February 26, 2013: United Way agencies of Elgin-St. Thomas, London-Middlesex and Oxford received a donation of $337,533 from the staff and students of Thames Valley District School Board. The funds will be divided among the three United Way agencies based on where the money was contributed so that the agencies across Thames Valley can help to meet local needs.

Director of Education Bill Tucker served as Chair of the London and Middlesex United Way campaign in 2012. "As Chair it has been especially gratifying to see our school communities rally to raise money for such an important cause," says Director Tucker. "All of our school communities benefit greatly from organizations supported by the United Way."

Students raised funds through various activities including the United Way StairClimb and the annual United Way football games. More than 80 per cent of the total is raised through staff payroll contributions.

Superintendent Karen Dalton, a member of the United Way of London-Middlesex board of directors, says staff members in all regions of Thames Valley have generously donated to the United Way agencies of Oxford, Elgin, London and Middlesex.

"We appreciate the staff's contributions to this year's United Way campaign. They experience daily reminders of the very real and increasing needs of many Thames Valley families," says Dalton.

During the presentation, certificates of recognition were presented to Thames Valley staff members who played key roles in the success of this year's campaign. In all, staff and students have donated more than $2.6 million to the United Way over the last nine years.