Archives 2009
The United Way of Pictou County is very pleased to
recognize and congratulate Michelin on their 40th Anniversary of connecting to our communities in Nova Scotia. Seen L-R: John Guest, Plant Manager;
Dodie Goodwin, Executive Director, United Way; Dave Hanley, Plant Controller & past-president Board of Directors, United Way."
ABC United Way Day
Aberdeen Business Centre Wednesday, Sept.2/09 11am-2pm BBQ & LIVE music garden center area and Convergys Aberdeen Business Centre -------------------------------------------
Maritimes & NE Pipeline
7th Annual Pancake Breakfast Friday, Sept. 11/09 7-10am $5 80 Terra Cotta Drive New Glasgow ------------------------------------------- “Millionaires’ Lunch” & Campaign Launch
Sponsored by Sobeys Thursday, Sept. 17/09 12noon – 1:30pm $60/table NG Stadium Mezzanine AUG 8/09 Thank You, Volunteers! United Way of Pictou County Celebrates Community Volunteers! At their recent Annual Meeting held April 15 at the NSCC cafeteria, the United Way of Pictou County celebrated the good works of community volunteers. Formally, with awards, but informally, through every person who spoke. Continually, each speaker talked about the good work that makes our communities shine – all because people choose to give of their time and talents - they choose to make a difference. Four years ago, the United Way initiated their Community Volunteer Awards. The Jack Pink United Way Award was established to recognize an individual who exemplified Jack Pink, “Mr. United Way” in his/her contributions to the United Way. In 2008 the Jack Pink United Way Award was awarded to Tom Moore posthumously. Tom Moore passed away suddenly the end of October. He held many roles with the United Way, leading the United Way brilliantly through its change from a federated funder to a community builder. Tom had exceptional skills to “plant” seeds in people and to “fertilize” their roads to success. Tom’s wife, Anne and their daughter, Gaylen, accepted the award. In recognition of his service in Pictou County, the United Way of Pictou County created The Cyril Reddy Community Volunteer Award, an annual award that is to be presented to an individual like Cyril Reddy. Cyril was a former President of the United Way of Pictou County and, in addition, held many executive and campaign positions. The Award recognizes an individual who has given of themselves to our community and who has a history of community volunteer experiences in Pictou County, which has made an exemplary contribution as a community leader. The United Way was pleased to recognize nominees Susan Taylor & Tom Moore (posthumously) for their volunteer contributions. As Susan’s nominator shared, “Susan is an amazing person & an incredible support to our Mental Health Department & our community”. The Cyril Reddy Community Volunteer Award for 2008 was awarded to Michael Hollis. As his nominator said, “Michael is the epitome of volunteerism. He spends most of his waking hours giving to the community and to the betterment of others.” In 2006, the United Way Youth Community Volunteer Award was established for a Pictou County youth (19 years or younger) who demonstrates extraordinary leadership skill while exhibiting a strong commitment to the betterment of our community. This year the United Way was pleased to recognize Lilly Thompson. As her nominator explained, “Lilly is the epitome of youth volunteering….she leads the charge to make our programs available to all members of the community and her efforts are invaluable”. The United Way Youth Community Volunteer Award for 2008 was awarded to Cody Alderson, a natural leader in his school and the community. His service to community and school clearly demonstrates outstanding citizenship qualities and shows promising futures. As an effective team leader, Cody instills commitment into so many. All volunteers, choosing to make a difference – and we are the better for it. Thank you. | | A Heroes Journey – The beginnings of a Communications Assistant Like so many others, I just recently arrived home after 8 long months of challenging learning. I am a student, and on my 4-month holiday from the difficulties and stress of school, ironically, I don’t quite get to relax on the beach. Summer students abroad flock home every May and fight for jobs in their communities. Some look for jobs that offer great pay while others search for jobs in their career path or interests. Me, I searched for a job that had purpose & meaning. I was searching for something challenging, and something worthwhile. I traveled 4 long hours from the beautiful Saint Thomas University campus in Fredericton to come home, back to New Glasgow, where my memories flow fluent. I love Pictou County, and I knew that herein lay many opportunities for me to shine. Luckily, I decided to start my search with Dodie, at the United Way of Pictou County. Emails and interviews ensued, and my search ended. 