FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Junior Achievement South Western Ontario Launches Holiday Giving Campaign with $10,000 Match
Junior Achievement South Western Ontario Launches Holiday Giving Campaign with $10,000 Match from Brad Geddes and the Geddes Family Foundation
Junior Achievement South Western Ontario (JASWO) has launched its annual holiday giving campaign, inviting the community to help local students build brighter futures. This year, every donation will have double the impact thanks to a generous $10,000 matching pledge from JA Investor, Brad Geddes and the Geddes Family Foundation.
Too many young people in Southwestern Ontario are entering adulthood without the confidence, financial literacy, or real-world skills they need to build a secure future. According to the Ontario Campaign 2000 Report Card (2024), 1 in 5 children in Ontario live in poverty, the largest increase on record. At the same time, a TD survey reports that 7 in 10 parents expect their children will face greater financial challenges than they did, and nearly 3 in 5 parents often worry about their children’s financial future.
“These challenges are real, but our community can be part of the solution,” said Karen Gallant, JASWO President & CEO. “JA programs empower youth with the skills, confidence, and tools they need to navigate their financial futures, from understanding money and exploring careers to launching their first business idea. This match helps us reach even more students at a time when they need it most.”
Celebrating the Geddes Family Foundation’s Commitment to Local Youth
Brad Geddes, President & CEO of ZucoraHome, has been a long-time champion of JA South Western Ontario, supporting hands-on learning and opportunities that prepare young people for real-world success. A JA Company Program alumnus and current Director Emeritus of the Board of Directors, Brad’s involvement with JASWO spans more than a decade. His leadership and belief in investing in youth have been instrumental in helping JASWO expand its reach and deepen its impact across the region.
“I give Junior Achievement full credit for sparking the passion and desire I have to create and grow successful businesses,” said Brad Geddes. “JA taught me the value of financial health, the importance of being prepared for the workplace, and—most importantly—what it takes to be an entrepreneur.”
“As JA Investors and supporters, my family and I know the impact JA makes in our community,” he continued. “It’s our hope that we might inspire others to also support this work, so JA has the resources it needs to help shape the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs.”
This season, the Geddes Family Foundation’s $10,000 matching gift will double every gift made. A $25 donation becomes $50. A $100 donation becomes $200, twice the opportunity for local students.
Investing in the Next Generation
Donations made through the holiday campaign support free, hands-on JA programs delivered in classrooms across Southwestern Ontario. These programs help students build financial confidence, explore career pathways, and develop entrepreneurial thinking that will carry them into adulthood.
“When you give, you help equip young people to face challenges no generation has seen before,” said Bobbi-Jo Gardiner, CFRE, JASWO Director of Philanthropy. “And when your gift becomes monthly, you provide the dependable support that helps students build confidence, stability, and brighter futures.”
Video Announcement:
Community members can make a one-time or monthly gift online.
DONATE: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/139694
Together, we can ensure every student in our region has the opportunity not just to succeed today, but to build a stronger, more resilient future for years to come.
