It will be a Merry Christmas as a result of two holiday traditions, thanks to Chrysler Windsor Assembly workers.
The assembly plant's shop floor was the setting Friday for the unveiling of the donation totals raised by FCA Windsor employees for Sparky's Toy Drive, which is in cooperation with Windsor Fire and Rescue, and the United Way Windsor-Essex County. Both of these campaigns produced record results.
The toy drive is a holiday event that provides brand-new toys to children in need throughout Windsor. The rear of a brand new Chrysler Pacifica was opened by Sparky the Fire Dog to reveal that workers had donated $35,000 worth of toys this holiday season, enough to completely fill eight new Pacificas. That's a scene that makes Windsor Fire Captain Sean Costello very happy.
"Sparky's Toy drive relies on the community's generosity," said Costello. "Without these eight vanfuls, we would not be as successful as we are. We need Fiat-Chrysler to donate to us to give what we give to the community."
The United Way's campaign was made possible through payroll contributions from plant employees as well as retiree contributions. United Way Windsor-Essex County CEO Lorraine Goddard called on a group of school children to emerge from another Pacifica and spell out the total reached, a record $1,249,110.
The holiday campaign is one of several big projects performed for the United Way during the year. One of them featured a team of runners, led by plant manager Michael Brieda, participating in the Detroit Free Press Marathon and donating the pledge money raised to the United Way. Other employees raised thousands by running a beverage station for the runners.
Over 6,000 employees help the plant hum at full tilt, five days a week. Costello said Windsor Assembly workers are extraordinarily generous, and in light of the recent announced closure of a GM plant in Oshawa, a similar event in Windsor would be difficult for workers and charities.
"They're doing this every month for different charities and they continue to give," said Costello. "The impact would be immense. It would be devastating for the charities in this community."
Windsor Deputy Fire Chief Jamie Waffle, left, and Sparky reveal the toys donated to Sparkys Toy Drive by Windsor Assembly Plant workers at the plant, December 7, 2018. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.
