MMIC Community Spirit Pledge - Investing in local programs making a difference

2021 Middlesex Mutual Community Spirit Pledge Recipients

Middlesex Mutual (MMIC) reserves funding each year for community projects making a difference. As an organization with strong roots in Middlesex County, we are committed to building relationships through the support of local initiatives in need of financial or other assistance.

The coronavirus pandemic is creating unprecedented challenges for many in our communities. One of those challenges is mental health. For 2021, the MMIC board of directors and community spirit committee reached out to not-for-profit organizations in the area in need of assistance in their support of the mental health and well-being of individuals in our local area.

Over the next few days, it is our pleasure to introduce our policyholders and others to the organizations chosen for 2021.  Their energy, commitment and passion towards helping individuals in the community are inspiring and we are honoured to assist their efforts.

Monday – Spotlight on Daya Counselling Centre

Daya Counselling Centre to receive $6,500 towards the support of the Centre’s subsidized counselling program. The Centre offers short-term therapeutic counselling to individuals, couples and families living in London-Middlesex. They embrace diversity and create a safe space for all. “These are unprecedented times that call for unprecedented kindness and your kind donation ensures that our family members, friends, and neighbours have the mental health supports that they need as we find our way through the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Katherine Stewart, Executive Director, Daya Counselling Centre. MMIC is proud to support an organization that offers counselling to everyone 16 years and older, regardless of their socio-economic status.

Tuesday – Spotlight on Indwell

Indwell is the recipient of $6,500 towards their ‘Furnish an Apartment’ campaign at Embassy Commons in London, ON. A 72-unit apartment currently being built with an anticipated completion date of spring 2022. Indwell creates affordable housing communities that support people seeking health, wellness and belonging. “Many of our tenants come to us at a low point in their lives, some from homelessness, and others from hospital, and others from unsafe housing. Having new furniture and kitchen gear makes their apartment a home, and sets the tone and expectation for this new chapter in their lives.” says Julie Ryan, Community Engagement Coordinator, Indwell. MMIC is pleased to offer tangible hope for a new beginning.

Wednesday – Spotlight on Unity Project

Unity Project isthe recipient of $6,500 towards their Housing Stability Program, providing in-home housing support services for adults and youth of all genders who have a history of homelessness. The program works to help people maintain stability in housing. Supports include medical, legal, mental health, life skills – whatever it takes to help people achieve wellness and belonging in the community. With the UP Golf Classic fundraising event cancelled due to the pandemic, MMIC is delighted to contribute a gift to an organization that has been a consistent contributor in providing vital social services for London and area.

Thursday – The Salvation Army - St Marys Food Bank

The Salvation Army, Stratford-St. Mary’s Regional Community Ministries Food Bank is the recipient of $6,500 towards the purchase of a walk-in freezer. MMIC’s donation will kick-off a campaign to raise the approximate $15,000 required to purchase this much needed equipment. “Currently we are limited to the frozen product we can accept. A walk-in freezer would resolve this issue and allow us to provide greater assistance to the clients we serve,” says Major Rick Honcharsky, Executive Director. MMIC is happy to offer the initial funds required to enable the food bank to store more donated frozen food.

Friday – Spotlight on Ailsa Craig & Area Food Bank on behalf of Philip's Garden

The Ailsa Craig & Area Food Bank will receive $6,500 on behalf of Philip’s Garden to purchase food items for monthly hampers. “Philip is a regular supporter of the food bank. Though his life may be impacted by autism it does not stop him from being incredibly involved in his community”, says Philip’s caregiver Jim Lambert. This year he has already donated 18kg of zucchini, 30 flats of beef steak tomatoes and $900 from the sale of his eggs. He has not let the pandemic get in the way of achieving his goal to help others. Philip exemplifies what it means to be a caring, contributing member of the community and MMIC could not be more proud to support his efforts with this donation.