Congratulations to the 2024 Special Award Winners!

Each year United Way Niagara is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of local partners and supporters with yearly campaign awards. The following award winners have shown tremendous support and dedication to strengthening our community over the past year.

Special award – King Charles III Coronation Medal

Anita Robertson Legacy Award

Brad Steeves Anita Award

This memorial award is bestowed annually upon an individual or individuals that embody Anita’s kind heart and community spirit and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to our cause.

We are pleased to announce that the 2024 award recipient is Brad Steeves. As Campaign Chair for two consecutive years, Brad’s vision, determination, and unwavering commitment have inspired many. Brad’s generosity, especially in supporting initiatives like Backpacks for Kids at the Beatties warehouse, has made a tangible impact and his leadership has fostered a stronger, more connected community. It is with deep gratitude that we honour Brad’s outstanding contributions today through the Anita Robertson Legacy Award.

New Campaign of the Year

The New Campaign of the Year Award is presented to an organization that has demonstrated exceptional dedication, effort and creativity in making their first workplace employee campaign a success.

This year we are excited to present the 2024 New Campaign of the Year Award to the Town of Grimsby.

In their very first employee giving campaign, they showed incredible enthusiasm and commitment, exceeding expectations right from the start. A standout moment was their highly successful golf tournament—months in the making—which not only raised significant funds but also brought the community together in support of our shared mission.

Community Impact Award

This award recognizes an individual, organization, or group that has made a significant, positive contribution to the Niagara community.

This year we are delighted to present the award to Empire Communities. Empire Communities’ generous support was instrumental in ensuring that all young people, particularly those who are at-risk and vulnerable, had an equal chance to thrive and succeed. Their support provided children facing poverty with the opportunity to excel in school, alongside their peers. Through their contributions to Backpacks for Kids and Children’s Programming, Empire Communities has helped create opportunities for growth, learning, and success, empowering the youth of Niagara to thrive today and tomorrow.

Community Partner Award

Community Partnership Award is presented to an organization that demonstrates exceptional commitment and collaboration in supporting a charitable event or initiative.

United Way is thrilled to award Niagara Parks with the 2024 Community Partnership Award. Niagara Parks has been an outstanding supporter, from their employee giving campaign and team fundraising events to their active role on our Campaign Cabinet. Their generosity extends even further—year after year, they contribute to our golf tournament auction and this year, they hosted us at the stunning Power Station for a donor reception, helping to raise vital awareness and funds.

A special thank you to Emily DeGaust, their campaign ambassador, whose dedication and enthusiasm have played a key role in making their campaign such a success.

Longstanding Partner Award

The Longstanding Partner of the Year Award is presented to a partner who has demonstrated a considerable commitment to the work of United Way, investing time and effort, and consistently showing exceptional dedication and excellence in their partnership.

United Way is excited to present the 2024 Longstanding Partner of the Year Award to John Deere Canada ULC.

On both the international and local level, John Deere has been a long-time partner with United Way, working to combat hunger and promote community service.
In Niagara, their support of initiatives like Backpacks for Kids, Days of Caring, and the Annual Golf Tournament has made a significant impact. They help grow fresh produce at the United Way Niagara Garden Hub, assemble welcome home kits, and engage employees in volunteer opportunities.

Beyond providing time, John Deere also makes a generous financial contribution with their annual donation, ensuring funds go where they are needed most. Their employee-giving campaign continues to raise both funds and awareness, consistently placing them among the top 20 campaigns.

Unsung Hero Award

The Unsung Hero Award is presented to an organization that has supported United Way consistently, year after year, behind the scenes, in various supportive, ‘hands-on’ roles.

United Way is excited to present the 2024 Unsung Hero Award to Ridley College!

For over 20 years, Ridley College has proudly partnered with United Way Niagara, raising more than $140,000 to support the community. A special thanks to dedicated Campaign Ambassadors, Kory Lippert and Marcie Lewis.

Ridley College actively engages their students in initiatives like the RAFT club and mentoring younger children in the After School Matters program. Encouraging students to understand the importance of giving back to their community and instilling a lifelong commitment to helping others sets the path of philanthropy for the future.

Municipal Challenge

The Municipal Challenge competition between the cities and towns in the Niagara Region engages employees to increase participation in the United Way campaign.

For the second year in a row, this year’s champion has held onto the title and, of course, the trophy! Congratulations to the City of Port Colborne.

Longstanding Volunteer Award

The Longstanding Volunteer Award is presented to an individual that has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to United Way for a number of years.

Jeff Klassen is a dedicated and influential leader in the United Way movement, serving as board chair for both United Way Niagara Falls and United Way Niagara. As a key member of the transition team that led the merger of the United Ways in Niagara he played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s future.

Jeff has also been instrumental in leading the community investment processes across both organizations, helping to direct vital resources where they are needed most.

King Charles III Coronation Medal

This medal, which was created to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, recognizes individuals for their extraordinary contributions to their communities.

It is an honor to present this award to someone who is well-known to United Way and has made a lasting impact on the organization and the greater community. Heidi Burgess leads the United Way Niagara golf committee, raising vital funds for essential programs. She is an integral part of the Anita Project, organizing donations and volunteers to provide hygiene items and basic household supplies to those in need. As an active member of the Community Investment panel and Women United, Heidi contributes to grant decisions and community initiatives. Her dedication and leadership have a significant impact on Niagara, helping improve lives and build community making her a deserving recipient for this medal.

Heidi Burgess King Charles III Award