Windsor, ON – On Friday June 19th, United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent in partnership with the Windsor & District Labour Council presented the 6th Annual John Toth Community Champion Legacy Award to longstanding United Way champion Darby McCloskey.
Darby has been a driving force in building stronger communities—helping support United Way’s mission across Windsor-Essex through partnership, leadership, and action.
Darby is a long-time labour and community leader whose decades of service have had a lasting impact across Windsor-Essex. A proud member of Unifor Local 200 and retired Ford Motor Company employee of 42 years, Darby brought his leadership and commitment to community well beyond the workplace, most notably through his role on the United Way Labour Cabinet from its inception in 2022 until his retirement in 2026. In this capacity, he played a key role in strengthening labour-community partnerships, recruiting volunteers, and supporting initiatives that address poverty, food insecurity, educational success, and family well-being. Known for his ability to bring people together and drive collective action, Darby has helped expand United Way’s impact while also contributing to numerous community initiatives through volunteerism, mentorship, and fundraising efforts. His legacy reflects a deep commitment to building stronger, more equitable communities through collaboration and service.
“Darby McCloskey represents the very best of what it means to be a community champion. He has led with humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to helping others, supporting families and creating opportunities for children and youth,” said Lorraine Goddard, CEO, United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent. “This award honours not only his service, but the legacy he continues to build for our community.”
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.
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Darby McCloskey has spent more than four decades demonstrating the power of service, solidarity, and community leadership. A proud member of Unifor Local 200 and recently retired from Ford Motor Company after 42 years, Darby has dedicated his career to supporting workers, strengthening the labour movement, and improving the lives of families throughout Windsor-Essex.
Throughout his years of union leadership, including serving as Financial Secretary, Benefits Representative, Committeeperson, and Plant Chairperson, Darby earned a reputation as a trusted advocate, mentor, and problem-solver.
As his Local reflected upon his retirement: “He didn’t just balance the books; he rebuilt the foundation. He didn’t just manage a building; he made it a place people could count on. And he didn’t just hold a position; he became a steady, reassuring voice for the President and for every member who walked through those doors.”
His commitment to helping others extended far beyond the workplace through countless volunteer and fundraising initiatives benefiting children, youth, families, and vulnerable residents across the region. Darby has been a driving force behind numerous labour-community partnerships, including serving on the United Way Labour Cabinet from its inception in 2022 until his retirement in 2026, helping recruit volunteers and supporting programs addressing poverty, food insecurity, educational success, and family well-being.
A longtime leader with Club 200 Youth Activities, organizer of the Frank McAnally Golf Tournament, and key contributor to the Windsor & District Labour Council Labour Day celebration, Darby has helped generate support for countless charitable organizations and community causes. He is widely respected for his ability to bring people together, build lasting partnerships, and inspire others to become involved in making a difference.
Behind his decades of service is a deep commitment to family. As the proud father of two children, Tia and Nevaeh, and husband to Joy, Darby has balanced the demands of labour leadership and community service with the same love, patience, and dedication he brings to everything he does. Those who know the labour movement understand the sacrifices families make in supporting leaders who devote so much of their time to serving others, and Darby’s family has been an important part of that journey.
Known as someone who always answers the call when help is needed, Darby has quietly worked behind the scenes for decades—mobilizing members, securing resources, mentoring future leaders, and ensuring community initiatives succeed. Through his compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to others, Darby McCloskey embodies the values and spirit of the John Toth Community Champion Legacy Award.
Media Contact:
Dina Misur | Manager, Marketing and Communications
