Simpson honoured with United Way’s Anita Robertson award

Winning the United Way’s Anita Robertson Award holds special meaning for recipient Sean Simpson, on several different levels.

“Anita and I spent a lot of time working on the United Way amalgamation,” he says, when she was campaign chair and he was on the board of directors.

At that time, there were three separate districts in Niagara: St. Catharines and District; Niagara Falls and Fort Erie; and South Niagara United Ways.

Simpson says he is proud to have worked with her on the process of amalgamation, and seeing it flourish as the United Way of Niagara.

Robertson was killed in a plane crash with her husband Joe and 24-year-old daughter Laura in July, 2018.

“Knowing how generous Anita was, and the Robertson family, makes this a real honour. She was very genuine, and it was a real thrill to be given this award. It brings back memories of what was accomplished for United Way, and that’s a nice reflection. There are certain people you will always be fond of, and Anita was one of them. She was taken far too soon, but she left a great mark on Niagara and the United Way.”

He was presented the award, appropriately, at a United Way mask sale fundraiser event at Simpson’s Pharmacy last Wednesday.

When presented with his award, Simpson says he has enjoyed working with United Way, the staff and the people, helping local organizations get the funding they need, and seeing the allocation process “working to get the dollars into the most needy agencies and programs that serve so many people across our community.” 

He says he’s most proud knowing the money raised has “touched the lives of so many people.”