The Cavendish Farms team in Wheatley, Ontario was recently recognized by the United Way of Windsor-Essex County with their I Believe in My Community Award. The award was presented in honour of their successful fundraising campaign and commitment to their community’s development. Employees increased giving by 92 per cent in 2018, totalling $12,569.

“I am so humbled to accept this award from United Way,” said Teila-Maria Giglione, HR Generalist for Cavendish Farms and the plant’s Campaign Coordinator. “Our employees love to participate in the annual fundraiser and draw. I am very proud to be part of a team that truly believes in giving back to our community.”

Left to right: Lorraine Goddard, CEO United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County, Mike Tish, Premiere Vice President, UNIFOR 2458, Event and Award Sponsor, Teila-Marie Giglione, Human Resource Manager, Cavendish Farm Wheatley

Employees who donated to the campaign were eligible to win prizes in the raffle draw.

In order to promote the campaign, the United Way was invited by Cavendish Farms to attend a town hall meeting at their facility. 

“When the employees learned about our initiatives to support local youth education and wrap around supports for families, they doubled their support for United Way to over $12,000,” said Stacy Van Roie, Relationship Manager of United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County. “Their generosity is outstanding.”

The Cavendish Farms plant in Wheatley produces frozen appetizers including onion rings, coated vegetables and sweet potato fries for the retail and foodservice industries. The plant’s campaign committee increased daily communication with employees on the fundraising campaign, which United Way recognized as a factor in their success. 

“We are grateful for this partnership,” said Van Roie, in response to the Cavendish Farms record year in Wheatley. “We wish to thank the entire team at Cavendish Farms for showing their Local Love to those in need in Windsor-Essex County.”