MISSISSAUGA — Several vulnerable neighbourhoods in Mississauga and Brampton have received a boost from United Way to assist them in creating opportunities for residents to work together to make their neighbourhoods stronger. United Way of Peel Region’s new Neighbourhood Development Grants, totaling $100,000, will help reduce isolation and exclusion while strengthening resident-led leadership and helping to revitalize local communities.

“The six projects that we are funding provide an excellent start to United Way’s neighbourhood development strategy,” says United Way CEO Shelley White. “Our goal is to engage and empower neighbourhoods, communities and key stakeholders in creating high-quality community-based solutions to local issues and challenges.”

Funding under this initiative has been directed to several community agencies which will in turn develop and manage the neighbourhood development projects. The following projects have received funding:

Malton Stewardship Day, taking place on Saturday April 26 in recognition of Earth Day, will include a tour for local residents of Malton’s major trail system, tree planting, and the creation of a canvas mural by event participants with the aid of a local artist. The mural will later be displayed at the Malton Community Centre. United Way is providing $6,000 to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority for this event, which is expected to increase resident involvement and community pride.

McHardy Court & Fair Oaks is a high density neighbourhood in central Brampton. United Way is providing $18,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Peel to develop projects to build connections and strong relationships among neighbourhood residents. Activities will include communication circles, family movie nights, and a community festival. The project will empower residents to make positive choices for themselves and their community, encourage inclusion and promote education throughout the broader community.

Acorn Place is a high density neighbourhood in Mississauga near Hurontario Street and Eglinton Avenue. United Way is providing $21,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Peel to continue development of a community kitchen and garden, health and wellness activities for isolated seniors with physical limitations, as well as increasing involvement of youth in activities, facilitating parent support groups and a computer literacy program for adults.

The Brampton Kennedy Road Strip, north of Steeles and south of Queen Street is a community that is both culturally and economically diverse. United Way is providing the Brampton Neighbourhood Resource Centre with $15,000 for project activities that build resident leadership and the development of a small community event such as a summer neighbourhood clean-up or a winter celebration to bring people together. Community residents will be empowered and enabled as they take pride and ownership of their community.

In the Sheridan apartment complex, which is north of the QEW, near Erin Mills Parkway and adjacent to Sheridan Mall, newcomer families face multiple social, economic and language challenges that make it difficult for them to integrate and connect with the community. There are no traditional recreation facilities in this area other than the library within the mall, which limits the opportunities for families to engage in regular social and recreational neighbourhood activities. United Way is providing $21,000 to Boys and Girls Club of Peel to assist in the development of activities such as workshops, after-school programs, and community spirit events to engage residents and help them build positive relationships with one another.

The Malton Community Festival, taking place this year on July 5 and 6, has been bringing together a diverse combination of residents, associations and community organizations since 1976. United Way is providing $19,000 to Malton Neighbourhood Services to support the festival. Residents who attend the festival will meet many community organizations, enjoy a free barbecue and live entertainment in a vast multicultural environment where all performances promote unity and diversity.

“The desired outcomes of the six projects are to create connections within neighbourhoods, build relationships between residents and social service providers and empower residents to be leaders in creating a thriving community for all,” said Anita Stellinga, United Way’s Director of Community Investment. “The bottom line is, a neighbourhood that works together is safer, healthier and more productive.”

The mission of United Way of Peel Region is to engage with our community, through partnerships, to ensure people are cared for, connected and included.

Media Contacts:
Liz Leake
Communications and Marketing Director
905-602-3624
lleake@unitedwaypeel.org

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MISSISSAUGA — An enthusiastic crowd of 700 people cheered at the Pearson Convention Center this evening when United Way of Peel Region announced that it had raised $14,565,806 in 2007, surpassing the $14-million goal set last September.

"Our campaign theme this year was United we are stronger," said 2007 Campaign Chair Linda Kuga Pikulin, President of The Pepsi Bottling Group (Canada) Ltd. "Our community really demonstrated its collective strength in this campaign. Thousands of generous individuals and organizations from all across the region joined with us because they believe in creating lasting positive change that makes our community stronger."

The 2007 campaign achievement includes $2-million from national employee campaigns and an additional $1.7-million that has been designated by Peel donors to other United Ways or registered charities. National employee campaigns are coordinated by United Way for organizations that have head offices in Peel and have multiple locations across the country. Donations raised through national campaigns are distributed back to the communities in which they were raised.

"It takes a lot to make a community strong," United Way Board Chair Dr. Colin Saldanha told the guests. "It takes a vital business sector, good jobs, visionary political leadership, strong social services, opportunities for people to participate in the life of their community, and, most of all, it takes people who care. Together we are building the kind of community in which everyone can thrive."

