Regional Junior Achievement charters merge

Junior Achievement South Western Ontario and JA Waterloo Region amalgamate to form one chapter

Photo: Karen Gallant, president and CEO, JA South Western Ontario

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT SOUTH Western Ontario announced today that it has officially merged with Junior Achievement Waterloo Region to form one charter.

Formed in 1963 and 1970 respectively, the two organizations will now operate as the amalgamated charter Junior Achievement of South Western Ontario. The new charter’s geography includes the counties of Essex, Chatham-Kent, Lambton, Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford, Huron, Perth, Bruce, Grey, Wellington, Waterloo, Brant, Hamilton, Haldimand-Norfolk and Niagara.

The two charters have been working closely together to deliver programs in a virtual format for over a year and plan to continue building on the success of the partnership moving forward.

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“As difficult as things have been for everyone during the pandemic, we have seen many bright spots in the ways our staff, volunteers and students have been innovating,” says Karen Gallant, president and CEO of JA South Western Ontario. “The team has done an incredible job at being resourceful with new ideas and efficiencies to bring essential JA education to as many students as possible. We’re excited to continue that work together as one robust organization.”

Click here to view Q&A with Karen Gallant

JA South Western Ontario says it will still be working locally in many ways. For example, funds raised in each region will stay within that region. In addition, volunteers will be working directly with schools in their areas, and the three offices in Kitchener, London, and Chatham-Kent will be maintained with current staff.

“We could not be more pleased with this amalgamation,” says Murray Flanagan, board chair for JA Waterloo Region, who will be joining the board of directors for JA South Western Ontario. “Ultimately, our highest priority is to increase our student reach in every city and town across our region. This merging of resources allows us to streamline how we do the work so that we can continue to grow and deliver the JA difference to more students.”

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“Connecting with youth about financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship is so important right now, Gallant adds. “We are inspiring the community builders of the future, which will be crucial in the years of economic recovery that may lie ahead.”

As the largest youth business education organization in Canada, JA works in partnership with educators, volunteers and businesses to education students about financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Since 1955, JA has educated more than five million Canadian youth.