UHC- Hub of Opportunities

The UHC - Hub of Opportunities, in proud partnership with the of Windsor, is thrilled to announce the Second Annual Pastabilities Luncheon! 🍝

🗓️Date: Monday, October 21, 2024
⏱️Time: 11 AM - 2 PM
📍Location: Ciociaro Club

This year’s event is set to be our largest community gathering yet, and the best part? Everyone can attend! With tickets priced at $15, you’ll have the chance to sample pasta from over 20 restaurants across Windsor-Essex County!

100% of the proceeds will go directly to UHC’s food initiatives, including our Food Bank, Plentiful Harvest Food Rescue Program, and Community Kitchen.

Let’s join forces to tackle hunger and make a difference in our community together!

Purchase your tickets today at UHC.ca

Let’s Tackle Hunger Together! 🍽️♥️

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month 💛

Today, is World Su***de Prevention Day!

Our staff wore yellow to remember and acknowledge those whose lives have been lost due to su***de, and the families and communities that have been impacted.

This month recognizes the importance of education and eliminating the stigma of talking about su***de, in hopes that we can help prevent further tragedies in the future.

You Matter 💛

Happy Labour Day!

As always, a big thank you to all the Windsor Assembly Plant workers for their generosity!

These funds go directly to purchasing food for those battling food insecurity in our community.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Generous Members

Your generosity during the recent gate collection at Windsor Assembly Plant has made a significant impact, raising an impressive $6,000 for the UHC- Hub of Opportunities. This donation will go a long way in supporting those in our community who need it most.

Thank you for embodying the spirit of solidarity and compassion that defines our union. Together, we are making a real difference!

Summer’s almost over - don’t miss out on a fantastic opportunity for your kids! Enroll them in our FREE Computers for Youth Camp today. With fun activities and learning experiences planned, it’s a perfect way to end summer on a high note!

Free for newcomer families - register now!

Andrew, Kirk, and Kelly from the visited the UHC to explore our hub-model, with a special focus on our Community Kitchen and food programs. They gained insights into how these initiatives support local agencies and individuals facing hardship in our community.

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We were excited to welcome Steve from to our centre. Steve visited to learn more about our Plentiful Harvest Food Recovery Program & The Leamington Regional Food Hub!

His visit highlights our commitment to strengthening connections with farmers and greenhouses in our local area and beyond, all in the effort to ensure everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food.

Stay tuned for more updates on our journey!

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A huge thank you to NextStar Energy for hosting a fantastic food drive as part of their first company event! We are incredibly grateful for their generosity, which led to over 500 pounds of food being collected for those fighting hunger in our community!

We’re thrilled to welcome NextStar Energy to Windsor and are excited to see the creation of meaningful community partnerships. Here’s to many more impactful events ahead!

Enroll Today!

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🐔Today, we’re grateful to receive a generous donation from the .ca supported by dignitaries and . This donation of nearly 1,800 kilograms of chicken will provide over 16,000 meals for individuals and families served by our member food banks at the Windsor Essex Food Bank Association.

🍽️ The demand for food assistance continues to rise, and partnerships like this are vital in helping us meet this need.

🐓This contribution of nutritious, high-protein chicken will have a significant impact on those battling food insecurity in our community!

💛 A heartfelt thank you to .ca and for collaboration and generosity.

Explore our summer newcomer programs designed for both adults and children. From activities for kids to workshops for adults, there's something for everyone.

Join us to connect, learn, and make the most of the season.

Register now and dive into a summer of discovery!

Happy Canada Day! 🇨🇦

Thank you to everyone who supported the Windsor Essex Food Bank Assocation today along the parade route with food, funds, and fun!

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We're thrilled to announce that UHC - Hub of Opportunities has been awarded the Leadership Award at Feed Ontario annual conference! This award recognizes outstanding leadership, innovation, and advocacy in the food bank community.

🍽 The Leamington Regional Food Hub is at the heart of this award. Our partnerships with Windsor-Essex farmers and greenhouse growers have enabled us to recover and distribute over 30 million pounds of produce since 2012.

💛 Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way – your dedication fuels our mission to ensure nutritious food reaches every corner of our community.

Today is World Refugee Day! We honour the courage and resilience of those seeking refuge and celebrate their unique journeys. We recently had the privilege of attending the CLIF-WECK luncheon, where one of our clients shared her inspiring success story of forging a new path in Canada, supported by UHC. We stand in solidarity with refugees worldwide, acknowledging their strength in seeking sanctuary and rebuilding their lives.

The UHC is excited to participate in the upcoming Youth & Family Service Fair in Lakeshore! Join us to learn more about our services, and more organizations, and opportunities for children, youth, and their families in Lakeshore!

Reflecting on the lasting impact of our beloved board chair, Gary Parent, whose spirit continues to guide us. We are honoured to share a letter to the editor celebrating his remarkable legacy. Join us as we cherish his memory and carry forward his vision with pride and gratitude.

Our team had a fantastic time at the Health & Wellness Fair hosted by St. Theresa’s! We were thrilled to engage with attendees through grounding exercises, offering simple yet effective mindfulness techniques to alleviate stress and promote relaxation.

