United Way of York Region

Thank you for bringing it home

Media Release: January 21, 2010

Over 20,000 people to thank for 2009 record achievement

A sold out crowd of over 450 donors and volunteers chanted “Bring It On Home” as United Way of York Region (UWYR) announced a record $7,667,050 achievement for its 2009 campaign. The announcement, unveiled at the 2009 Campaign Celebration on Wednesday, January 20, represents a 2.9% increase over last year’s comparable achievement.

Court Carruthers, President of Grainger International and volunteer Chair of the 2009 Campaign Cabinet declares, “I have been involved with United Way as a volunteer for 5 years now, the last 2 as Chair of the Campaign Cabinet. In all my years, in all my volunteer efforts, I have never seen so many people work so hard for so long to raise so much. Every single volunteer and donor focused on a single goal: to ensure that people in need can access the services they need, when and where they need them. On behalf of the 2009 Campaign Cabinet, thank you.”

UWYR CEO, Daniele Zanotti, says “On a sunny summer morning in King City, when we unveiled the 2009 goal of $7.65M, thousands of volunteers joined me chanting, “Bring It On Home.”

Zanotti continues, “And 5 months later, thanks to over 20,000 volunteers and donors, did we ever bring it on home to York Region: for the unemployed dad in Maple, who, thanks to a United Way funded program, will be able to access employment support and find full time work again; for the teen in Georgina, who, thanks to a United Way funded program, will choose an after school program and not suicide; for the isolated senior in Aurora who, thanks to a United Way funded program, will now be able to get out, meet friends and continue living independently. ”

Mark Foerster, Chair of the UWYR 2009/2010 Board of Directors and Vice President Group Operations & Claims for Munich Reinsurance Company states, “Every year, no matter how daunting the task, York Region residents and businesses respond. This record achievement belongs to the over 20,000 people who showed how much they care by giving time or money to United Way. Thanks to each and every one of you, United Way can continue to invest in critical social programs across the region, building a better life for everyone.”

United Way of York Region presented 27 local organizations with Spirit Awards for outstanding campaign accomplishments.

Sharon Johnson was named Volunteer of the Year and presented with the Douglas E. Lear Memorial Award. The award is sponsored by UWYR in association with Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. Sharon has been the United Way Coordinator for the Town of Richmond Hill since 2004. Since that time, through her leadership and tremendous enthusiasm and participation, the Town has nearly doubled the funds raised annually for United Way.

Thanks to our 2009 Campaign Achievement Celebration Sponsors:

Title Sponsor:
Acklands-Grainger Inc.

Gold Sponsors:
Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
Amex Bank of Canada
CGI
IBM Canada Limited
Motorola Canada Limited
State Farm

Media Sponsor:
York Region Media Group

United Way of York Region helps 1 in 3 people, funding a network of 39 agencies and 100 vital social service programs. The UWYR Community Fund focuses on five priority areas:

• Supporting those who have mental health challenges
• Providing services for newcomers and immigrants
• Addressing domestic violence and abuse
• Tackling issues of affordable housing and homelessness
• Promoting literacy

For more information contact:
Nicole Cleve
Marketing Coordinator
United Way of York Region
905-474-9974 Ext 250 or ncleve@uwyr.on.ca

Click here to view photos of the 2009 Spirit Award Winners

Recovery Efforts in Haiti

United Way of York Region extends deepest condolences on behalf of staff and volunteers to the people whose lives have been so terribly affected by the recent earthquake in Haiti.

Our thoughts are with the people of Haiti over this tragic loss of life and our concern for the great difficulties facing those who have survived.

You can support recovery efforts by donating to the following organizations:

• Canadian Red Cross relief efforts are being coordinated through the Canadian Red Cross Haiti Earthquake fund. Donations can be made online at www.redcross.ca/helpnow, by calling toll free 1-800-418-1111 or at any Red Cross office.
• United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund: United Way Worldwide members in the Caribbean region have mobilized their staff, volunteer leaders and resources in response.