Leading others in a common cause of caring
Photographer: Shawn McPherson, 2011
Mark Fleming’s involvement with United Way goes back to 2004 when he chaired his company’s workplace campaign. Since then, he’s also been heading up the Leadership Giving Campaign at his organization, Janssen Inc. (Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson).
When it comes to encouraging others to give in his workplace, Mark Fleming steps up to the plate every year. In 2004 he acted as the chair of his workplace campaign and since then, he’s also been heading up the Leadership Giving Campaign at his organization, Janssen Inc., where he works as Director, Federal Affairs and Health Policy.
“We’ve had fairly significant growth in our [fundraising] campaign, which is great. From a company perspective, and from my personal perspective, it’s really been a thrill to be involved,” he says.
As a Leadership donor, for Mark, giving back to his community is all about making a difference. By donating to United Way Toronto, he’s been able to direct his donation to where he thinks it’s most needed.
“How United Way Toronto approaches things really matches with my and my family’s perspective of helping out the community. I think that what United Way Toronto is doing is completely aligned with what my personal values are.”
Mark has also engaged Janssen’s executives in United Way Toronto’s Day of Caring®, which sees senior staff working as a volunteer at a member agency. Giving back to the community by engaging with United Way Toronto, Mark explains, is a core Janssen platform.
“Most of us have had the opportunity to go out and spend Day of Caring® time on the front lines, so we’ve worked with some of these agencies that our dollars help,” he explains.
Mark also appreciates that when he’s not able to give back by volunteering at a member agency, his dollars are helping to continue the effort.
By taking a lead-by-example approach, Mark is inspiring other employees at Janssen to donate to United Way Toronto. He does more than just give during his workplace campaign and encourage his peers to give—Mark also gives his personal time and has acted as a United Way Leadership Speaker. As an ambassador of not only United Way but also Janssen Inc., Mark travels to other workplaces where he speaks to employees about the merits and benefits of Leadership-level giving.
Mark also likes how during campaign season United Way helps employees understand where their money is going and how their donations are helping create opportunities for a better life for everyone. He encourages others to participate in payroll giving as well as by making Leadership donations.
“You’re talking about less than the cost of a coffee a day to participate at the leadership level, and that’s really very manageable for people who are working in good jobs in the City of Toronto,” he explains. “Why not give? I think a small effort on each individual’s part makes a big difference in the community.”