Happy Mother’s Day! 🌸

Today, we celebrate the incredible mothers who inspire us everyday! Whether you’re a mom, stepmom, grandma or mother figure- we appreciate all that you do!

Take this day to relax, enjoy and feel appreciated. You deserve it! 💛🌼

In Loving Memory of Gary Parent

On behalf of the UHC board of directors, staff, and volunteers, it is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to a true pillar of our agency, Gary Parent. His impact echoes in every corner of our organization, shaping it into what it is today.

As our Board Chair for many decades, Gary exemplified leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment and support. His visionary guidance, compassion and generosity inspired us to strive for excellence, leading the UHC to its success today.

While we mourn the loss of Gary Parent, we also celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind. We will honor his memory by continuing the important work he started and by carrying on his spirit of leadership and generosity to continue to make a positive impact on people’s lives for years to come.

I want to personally thank Arden and the family for allowing him the time to dedicate so much of his life. It is rare to find a human being who gave as much as he did for the betterment of our community. Gary is unforgettable!

June Muir, CEO

Today, Caesars Windsor HEROs joined us in UHC’s food bank to pack food hampers that are distributed to those facing food insecurity in our community!

Caesars Windsor celebrates 30 years of dedication and service to Windsor and Essex County and we are honoured to have partnered with them on various initiatives, witnessing firsthand their generosity and support for our community!

Let’s start a conversation!

For more information about our emotional support services for newcomers visit www.uhc.ca or call our centre at 519-944-4900!

Today, we celebrate our incredible administrative professionals who are the backbone of our organization. Your hard work and dedication provides essential support to our team and enables us to reach those in need. Thank you for being the heart of our organization, and for all that you do!

Happy Earth Day! 🌎

🫑Did you know that UHC’s Plentiful Harvest Food Rescue Program has rescued over 30 million pounds of produce that would have otherwise gone to waste.

🌱This reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and feeds those who are experiencing food insecurity, while we work towards long-term sustainable food solutions.
 

As Volunteer Week draws to a close, we reflect on the incredible impact of our volunteers. This week has been a heartfelt celebration of their dedication and hard work!

Our volunteers are the backbone of our organization and without them, our vital programs and services wouldn’t be possible.

Thank you for all that you do!

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A heartfelt thank you extends to all who generously contributed to our recent food drive! 🥫🥣 Together, we rallied to provide over $800.00 worth of essential provisions to The Windsor Essex Food Bank Association (UHC- Hub of Opportunities), representing 15 vital food banks across our community.

June Muir, President of the WEFBA, shared her profound gratitude, emphasizing the invaluable support from organizations like the Rotary Club of Windsor (1918) and its compassionate members. She remarked, "We are thankful for organizations like the Rotary Club of Windsor (1918) and its members, who support our mission of ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry. This food drive provides immediate sustenance to those in need but also sheds light on the prevalence of food insecurity that has become embedded in our communities. It is with collaborative action we can ensure that those in need of food and nourishment have a place to turn.”

Captured in a moment of shared dedication, June Muir and Ali Bazzi, Food Rescue Manager, stand alongside Allan Kidd and Janice Forsyth, proudly showcasing the final round of donations on April 11, 2024, at the Rotary office.

⭐️Happy Volunteer Week!⭐

This Volunteer Week, we extend our deepest gratitude to our amazing team of volunteers who make a world of a difference every day! �

🥫 Did you know that over 30 dedicated volunteers join us weekly to pack, sort, and assemble our food hampers? Their hard work directly impacts the 1500 individuals who rely on our food bank each week to feed themselves and their families.

🤝 We are grateful for all the community organizations that come together to volunteer their time as part of their social impact initiatives and support us on an ongoing basis with various initiatives. From assisting with special events, sorting coats and gloves for our Coats for Kids program, to tending to our land in our Community Garden, or assisting with food drop-offs.

⏰ The year’s theme, “Every Moment Matters,” perfectly captures the significance of our volunteers’ contributions. Each moment they spend with us helps us ensure that those in our community can access programs and services that improve their quality of life and allow them to reach independence.

💚 Thank you to all our volunteers for their selfless dedication and for making every moment count! Together, we’re making a real difference in the lives of our neighbours in need.

We are thrilled to congratulate Dave Cassidy (Local 444 Unifor), and the other award recipients on their remarkable achievement of receiving the St. Clair College Annual Alumni of Distinction Award.

This honour recognizes their outstanding community contributions and dedicated service. Dave, along with these exceptional individuals, has had an immense impact on our community. Your collective efforts have significantly supported our organization throughout the years.

Thank you all for your incredible dedication and commitment to making a difference!

Join us on Monday, June 10, 2024, at Beach Grove Golf & Country Club for UHC’s 32nd Annual Golf Tournament.

Donors and community partners unite to combat food insecurity in Windsor-Essex County! Let’s tee off for a cause, and enjoy a day filled with golf, food and fun!

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Contact Heidi Benson at 519-944-4900 ext. 105 or visit www.uhc.ca to purchase tickets and explore sponsorship opportunities.

Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating in our community, and around the world! Wishing you a blessed & joyous Eid-ul-Fitr!