Dr. Rose Tannous, a loyal United Way donor for more than 25 years, was first introduced to United Way casually by friends. Since then, she has seen the need continue to increase across the region and has steadily increased her involvement as a donor and volunteer. “I initially discovered United Way through my  walking group,” she recalled. “Attending events here and there. I began hearing the stories of those who were helped and saw the tangible impact.”

“I firmly believe our upbringing profoundly shapes who we become. Niagara is where I’ve built my life and livelihood, so it’s only natural to give back here. Collective giving creates significant change – a value I’m proud to impart to my children.” – Rose Tannous

For Rose, Niagara has been home for 37 years. Establishing herself as a successful cardiologist and raising two daughters, she reflects, “I’ve always recognized the privilege of having a supportive family and never had to experience the deprivation of basic needs. I firmly believe our upbringing profoundly shapes who we become. Niagara is where I’ve built my life and livelihood, so it’s only natural to give back here. Collective giving creates significant change – a value I’m proud to impart to my children.”

Following in her mother’s footsteps, Karina now calls Niagara home after completing her university education and settling in to work at Niagara Health. Karina reflects on her giving journey, sharing that “accompanying my mom to United Way events over the years, I now find myself in a position of financial stability.
Embracing the value of community support instilled by my mother, I’ve become an active contributor financially and through volunteering.”

“Now, immersed in United Way’s work, I recognize its pervasive impact throughout our community. My eyes have truly been opened to the organization’s invaluable role in Niagara.” – Karina Armstrong

The wake-up call of the pandemic spurred Karina to reassess her priorities. “I realized that focusing on just myself wasn’t making me happy,” she explained. Karina took her support to the next level by joining the United Way GenNext Cabinet, a volunteer program that inspires young professionals to be the next generation of change-makers in our community. “Now, immersed in United Way’s work, I recognize its pervasive impact throughout our community. My eyes have truly been opened to the organization’s invaluable role in Niagara.”

To break generational cycles of poverty in Niagara, our community must first inspire generational acts of giving and support. Rose and Karina are prime  examples of how instilling a family culture of giving back can make a measurable impact on your own life and the lives of those in the community around you.