After eight years of dedicated service, Northumberland United Way recently bid farewell to Maggie Darling.
Darling held down several roles in recent years with the not-for-profit organization – including during the COVID-19 pandemic – and titles such as interim acting executive director and director of communications and impact.
In other words, Darling took over the reins when called on during an incredibly challenging period and when need in Northumberland reached all-time highs.
The United Way team and community celebrated Darling’s service and wins at a more informal gathering in Cobourg at the Swayne Street office on her last day.
“I’m staying here in the community,” noted Darling, while explaining she’s taking on a new opportunity, and still plans to give back to the community she calls home.
Darling said she continues to care deeply about the impact United Way has in the community – as the largest non-governmental funder of locally-based health and social services in Northumberland, the organization has been helping thousands of people locally since 1969. And Darling has many fond memories to hang onto.
From doing incredible work through the organization’s programs, to signature events like Day of Caring, and rallying school supplies for kids and families in need, then stuffing backpacks, as well as newer events such as Northumberland Rocks Back, Darling noted it’s hard to pinpoint just one big moment to reflect on, as there were countless efforts, fundraisers and events over the years, all driving critical change or raising much-needed monies locally.
Among United Way’s focus areas are reducing poverty and food insecurity – this includes supporting groups locally to ensure they can continue to offer shelter, food and housing help – and tackling period poverty, with great strides in this area in recent years. Helping kids and area families struggling, as well as seniors to stay at home and live independently longer, are among other key areas.
The organization is centred around building stronger communities through investing in social service providers, and more.
Looking back on the last eight years, there have been a lot of great events and efforts United Way has been a part of, said Darling.
Through her role, Darling’s also been involved in community tables around housing, homelessness, and more, learning from other area leaders, she explained.
Darling will continue to look back on the last eight years with gratitude, she shared, while giving thanks to an incredible team.
Alicia Vandine, United Way’s new executive director, called Darling an integral part of the organization.
“Her passion and commitment have helped United Way Northumberland positively impact countless lives,” said Vandine, adding while the organization’s sad to see Darling go, the team is proud of and excited about the new opportunity she has found.
“Her unwavering commitment to our cause has truly been inspiring, and we are confident that she will continue to thrive in her new role,” said Vandine.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt, with files from Joseph Goden.)
