NDWCC Wrap-up

On Feb. 17, Capt(N) Sam Sader, Base Commander (right), presented a cheque to Dave Ramsay from the United Way of Greater Victoria (left), accompanied by Mark Miller, base civilian NDWCC co-chair, CPO1 Steve Wist, Acting Base Chief, and Margot Cutcher, NDWCC Co-ordinator.

On Feb. 17, Capt(N) Sam Sader, Base Commander (right), presented a cheque to Dave Ramsay from the United Way of Greater Victoria (left), accompanied by Mark Miller, base civilian NDWCC co-chair, CPO1 Steve Wist, Acting Base Chief, and Margot Cutcher, NDWCC Co-ordinator.

Every year, CFB Esquimalt’s Defence Team comes together to support those in need through the National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign (NDWCC). This year, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, CFB Esquimalt raised just over $170,000 for local communities, money that will help make a big difference during what has been a very hard year for many.

“This was a historically difficult campaign, but I couldn’t be more proud of how everyone across the base and the formation came together to rise to the challenge,” says Capt (N) Sam Sader, Base Commander. “Our communities have always been great supporters of the base, and I am grateful for the efforts of our Defence Team to give back to their neighbours, especially in this time of need. The money raised will make a real impact in the community.”

Through the NDWCC, Defence Team members could choose to support HealthPartners, United Way, or any other registered Canadian charity.

In light of the hardships caused by the pandemic, the United Way Centraide Canada prioritized increasing funding to programs for seniors, families in need, mental health and addictions, and diversity and inclusion. In neighbouring communities this includes: offering meals and companionship to seniors, increasing literary skills and providing books to children, providing counselling and addictions services, and contributing funds to Little Phoenix Daycare, a centre with a focus on providing care for children suffering from trauma.

Donations made to HealthPartners will help support life-changing research and provide local programs and services to individuals living with chronic disease or major illness, a high-risk demographic during a global pandemic.

With the health and safety of base members in mind, Margot Cutcher, CFB Esquimalt NDWCC coordinator, had to think outside the box.

“This year’s campaign was like no other. Pledges went online for the first time and we had to get creative to find new ways to raise funds. We even had a Defence Team member rap for the NDWCC,” explains Cutcher. “We adapted, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the support we received from the Defence Team.”

Most events were moved to a virtual platform, but planning allowed for the continuation of the NDWCC Tug-of-war, an outdoor concert by the Naden Band, and a Halloween parade, in addition to individual unit events.

“Margot and her team put their heart and soul into adapting and spearheading this campaign through our new-normal, she really stepped up and made the NDWCC a success, despite the challenges,” says Capt (N) Sader. “I’d also like to thank Mark Miller – the base’s civilian NDWCC co-chair, who helped make this another great partnership between management and our unions.”

Over the past two decades, CFB Esquimalt has raised over $11 million for the NDWCC.

Thanks to those that helped make this campaign a success:

• Margot Cutcher and her NDWCC team: A/SLt Alison Demers, S1 Bradon Hamilton, S1 Kent Huynh, and S3 Huthaifah Alfallah
• External partners: Dave Ramsay and Mark Breslauer from UWGV • Julie Mills from HealthPartners of Canada
• Union Leadership • Mark Miller – Vice-president of UNDE • All NDWCC 2020 Unit Ambassadors

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