FCA Canada Employees And Retirees Pledge Over $1.24 Million To United Way:

During a special presentation at FCA’s Windsor Assembly Plant (WAP) today, Michael Brieda, plant manager, announced a donation of $1,249,110 to the United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County 2019 campaign. This marks the largest donation in the Windsor-Essex community and the 33rd consecutive year of FCA Canada employees and retirees donating over $1 million.

In a holiday double header press conference, Brieda also unveiled a generous contribution of new toys collected from FCA Windsor Assembly Plant employees valued at over $35,000, which were overflowing from eight Chrysler Pacifica minivans, for distribution to the Windsor Fire & Rescue Services as part of their annual Sparky’s Toy Drive.

“FCA employees in Windsor are some of the most generous I’ve seen throughout my career. No matter the cause, they are tireless when it comes to helping others who are struggling or going through tough times,” said Reid Bigland, president and CEO, FCA Canada. “2018 marks our 71st year of working with United Way and 16th year with Sparky’s Toy Drive. I couldn’t be more proud of our Canadian workforce for their unwavering commitment to the local community.”

In addition to the annual campaign, FCA employees also volunteer for many United Way-sponsored events throughout the year. Recently, Brieda led “Team Pacifica” in the Detroit Free Press Marathon, where participating FCA employees collected funds that benefitted the United Way of Windsor/Essex, while other FCA employees volunteered their time at a beverage station for the participants. This effort generated over $34,000.

Funds raised this year will go toward helping United Way take action to help local families and individuals gain access to education and financial stability. Programs include emergency assistance, after-school programs, and various means of mentorship and support.

“For decades, the team from FCA Canada and its unions have shown their local love through their dedicated support of United Way,” said Lorraine Goddard, CEO of United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County. “From raising millions of dollars to support local programs, to collecting backpacks for kids, their support goes on and on. Our community is so grateful for their incredible commitment and generosity.”

“FCA Windsor Assembly employees have been an integral part of the Sparky’s Toy Drive success over the years. The campaign would not exist without their support,” said Sean Costello, captain, Windsor Fire & Rescue and coordinator, Sparky’s Toy Drive. “As Sparky and I accompany the plant volunteers on toy collection day, I am amazed to see first-hand, the generosity at the plant gate, knowing full well this same group of people helps countless organizations year-round. We are very grateful for the continued partnership.”

“Just another example of how WAP employees continually dig into their pockets to help the Windsor/Essex community,” said Dave Cassidy, president of Unifor Local 444.