Windsor, ON – On Friday June 20th, United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent in partnership with the Windsor & District Labour Council presented the 5th Annual John Toth Community Champion Legacy Award to longstanding United Way advocate Mike Kisch, Secretary Treasurer of Unifor Local 2458.
Mike’s dedication to community service through his roles at United Way demonstrates his genuine compassion to improving the lives of others in Windsor-Essex County – truly reflecting the spirit of this award.
Mike has also been an ambassador for United Way for over 12 years, holding past positions on the Campaign Cabinet, Community Impact Council, and the University of Windsor Campaign Committee. As a United Way Board of Director, Mike helps set the organization’s strategic direction and oversees financial decisions. As Cabinet Chair, Mike leads efforts to increase understanding and support for United Way’s Cradle to Career strategy and to unite Labour Champions around a shared goal. He has been instrumental in fundraising, securing thousands of dollars for food insecurity programs, Camp Wonder and Summer Eats for Kids, and programs to reduce the effects of childhood poverty, including On Track to Success and Ignite Academy – believing no child should go without and no child should be left behind.
“United Way is proud to present the John Toth Community Champion Legacy Award to Mike Kisch, in partnership with the Windsor & District Labour Council,” said Lorraine Goddard, CEO, United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent. “Mike’s unwavering dedication to United Way is both admirable and inspiring. Through his exceptional leadership on our Board of Directors and Cabinet, he has made a lasting, positive impact on our community, especially as a passionate advocate for children and families in need.”
The John Toth Community Champion Legacy Award is presented to an individual from the labour community or a community representative who has leveraged their strengths to inspire others and provide outstanding support for a local cause or resident(s). This award honours the memory of John Toth, former President of UNIFOR Local 195 and dedicated community advocate. A true champion of United Way for over 20 years, John’s unwavering leadership and deep compassion for the most vulnerable left a lasting mark on our community. His legacy lives on through this prestigious award, continuing to inspire collective action and hope.
Mike Kisch | Biography
Mike Kisch, Secretary Treasurer of Unifor Local 2458, began his union leadership journey over 25 years ago. Beginning in 1998, he served as a Union representative at the University of Windsor before being elected as Union Chairperson in 2001. He then advanced to his Local Union to serve as Benefits Representative in 2009 and as 1st Vice President in 2012. In 2015 and 2023 respectively, he was elected as Trustee and Vice-Chair of the Education, Technical, Office and Professional Industry Council within Unifor. He became Chair of the Workers Compensation Standing Committee for the Unifor Ontario Regional Council in 2022. As an executive, Mike collaborates closely with leadership, representing approximately 6,400 members across 66 bargaining units in Southwestern Ontario.
Mike deeply understands the need for collective action, not only for empowering workers and improving their rights but also for its positive impact on the broader community. This understanding has propelled him to become a true community champion.
A devoted husband to Annie and father of four children, Mike openly shares his personal stories to advocate for change. In 2014, after the loss of his 12-year-old son, Holden, along with his friends and family, Mike helped organize a walk-a-thon in Holden’s memory. This event raised $14,000 for park amenities, and he and his family collaborated with a LaSalle Councillor for an additional $13,500, surpassing their goal. Mike continues to help organize the “Angelo DiPonti and Holden Kisch Memorial Golf Classic” to raise funds for charitable organizations, including the Westover Treatment Centre, the Alzheimer Society of Windsor and Essex County and WES for Youth Online. In the community, Mike has been involved as a coach and team representative for sports organizations, most recently with The Miracle League of Amherstburg, and has supported the University of Windsor, and Federal and Provincial NDP campaigns.
Mike has also been an ambassador for United Way for over 12 years, holding past positions on the Campaign Cabinet, Community Impact Council, and the University of Windsor Campaign Committee. As a Board of Director, Mike helps set the organization’s strategic direction and oversees financial decisions. As Cabinet Chair, Mike leads efforts to increase understanding and support for United Way’s Cradle to Career strategy. He has been instrumental in fundraising, securing thousands of dollars for food insecurity programs, Camp Wonder and Summer Eats for Kids, and for United Way’s childhood poverty reduction programs On Track to Success and Ignite Academy – believing no child should go without and no child should be left behind.
Mike approaches challenges with a problem-solving mindset, viewing them as opportunities for growth. His commitment extends to supporting rallies, picket lines, and volunteering for United Way events, generously donating his time, resources, and skills to help others. Mike’s efforts demonstrate kindness and a genuine sense of love and compassion, fostering the empathy, trust and deeper sense of connection that drives his work as a community champion
Media Contact United Way:
Dina Misur, Manager, Marketing and Communications
[email protected] | M: 519-567-8735
Last updated on July 21, 2026