8:30 am, Monday morning, May 26th. I felt confident and sure. I walked into the office for my first day of what I felt would be a spectacular 10-week experience. At 4:30, the office closed, and I was ready to quit. In my interview I shared what a Professor had taught in my English class, and now pertained to my life: The heroes journey. Imagine a circle, and at the top of the circle stands you, in your comfort zone, familiar, happy, and sure of the waters you tread. Then you slip, all the way down the left side of the circle into the unknown. You are cast into a place that is so far from what you’ve known, what you’ve lived. Nothing seems right, and quite frankly, you’re frightened! The only way out is to climb your way back up the other side. And hopefully, the journey would not have been in vain, and you would have come up a changed and better person. The importance of communications within an organization and its community is unbelievable. I’ve adapted and grown to enjoy the new culture, atmosphere, and roles I am now responsible for. I was overwhelmed, frustrated, and confused at first. I persevered however, and now I know I have come up the other side better than when I had slipped down. The journeys of life are sometimes overbearing and occur constantly, but the United Way fits my needs and interests – I now know we work for communities. It is helping me create partnerships - we work to establish them too! It is allowing me to recognize a change and make impact - our own purpose, is to do the same. I realize, that maybe this is the place for me! I believe in Possibility! Brandon Gero Student Communications Assistant United Way of Pictou County | | | | |
Volunteers Make Our Communities Better
From all areas of Pictou County, people volunteer their time and give of their talents, energy and enthusiasm. Pictou County’s volunteers impact all sectors including health, recreation, sport, culture, arts, environment, education and heritage. There is no aspect of life in Pictou County that has not been enriched by the efforts of dedicated citizens who are volunteers. We all benefit from the hundreds of volunteers who help to make our communities safe, caring and prosperous. All through the year, take time to recognize this great group of people. Once a year, in April, we come together to formally recognize this special breed – Volunteers!
The United Way of Pictou County is directed and owned by the people of Pictou County, working to “improve lives and build communities by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action.” Community volunteers make everything happen. The development of recognition awards was a natural development.
In recognition of his service in Pictou County, The United Way of Pictou County created The Cyril Reddy Community Volunteer Award in 2005, an annual award that is to be presented to an individual like Cyril Reddy. Cyril was a former President of the United Way of Pictou County and, in addition, held many executive and campaign positions.
Winners since its inception are:
2005 Roger Fleming
2006 Betty Ann Dwyer
2007 Henderson Paris
2008 Michael Hollis
The Cyril Reddy Award is to recognize an individual who has given of themselves to our community and who has a history of community volunteer experiences in Pictou County, which has made an exemplary contribution as a community leader. In 2005 the nominations of three young men shattered any preconceived thought of average teenagers. They collectively stepped forward in 2002 to coach the A.G. Baillie Memorial Elementary School Boys’ basketball team when nobody else would. Their attitude, dedication and enthusiasm were simply remarkable. They were the coaches and the mentors that any parent would want for their child, conducting themselves professionally and setting positive roles for the boys in their care. As youth, they did not qualify for the Cyril Reddy Award as they did not have the history of involvement.
In 2006, the United Way Youth Community Volunteer Award was established for a Pictou County youth (19 years or younger) who demonstrates extraordinary leadership skill while exhibiting a strong commitment to the betterment of our community.
Winners since its inception are:
2006 Maddi Clarke
2007 Brandon Gero
2008 Cody Alderson
These youth with their service to their community and school, clearly demonstrate outstanding citizenship qualities and show promising futures. We know they are the leaders of today and are making their communities wonderful places to be.
At a time when rural communities are in decline, it is encouraging to see so many individuals across a broad range of ages working vigorously to reverse that trend and injecting renewed energy and vitality into our communities.
Volunteers – our lives are better for them. And guess what – we can all choose to volunteer. Try it – you’ll like it.
We believe in our communities. We believe in possibility.
