Employees from three local auto companies have donated $562,693 to the United Way/Centraide Windsor Essex County.

Workers from Ford Windsor, Leadec Industrial Services and Penske Logistics Canada announced the donation at the Ford Annex Engine Plant on Thursday.

That is about $2,500 more than last year’s donation.

“I am proud to represent a team that continually demonstrates a collective commitment to the community through our strong partnership with United Way,” said Tony Savoni, Ford Windsor Operations Site Manager. “It is our sincere honor to have partnered with United Way for more than 70 years. We know that United Way will continue to do amazing things in Windsor and Essex County with this donation.”

“The people who put the time in to canvas and the people who donate, it can't be understated how phenomenal it is,” added United Way’s Board of Director Chair, Matt Brannagan.

All-time, the Ford Windsor Site has contributed more than $51 million to the United Way.

Brannagan said the money will go towards reducing poverty, supporting underprivileged kids and families, while also strengthening neighbourhoods across Windsor and Essex County.

The United Way kicked off its annual campaign last September with a goal of raising $5.4-million.

So far, this year’s campaign has raised $4.4 million.