By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Three local community leaders have agreed to serve on the United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent board of directors.
They include Tracie Booth, Jeff McFadden and Kyla Tewkesbury.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tracie, Jeff, and Kyla to our board,” said Lorraine Goddard, CEO of United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent. “Their passion for community development, deep ties to Chatham-Kent, and diverse skill sets will be invaluable as we continue to address the pressing challenges facing our region. Together, they will help us ensure that United Way remains a strong force for positive change for individuals and families across Chatham-Kent.”
Booth, president of the Lambton Kent Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, brings more than 15 year of leadership experience, advocation for quality education and well-being for the students of Chatham-Kent.
“I’m excited to contribute to United Way’s efforts to empower individuals and meet the basic needs of our community,” said Booth in a media release.
McFadden, who serves as president of Unifor Local 127, is an advocate for workers’ right, community change and supporting vulnerable populations.
“I’m eager to work with United Way to ensure no one in Chatham-Kent goes without the essentials they need to thrive,” McFadden said. “As we see families struggling to make ends meet more frequently, United Way programs that help families to work their way out of poverty are key.”
Tewkesbury, a branch manager at BMO in Chatham-Kent, brings more than 19 years of banking experience to the role as well as experience in United Way’s workplace campaigns.
“United Way’s focus on addressing the root causes of community challenges resonates with me,” said Tewkesbury in the release. “It’s about creating lasting impact for future generations.”
As part of their commitment to creating positive change, the new board members want local residents to participate in a community survey. The survey aims to gather insights and feedback from Chatham-Kent residents to help identify priority needs and focus areas for United Way’s initiatives moving forward.
Residents of Chatham-Kent are invited to participate in the survey by visiting weareunited.com/chatham-kent/we-want-to-hear-from-you-chatham-kent/ and completing it by Feb. 28.
The organization continues to stress that all dollars raised in Chatham-Kent remain in Chatham-Kent, directly supporting local programs and initiatives that help our community thrive.
