Surprise donation upgrades campaign's capacity

October 24, 2007 | Community News | Archive 2007

A campaign worker's chance remark has resulted in a surprise donation of equipment to the United Way.

After promising to send a contact at James Richardson International (JRI) information, Sponsored Executive Linda Loeb warned that it might take several hours. With only two computers shared between 50 colleagues, she explained, simply sending and receiving emails could be slow.

Little did she know that five days after hanging up the phone, JRI would respond with a donation of five laptops for the Sponsored Executives' use.

The laptops had been earmarked for charity, and JRI representatives were pleased they'd found a home where they'd be put to use right away.

Jean-Marc Ruest, VP of corporate affairs and General Counsel, likens the donation to the United Way's own work. "Without getting too philosophical," he smiles, "it's an expression of the spirit of the United Way. You see a need, and you react quickly."

Paul Beaudry, JRI's Director of Technical Services, is quick to give credit to his team for this prompt response. "I explained to my team what it was for, and they got right on it." In a few days, the team re-built the laptops and installed the software.

JRI's donation follows an outstanding 2006 United Way workplace campaign, which earned them the Campaign Chair's Award in recognition of their contributions and leadership.

A message to Winnipeg about United Way's campaign Janury 5, 2012