Media Release: United Way Announces Patricia Tersigni as 2021 Campaign Chair
Guelph, Ontario, April 26, 2021. United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin is pleased to announce Patricia Tersigni as the 2021 Campaign Chair. As lead United Way volunteer, Patricia will work to mobilize leaders from across sectors, corporate, community, and government, to collectively build the resilience of United Way’s network in Guelph, Wellington & Dufferin.
Patricia was born and raised in Guelph and was inspired from a young age by grandparents, parents and other family members who modeled volunteerism and civic-mindedness, to get involved in her community. Now, along with her husband and two young daughters, she is excited about this opportunity to continue giving back to a community that means so much.
“I am passionate about our community and the strength of our people. We know there are acute needs and the pandemic has shone an even bigger spotlight on the areas where our most vulnerable neighbours need support,” said Tersigni. “I truly believe United Way represents the power of coming together to tackle issues that are bigger than any one of us or any one organization to make real and effective change.”
Patricia has spent the last 20 years with the University of Guelph, now the Director of Academic Programs and Policy. She led the University of Guelph United Way campaign in 2015 & 2016, both years setting record-breaking fundraising results for the University. She has continued to be an active volunteer with United Way, the University, and other local organizations, and is a vocal advocate for social services and community investment.
“Leading the Campaign Cabinet is exciting; they are an outstanding team of community champions from all sectors across Guelph, Wellington & Dufferin. I am profoundly moved by their passion and commitment to the same issues I’m passionate about – poverty, mental health, seniors, healthy and safe kids and the well-being of our communities – and I am looking forward to supporting their efforts and helping develop the next generation of community builders in our work,” said Tersigni.
“Patricia embodies the true spirit of a community champion and is a natural fit for this role,” said Glenna Banda, executive director at United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin. “Her passion, energy and local love will lead a fundraising campaign with one aim—to ensure our communities’ social safety net will be there for our neighbours and their families when they need it most, today and tomorrow.”
United Way is the second largest funder of social service programs across the country, second only to government. Thanks to generous donors and partners, United Way is creating change on key social issues such as food security, mental health and isolation in seniors by investing $2.3 million in critical services to over 90,000 residents across Guelph, Wellington & Dufferin in 2021. This is in addition to the close to $1.5 million distributed for COVID emergency services in 2020, thanks in part to both local donors and corporate partners, and the Government of Canada.
As we continue to deal with the impacts of COVID-19, credible collective strategies to meet unprecedented demands for food security, shelter and connection, and the funds needed to implement them are more important than ever.
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United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin has worked in our community for over 80 years to monitor and meet the pressing social needs of our community, including poverty, social isolation and mental health. Directed by a volunteer board, managed by committed staff and supported by thousands of donors, United Way works with partners in all sectors to improve lives and build community. Donations stay 100% local, always. For more information, please visit unitedwayguelph.com