Reflecting back on my time as a UW SE, the days fly by! The first week was composed of formal training and the most memorable part was the speeches each SE prepared. Some of them brought us to tears. It’s in those moments you realize just how much impact the UW and its partners have.
After being assigned my accounts, I pretty much hit the ground running, reaching out looking for ways to help their campaigns be the best ones yet.
UW Winnipeg kicked-off their workplace campaign Sept. 10 with a Winnipeg social. We watched a campaign video (which can be viewed on Payworks YouTube Channel). We had the privilege of hearing Catherine Biaya speak about her experiences and connection to UW. On September 13 Payworks kicked off its campaign. There was a panel discussion in the afternoon with Barb Gamey, Payworks CEO, Connie Walker, UWW CEO, Ken Mason, YMCA, and Ann Harry, CNIB. It was truly inspiring to hear them passionately talk about the impacts UW has in our community.
UWW’s city-wide campaign started with Plane Pull, with 70+ teams participating. Barb announced this year’s campaign goal, $21million! Working at the event versus participating in it gave me a greater appreciation for what it takes to put it on year after year. The sheer number of people needed to work is astounding and co-ordinating everyone is quite the feat. Although I wasn’t on Payworks’ team, I was super proud to hear they were once again the top fundraising team.
Another volunteer opportunity that came up as a result of being an SE this year was “Peter Henderson Bryce: a Man of Conscience”. This was a special evening co-hosted with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR), where amazing speakers talked about the importance of being an ally. In addition to my volunteer responsibilities of welcoming speakers and attendees as they arrived, I had the privilege of listening to the speakers, two of whom were residential school survivors. That evening, hands down, was the most moving time I’ve had as an SE thus far.
Business Analyst, Dee dela Cruz is Payworks’ fourth United Way Sponsored Executive. She joined the ranks of United Way Winnipeg for four months to help businesses around the city run successful Workplace Campaigns while Payworks continues to pay her salary. We’re getting the inside scoop on what it means to be a Sponsored Executive (SE) by following her journey.
