Kingston’s Chief of Police steps up to lead United Way 2020 campaign
Kingston, ON (June 3, 2020) – The United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington is pleased to announce the appointment of Antje McNeely, Chief of Police for the Kingston Police Force, as your 2020 Campaign Chair.
“I am honoured and proud to be the 2020 United Way KFL&A Campaign Chair. As Chief of the Kingston Police, I can personally attest to the significant impact that our local United Way has on community safety and well-being,” said Chief McNeely. “The Kingston Police directly benefit from and value the investments made by the United Way in our many community agencies. Through collaboration and partnership with these community agencies, we can ensure that those in need receive the appropriate help in a timely manner.”
McNeely will build on the great momentum generated by 2019 chair Scott Harris, Regional Deputy Commissioner for the Ontario and Nunavut Region of the Correctional Service of Canada.
“As a long-time volunteer with United Way KFL&A, Antje brings her experience and enthusiasm for the community to this new role,” said Bhavana Varma, President and CEO, United Way KFL&A. “Antje’s strong leadership, along with the dedication of our amazing Campaign Cabinet volunteers, is essential to help us continue to support the most vulnerable in our community.”
This year brings new challenges as the community works together to find innovative ways to support those most impacted by the pandemic. United Way KFL&A’s 2020 Campaign Cabinet is hard at work adapting and changing the traditional campaign structure.
“New opportunities arise from crisis, and it has been heartwarming to see our community come together to help those in need through the COVID-19 Response Fund,” said McNeely. “This year’s campaign will find new ways to connect with our supporters through virtual giving platforms. By utilizing video, teleconferencing, and other digital channels, agency speakers will still be able to share their stories on how United Way funding has impacted local lives. We are all in this together, and no one will be left behind.”
This year’s campaign will continue with the theme of ‘Local Love’ and how that local love can be seen in action, in response and in recovery as our community continues to adapt to the current circumstances.
The 79th annual United Way KFL&A Campaign will kick off on Friday, September 11, 2020. Stay tuned for details on this year’s virtual adaptation.
Stay up to date by following our social media channels – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and of course, look for regular updates on our website at www.unitedwaykfla.ca
About United Way of KFL&A
United Way works with individuals, organizations and key partners in KFL&A to build and strengthen the community bringing people and resources together to facilitate change. Our vision is a future where people are self-sufficient in a community, where individuals live with hope, dignity and a sense of belonging. Visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca for more information.
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Media Contacts:
With social distancing in mind, interviews can be conducted via phone, Zoom or Skype
Mandy Pasch, Manager, Marketing and Communications
United Way KFL&A
613-876-3088, marketing@unitedwaykfla.ca
Bhavana Varma, President and CEO
United Way KFL&A
613-929-4828, bvarma@unitedwaykfla.ca
Chief of Police Antje B. McNeely, MOM, PMPA
Antje joined the Kingston Police in April 1985. As a constable, sergeant (1992), staff sergeant (2001), and inspector (2007), Antje fulfilled assignments in the Uniformed Patrol, Special Services, Criminal Investigations, and Professional Standards units and headed the Patrol and Executive Services divisions. Upon her appointment to Deputy Chief in July 2011, she assumed operational oversight for the Kingston Police and responsibility for developing strong strategic relationships within the Kingston community.
A graduate of Queen’s University, Antje achieved a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in 1983 and completed the Professional Master of Public Administration in Policy Studies program in 2013. Her professional qualifications also include the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management Executive Program (2007); Visiting Fellow for the Australian Institute of Police Management (2015); and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Global Studies Program on the Impacts of Globalization on Canadian Policing (2016).
In recognition of her volunteer work, Antje was bestowed with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, and she has also been awarded the Police Exemplary Service Medal and first bar. In 2015 she was appointed as a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces for her achievements and substantial contributions to the establishment of community partnerships in support of local law enforcement efforts.
Antje was sworn in as Kingston’s 17th Chief of Police on November 30, 2018. She and her husband, Michael, have two daughters, Erin and Anne.
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