Following a wave of community support during the month-long Period Promise Campaign, United Way Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent successfully hosted its first Period Promise Social Celebration at The Match Eatery & Public House.
The event brought together residents, businesses, labour unions, and community groups to break the stigma surrounding period poverty, normalize the conversation around menstrual equity, and celebrate hitting it out of the park for a vital local cause.
The Chatham-Kent community collected more than 1,000 packages of menstrual hygiene products and raised over $3,000 during the Period Promise Campaign.
The evening was filled with celebration as guests enjoyed complimentary appetizers, door prizes, and cheering on local community members who helped drive this year’s success.
This collective community energy capped off weeks of local generosity, including a number of collection drives and local business point-of-sale fundraisers in Chatham-Kent.
“We wanted to turn a critical issue into a loud, energetic celebration of community giving, and Chatham-Kent absolutely delivered,” said Lorraine Goddard, CEO of United Way Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent, in a media release. “Period products are among the most requested but least donated items at local food banks and shelters. The incredible enthusiasm from our partners proves our community is ready to break the stigma and ensure everyone has access to basic hygiene and dignity.”
Adding major momentum to the night, the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers brought out team players Julien Monks and Robert Mackie to show support for the cause. Allanah Wills, the team’s MVP of Fun, kept the crowd engaged as the event MC, while their mascot, Lefty, mixed and mingled with attendees.
All products and monetary donations collected are distributed directly through local front-line services within Chatham-Kent.
While the main celebration has concluded, the need continues year-round. Financial contributions can still be made online to support the ongoing initiative at weareunited.com/chatham-kent/period-promiseck.
E-bikes and scooters guy
Kirk Chabot recently opened Wallaceburg E-Bike & Mobility Scooters after recognizing a growing need for reliable repair services for electric mobility scooters, e-bikes, and other electric vehicles throughout the Chatham-Kent area.
With a background in industrial electronics, transitioning into the e-bike and mobility scooter industry was a natural fit for Chabot. His technical experience allows him to diagnose, repair, and maintain a wide range of electric transportation products, helping customers stay mobile and confident in their equipment.
Wallaceburg E-Bike & Mobility Scooters has partnered with some of Canada’s largest and most trusted e-bike manufacturers, including Emmo and Velek, to offer high-quality products backed by dependable service and support.
What began as a small operation in Chabot’s garage last September has grown into a dedicated showroom located at 21 Arnold St. in Wallaceburg.
Today, the showroom offers a wide selection of new e-bikes and mobility solutions, along with repair and maintenance services for the community.
“We look forward to helping customers find the right mobility solution and keeping their electric vehicles running at their best,” Chabot said in a media release.
RM targets Noelle’s Gift
RM Classic Cars recently selected Noelle’s Gift to Children as the charity recipient for its June 6 Cars & Coffee event, raising $1,209 through attendee donations and community generosity.
Held throughout the summer months, RM’s popular Cars & Coffee events welcome collector car enthusiasts and community members to enjoy an impressive display of vehicles in a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere.
The events are free to attend and feature complimentary coffee, water, lemonade, and baked goods for guests.
Donations are collected throughout the morning through a donation jar, as well as the sale of automotive magazines, RM catalogues, car books, and other memorabilia, with proceeds benefiting a selected local charity.
For the June event, all proceeds were directed to Noelle’s Gift to Children, a volunteer-driven organization that supports students across Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton by providing clothing, footwear, hygiene products, school supplies, food supports, and other essential items.
The organization also operates Noelle’s Gift Closets in schools, ensuring students have immediate, discreet access to necessities when unexpected needs arise.
The funds raised will help Noelle’s Gift continue supporting children and families throughout the region while expanding its fundraising and community partnership efforts in Chatham-Kent.
“We are incredibly grateful to RM Classic Cars and everyone who attended the June Cars & Coffee event,” said Jodi Mandeno, member of the Noelle’s Gift to Children Chatham-Kent Chapter. “Every dollar raised helps us support local students with the essentials they need to feel confident, included, and ready to learn. Events like this not only provide financial support, but also help raise awareness about the work Noelle’s Gift is doing in our communities. We welcome every opportunity to share our story and connect with people who want to make a difference in the lives of children and families.”
Since its inception, Noelle’s Gift to Children has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in support to students across the region. Working closely with schools and community partners, the organization helps remove barriers to learning by ensuring children have access to necessities that many families may struggle to afford.
Peak effort from Goure
Blenheim native Jordan Goure, CEO and co-Founder of Windsor-Essex-based technology company Picsume, has recently received two national recognitions, earning a place on The Peak’s Emerging Leaders list in the Artificial Intelligence category and being selected for NEXT Founders 2026, one of Canada’s exclusive premier programs for high-growth entrepreneurs.
The Peak Emerging Leaders program recognizes Canadians under 40 who are making a meaningful impact in their industries through leadership, innovation, and influence. Goure was one of only 12 leaders selected, who are helping shape the future of the AI sector and its application across Canadian industry.
In addition to the Emerging Leaders recognition, Goure has also been selected for NEXT Founders 2026. The program supports founders building high-growth ventures through mentorship, education, and access to Canada’s leading entrepreneurial and investment networks. NEXT Canada alumni have gone on to build and scale some of the country’s most successful technology companies.
Receiving both recognitions in the same year places Goure among an elite group of Canadian innovators being recognized for both leadership and entrepreneurial acumen.
“These recognitions are an incredible honour and a reflection of not only the tireless work our team is doing but also that people are taking notice across our country,” said Goure in a media release. “We’re passionate about building technology that solves real-world challenges.”
- Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to [email protected].
