3 minute read
XX Files: Ashley Weeres, Operations Manager For The Windsor Essex (W.E.) Care For Kids Foundation
By Victoria Rose
Ashley Weeres
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Finding a work-life balance can be difficult for executives.
You simply can’t do it all. For Ashley Weeres, this realization came while trying to balance everything in her busy life as a wife, mother and Operations Manager at the Windsor Essex Care for Kids
Foundation (W.E. Care for Kids).
Each day, she works directly with her Board of Directors, donors, and volunteers to help support funding for the paediatric programs in Windsor and Essex County.
“I oversee all aspects of the charity and its day-to-day functions,” explains Weeres. “I work closely with our board and implement the direction in which they would like to see the charity move. I also have the wonderful opportunity to work closely with our amazing donor and volunteer base, as well as oversee all committees and fundraising events.”
She points out that being in a position like hers means meetings and events may run beyond a typical work day and into evenings and weekends.
“Finding a healthy work/life balance can be tricky in a position like mine,” comments Weeres. “I really try to make a conscious decision to make plans with family, friends, and self-care.”
That self-care comes in the form of activities like shopping, reading, and spending time enjoying a glass of wine with friends. She also loves DIY projects and recently did a makeover on a playhouse and play kitchen for her daughter.
“Her little kitchen is nicer than mine now!” she jokes.
Since its humble beginnings in 1997, W.E. Care for Kids is now recognized as a leader in paediatric fundraising in Windsor/Essex County and has raised $6.5 million in support of local paediatric health care programs. As its Operations Manager, Ashley Weeres is proud of the difference the organization has made, and continues to make, in the community. Photo courtesy of Ashley Weeres.
Weeres admits she doesn’t have it all figured out, but gives credit to her amazing support system for being able to find some balance.
“It can be really challenging as a mother to not feel guilty when you leave your child to go to work,” she states. “It’s something that I struggle with quite often, but having the support of my husband (Steven Wilder), is so valuable to me. Knowing that I have a supportive partner who is willing and able to fill in the gaps is a huge relief for me — I couldn’t do it without him!”
Her advice for others focusing on their careers is to persevere and not to feel bad about prioritizing work if it is something that you love.
“Finding a balance between your work obligations and personal time can be challenging when you are building a career you are passionate about, but it’s important to set aside a little time to make sure you are checking in on your friends and family . . . and taking care of yourself!” says Weeres.
After earning a BA in Political Science from the University of Windsor and finishing a post-graduate certificate in Fundraising Management at Ryerson University, she joined W.E. Care for Kids in 2012, after working at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation in Toronto.
Among the many fundraising events coming up, Weeres is excited about the $25 for 25 years campaign celebrating the organization’s 25th anniversary with a goal of raising $25,000.
The funds will help local families in need by allowing them to access the support, services, and medical equipment necessary to get their lives back on track.
Already in 2022, W.E. Care for Kids has been able to help many local causes, including Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) and Connections Hearing.
To learn more about WE Care for Kids or to donate, visit their website: WECareForKids.org.
