By: Daniel Jean, Chair of the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign and Deputy Minister, Foreign Affairs
Each and every day, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and civilian members of National Defence work tirelessly to ensure Canadians have a safe and sovereign nation to call home and to contribute to international peace and security.
Members and retirees, both civilian and military, play an integral role in the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC). Through the GCWCC, they raise funds for United Way, Healthpartners, and other registered charities in Canada in order to make sure vital programs and services are available to Canadians and their families in times of need.
Their donations and support for the GCWCC are yet another example of their commitment to our country and all Canadians.
Charitable contributions through the GCWCC have an enormous positive impact on the health and well-being of thousands of Canadians. In fact, many of us have family members and loved ones who will require help and support at some point in their lives.
Whether it’s a warm bed, or food to put on the table, or help to cope with a difficult diagnosis or support to deal with an illness, donations to the GCWCC make sure that these resources are there for Canadians in need.
As federal employees and retirees, we all want to make a difference in society because we care. The GCWCC, in essence, is another way we demonstrate our leadership and play a role in helping to make a real difference in the very fabric of our communities.
Last year, federal employees and retirees across the country raised almost $39 million dollars in support of the campaign– an extraordinary achievement.
This year, I know federal employees and retirees will rise to the challenge again. I strongly encourage you to join your colleagues from within the Public Service, the RCMP and the Canadian Armed Forces and National Defence, who give not just from home here in Canada, but also from international postings and military installations around the world. Please show your support by making a pledge through the GCWCC, participating in events and fundraisers, and volunteering in your communities.
Together, we have made the GCWCC the most successful workplace fundraising campaign in Canada and a catalyst for building stronger, thriving communities. Every dollar counts towards making a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbours and community members across the country.
Daniel Jean has recently been appointed as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, effective November 4. This year, as the National Chair for the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign, Mr. Jean is leading federal employees within the Public Service, the Canadian Armed Forces and the RCMP across Canada in their annual drive to raise money for United Ways, Healthpartners and thousands of registered Canadian charities across the country.
