At the 39th Annual General Meeting in June 2020, the Professional and Managerial Association membership voted to introduce a charitable giving campaign in the amount of $2000 per year, awarded to up to three charities nominated by the membership.

After the 40th Annual General Meeting in May 2021, there were 27 charities nominated for consideration.

The following charities received the most nominations:

In response to the on-going pandemic and homelessness crisis the COVID-Winter Interim Solution to Homelessness (WISH) Coalition formed to consider options and make recommendations on what could be done and how together community, organizations, and the City of London can work together to implement untried solutions to support survival and sheltering during our coldest months.

From a nominator:

Homelessness has been horrifically high in London, Ontario for decades. As in among the highest per capita in Canada. Closely tied to entrenched inequities in our community, and disproportionately impacting women, children, and other vulnerable citizens. This organization is the result of unprecedented collaboration and silo-busting between orgs and local government and is finally, finally moving the needle.

Children’s Health Foundation is dedicated to raising and granting funds to support Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, Thames Valley Children’s Centre and Children’s Health Research Institute. Donations to Children’s Health Foundation contribute to the full spectrum of paediatric health care, supporting over 2.1 million children and families in our region.

Since 1922, funds raised have helped deliver exceptional care and support by providing specialized paediatric care, equipment, education programs, therapy, rehabilitation services and research.

From a nominator:

The world is dealing with a deadly pandemic but injury and illness haven’t stopped. Children’s Hospital continues to care for kids across Western Ontario who are diagnosed with life-threatening or life-limiting diagnosis – the virus has complicated this care. And 100% of the equipment inside Children’s Hospital is funded by donor dollars.

Locally driven and governed, United Way is a non-denominational, registered charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of all people in our community and helping individuals, families, neighbourhoods and communities reach their full potential.

United Way is a leader in understanding the root causes of social issues and bringing together people and resources to find lasting solutions. United Way is creating real change in people’s lives – meaningful, positive, lasting change. Not just for today, but for the long term. And that means a better community for us all. Inspiring people to come together, we have the power to make a real difference, in people’s lives and in our community.

From a nominator:

United Way Elgin Middlesex supports many organizations and programs in our community with a wide-reaching breadth of diversity for whom they help. Their partnerships in our community ensure that donations go where they are needed most and where they will have the greatest impact, right here at home. United Way is one organization that helps all the others and works together with agencies, government, and companies to help those in need.

Since 1982, Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) has helped lead youth in London and Middlesex County toward success. We believe that investing in youth and strong communities go hand in hand, and we know that many youth need guidance and support to reach their potential.

Approximately 3,600 youth between the ages of 16-30 access the system of supports available at YOU each year. Whether they are in need of basic needs and housing, access to physical, mental or dental health care, or education and employment supports, our services are designed to help youth lead positive lives.

From a nominator:

YOU works with young people 16-30 who have had a tough start in life. They may be homeless, under-educated, have experienced abuses or addictions. YOU supports these youth with skills training, education, work preparation, housing, and other basic needs including health care. The organization appreciates any level of support.

When the London Food Bank was first started in 1986, co-directors Jane Roy and Glen Pearson determined that it should be largely volunteer-run and fully transparent to the community at large. Now in its 35th year, the Food Bank continues to flourish specifically because of its great volunteers, a committed staff, and a community that continues to donate supplies year after year. The London Food Bank is an important part of this functioning city and we invite you to explore more of how we function and who we serve.

The London & Area Food Bank was officially incorporated on January 1, 1987. It is a non-profit, charitable organization, governed by a community board of directors. There are six full-time and two part-time paid staff.

From a nominator:

Food is a basic necessity and providing for one’s family can be a great source of stress for low income families. Having access to sufficient food should not be one of life’s stresses in a country such as Canada, and I like to support this organization to help people locally.

Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre is committed to the care and rehabilitation of sick, injured, orphaned or otherwise compromised wildlife; our goal is to return healthy animals to their natural habitat. Through education we are dedicated to increasing public awareness about and respect for the issues affecting Canadian wildlife.

We rely on support from individuals, businesses, foundations, and fundraisers to carry out our work. We strive to promote the well-being of wildlife and their habitats through the rehabilitation of sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife and through our public education programs.

From a nominator:

Salthaven promotes the well-being of wildlife and their habitats through the rehabilitation of sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife and through our public education programs.
This organization is important to me because of my love for wildlife and the invaluable work they do to help. There is no government support for animal organizations therefore community support allows this work to continue.

This poll will be open until June 29, 2021.