that supports thousands of people in Windsor-Essex County.

“We are deeply grateful to Stellantis and Unifor 444, 195, 1498 for being such dedicated and longtime partners in our mission to improve the lives of those in our community,” said Lorraine Goddard, CEO of the local United Way, in the release.

The cheque presentation also features a few Chrysler Pacifica minivans filled with new school supplies and athletic equipment, which were handed out to students at the event.

“The support from Stellantis and Unifor means so much more than educational assistance for our students at General Brock and Begley Public Schools — it’s an investment in the well-being of entire families,” said Vicki Houston, director of education of Greater Essex County District School Board, in the release. “With programs like Ignite Academy, we can offer our students opportunities that inspire academic growth while also providing families with the stability and resources needed to build a stronger, more resilient community.”

More information about United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent and how you can support it is available on its website.

TRANSPARENCY NOTE: The writer of this blog is a Unifor member in his day job, in a non-automotive field.