For more information on volunteering in Pictou County, contact the United Way of Pictou County 755-1754 info@pictoucountyunitedway.ca or www.pictoucountyunitedway.ca Sounds of Joy
Concert Jill Prince, Grade 12 student North Nova Education Centre, one
of the many talented musicians who shared their gifts before Christmas
at the Sounds of Joy Concert, is pleased to donate to the United Way of
Pictou County almost $1200 received at the Concert. Many young
musicians from Pictou County who are away at school, came home to
perform. What a wonderful experience it was to enjoy their performance
and marvel at their growth! We are indeed lucky to live in Pictou
County with such talents! Rick Beaton, Campaign Chair is very happy to
receive the success of their efforts 
Michelin and its
employees have been actively working with the United Way of Pictou
County for the past many years. Recently, they just finished their
workplace campaign, realizing over $31,000 as the company matches the
employees' donations 1:1. Michelin, as the top company, are happy to
see results for the community. L-R John Guest, Plant Manager; Nikki
Parnell, Employee Campaign Coordinator; Debbie Flemming, Private
Division Chair United Way Campaign; and Jeff MacLean, Personnel
Manager 
Sounds of Joy
Tuesday, December 22 7pm
As usual, the Christmas Spirit
abounds in the music community with the showcasing of some of Pictou
County’s most talented young musicians. On Tuesday, December 22nd, past
and present students of Donna Hargreaves will be presenting their 8th
annual Christmas Concert: SOUNDS OF JOY - Gold - Silver - Ivory. The
concert will take place at Trinity United Church beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Admission is free. Freewill donations will be taken at the door with
proceeds going to the Pictou County United Way. The musicians are all
set to provide an evening of seasonal and classical performances
designed to please listeners of every age. By sharing their
well-trained gifts with the concertgoers and the concert proceeds with
the Pictou County United Way, they are making their Christmas
contribution in the way they love best.
TO SEE POSTER CLICK HERE
The
four branches of RBC in Pictou County were very pleased to come
together
to invest corporately in the United Way of Pictou County with a $2600
corporate gift to this year's Campaign. All smiles are, L-R: James
Lundrigan, Manager Stellarton & Westville; Debbie Flemming, Private
Division Chair, United Way Campaign; Corinnea McGuire, Manager Pictou;
and Monique DeCoste, Manager, New Glasgow. The employees of RBC
contributed through their Workplace Campaign. Many thanks to all.
Last week Advocate Printing
held their very successful 1 Day Blitz fortheir United Way Workplace
Campaign, attracting over 75% participation and totalling over $7000.
COngrats! Happy and excited are the lead Campaign Volunteers L-R Traci
Parker, Assistant Coordinator and Patricia Cameron, Coordinator. 
A mighty team worked late
into the night to get all three United Way
thermometers up this week.
Now you will see two thermometers - 1 for
dollars and 1 for the
number of donors as the United Way is owned by the community -
participation is the key to success. Proudly displaying their work in
Pictou, L-R: Terry Steeves, Central Supplies; Rhonda Richard, Proudfoots
Home Hardware Pictou; Alexis and her dad Jon Linthorne; and Hao Zhang,
Campaign Assistant, United Way.
Central Supplies Over
$2000 has been raised by the employees of Central Supplies through
their workplace campaign topped up by the company's donation of $1000
to equal over $3000. Hao Zhang, Campaign Assistant, United Way is
pleased to accept the pledges from Terry Steeves, General Manager,
Central Supplies. 
Convergys A
penny is small change but when you collect a whole bunch of them, you
get $2316.87 and leading to Big Change. That's just what COnvergys
employees did when they recently held their Penny Parade. L-R Debbie
Flemming, United Way of Pictou COunty Private Division Chair smiles as
she thanks Janesta Fraser, Employee Campaign Coordinator at COnvergys
and Greg MacDonald, Site Manager COnvergys. 
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Donate Now
Contact InformationWhether you have questions,
concerns, wish to volunteer,
or simply want to find out more,
we encourage you to contact us!
You can give us a call, send
us an email, or simply drop
by our office.
United Way of Pictou County
Victoria Plaza
342 Stewart St. Unit #1,
P.O. Box 75,
New Glasgow,NS B2H 5E1
Telephone: (902) 755-1754,
Fax: (902) 755-0853
or email... Jessica or Isabelle
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