United Way's Community Fund supports programs, services and initiatives that focus on meeting immediate human service needs as well as addressing the root causes of our community's most complex social challenges.

"United Way would like to thank the community and the many generous donors and volunteers who helped us raise this record amount," said United Way CEO Shelley White. "United Way will invest in reducing poverty, supporting the integration of newcomers, assisting victims of abuse, supporting children and youth to reach their potential, and helping seniors live healthy and independent lives."

Attendees at the celebration included volunteers from companies and organizations across the region, representatives from United Way-funded agencies, organized labour, and government and community leaders.

The Pepsi Bottling Group (Canada) Ltd. was the evening's title sponsor. Grant Thornton LLP provided an additional sponsorship and Lite Concept Design and Image Force provided in-kind support.

During the evening, United Way presented 21 Spirit Awards to organizations and individuals whose participation in the 2007 campaign was outstanding.

Funds pledged to United Way's Community Fund are used to improve social conditions in Peel by:

• Investing in a network of well-managed human care services and programs that are focused on meeting community priorities;
• Championing and leading community-based partnerships to tackle complex social issues;
• Providing training and skills development to agency staff and volunteers to ensure our community has a strong human care network;
• Advocating for changes in public policy to eliminate inequity and expand opportunities so individuals can fulfill their potential.

United Way is the largest non-governmental funder of social services in Peel. The mission of United Way of Peel Region is to engage with our community, through partnerships, to ensure people are cared for, connected and included.

Media Contacts:
Liz Leake
Communications and Marketing Director
905-602-3624
lleake@unitedwaypeel.org

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MISSISSAUGA — United Way of Peel Region tonight announced the recipients of the 2007 Campaign Spirit Awards at its 2007 Community Achievement Celebration held at the Pearson Convention Center.

"The Spirit Awards program pays tribute to the most outstanding United Way campaigns over the past year," says United Way CEO Shelley White. "We are thrilled that close to 40,000 people and 484 organizations participated in the campaign this year, helping us raise a record $14,565,806. Congratulations to all the recipients!"

Best First-Time Campaign
This award is presented to a workplace campaign that has had outstanding participation in its first-ever campaign for United Way of Peel Region.
Winners:

• Less than 100 employees: Hill's Pet Nutrition Canada Inc., Mississauga
• More than 100 employees: Hatch Ltd., Mississauga

Outstanding Public-Sector Joint Union-Management Campaign
This award is given to the public-sector campaign that best exemplifies teamwork and leadership and involves both management and union employees.
Winners:

• Less than 500 employees: Hydro One Brampton and Canadian Auto Workers Local 1285 and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 636
• 500 or more employees: The City of Mississauga and Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 66, International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1212, International Association of Machinists District Lodge 78 and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1527

Outstanding Private-Sector Joint Union-Management Campaign
This award is presented to the private-sector campaign that best exemplifies teamwork and leadership and involves both management and union employees.
Winners:

• Less than 100 employees: ESAB Group Canada Inc. and United Steelworkers Local 9042, Mississauga
• More than 100 employees: ArcelorMittal and United Steelworkers Local 7536, Brampton

Outstanding Agency Campaign Award
This award is presented to a United Way-funded agency that has exceptional participation in its employee United Way campaign.
Winners:

• Less than 20 employees: Rapport Youth & Family Services, Brampton And
• Canadian Hearing Society, Mississauga
• More than 20 employees: Peel Senior Link

Speakers' Bureau Award
This award is presented to the member of United Way's Speakers' Bureau who is an outstanding ambassador and public speaker.
Winner:

• Carmine Spadafora, St. Leonard's Place (Peel), Brampton

Outstanding Leadership Giving Campaign Award
This award is given to the organization that conducted an exemplary Leadership Giving Campaign. A Leadership donor gives more than $1,000 annually to United Way.
Winner:

• Bantrel Co., Mississauga

Outstanding Corporate Campaign Award
This award is presented to a corporation that excels in many areas of corporate support.
Winners:

• Less than 500 employees: The Pepsi Bottling Group (Canada) Co., Mississauga
• More than 500 employees: AstraZeneca Canada Inc., Mississauga

Outstanding Employee Campaign Award
This award is presented to the workplace campaigns with the most outstanding efforts of individuals or teams that ran exceptional employee campaigns.
Winners:

• 100 or fewer employees: The Clorox Company of Canada Inc., Brampton
• 101-499 employees: ESI Canada Inc., Mississauga
• 500 or more employees: Desjardins General Insurance Group, Mississauga

Best National Employee Campaign
This award is presented to an organization that runs an exceptional national campaign and has the greatest increase in participation and/or dollars raised.
Winner:

• GE Canada, Mississauga

'It's Your Say' Spirit Award for Youth
This award recognizes the vital importance of involving young people in United Way's work of building a strong and vibrant community for everyone.
Winners:

• Trelawny Public School, Mississauga
• Sandalwood Heights Secondary School, Brampton

Pacesetter Award
New in 2007, the Pacesetter Award is presented to a Campaign Pacesetter that has a strong percentage increase in participation, the number of leadership donors, and dollars raised/
Winner:

• Baxter Corporation, Mississauga

Chair's Award of Merit
A campaign of excellence is chosen to receive this special recognition.
Winner:

• Hewlett-Packard Canada Co., Mississauga

The winners were selected by the following panel of judges: United Way Board member Louroz Mercader; CEO Shelley White; Resource Development Director Ted Fauteux and Managers Susan Mortimer and Katryna Indewey; and April Bodiam, PCL Constructors.

Media Contacts:
Liz Leake
Communications and Marketing Director
905-602-3624
lleake@unitedwaypeel.org

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MISSISSAUGA — What do a print shop, internet cafe and cleaning service have in common? The three unique businesses are the first recipients of United Way of Peel Region’s new Social Purpose Enterprise Grants, totaling $100,000.

Operated by non-profit organizations, social purpose enterprises generate revenue while addressing social needs. By employing and supporting at-risk populations, these businesses create economic opportunities and community connections. They provide jobs, job-related training and experience, as well as a way to improve individual housing situations and foster life skills. United Way’s Social Purpose Enterprise Grants focus on reducing poverty by tackling some of its underlying causes.

“Social purpose enterprises have a double bottom line,” explains United Way CEO Shelley White. “They not only make money, they can make over lives as well.”

United Way is providing one-time grants to three existing social purpose enterprises in Peel. These grants are part of a pilot project as United Way explores the feasibility of creating a long-term social purpose enterprise strategy. The grants to all three enterprises will help them expand their marketing efforts so they can grow their businesses to the point where they can provide employment, training and support to more people.

The following organizations have received a Social Purpose Enterprise Grant:

DestinationCafé.ca, started in December 2006 by Supportive Housing in Peel, is an internet café located in Port Credit that serves freshly roasted, organic and Fair Trade coffees. It is staffed by individuals living with mental illness and provides a safe, supportive and flexible environment in which they can regain the confidence and skills required to maintain employment. United Way is providing a $35,000 grant.

Options Mississauga was established in 1993 by a group of parents concerned about the limited vocational opportunities for their adult children with intellectual disabilities. The enterprise, located in Port Credit, offers a variety of retail business services, focusing on printing and photocopying. Options Mississauga provides an inclusive work environment where people who have an intellectual disability receive support to learn the job skills they need to gain employment in the community. United Way is providing a $35,000 grant.

Licence to Clean is operated by St. Leonard’s Place Peel, a long-term residential facility that provides a place of safety and belonging for chronically homeless men with serious mental illness and those who have been in conflict with the law. Licence to Clean is located in Brampton and offers all types of commercial, industrial and residential cleaning, maintenance, landscaping, moving and small renovations. It is staffed by St. Leonard’s Place clients who want to work, but because of prejudice, mental illness or disability, face overwhelming barriers to employment. United Way is providing a grant of $30,000.

“Research shows that social purpose enterprise can have a very positive impact,” notes Anita Stellinga, United Way’s Director of Community Investment. “With the right social supports, individuals who have previously been unable to obtain or keep a job can achieve success.”

The mission of United Way of Peel Region is to engage with our community, through partnerships, to ensure people are cared for, connected and included.

Media Contacts:
Liz Leake
Communications and Marketing Director
905-602-3624
lleake@unitedwaypeel.org

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MISSISSAUGA - Today 177 employees from across the region set aside their regular jobs to volunteer at United Way-funded agencies in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. During United Way's Day of Caring, volunteers from 16 different organizations in Peel completed 25 projects at 16 United Way-funded agencies. Their assignments included gardening, serving seniors lunch, providing computer training, helping at a food bank, painting, yard work, sorting and cleaning.

It would take one person almost nine months to do the work completed by the volunteers today.

Day of Caring is more than simply a chance to demonstrate individual caring; it also provides an invaluable opportunity to see, first-hand, the impact of United Way in the community.

"You are all community builders; you're helping make our community stronger and healthier," United Way CEO Shelley White told the volunteers as they gathered for a breakfast rally. "Your efforts today will help ensure that people are cared for, connected, and included. And when that happens, everyone benefits."

The following companies and organizations sent volunteers: Amgen Canada Inc., AstraZeneca Canada Inc., Bard Canada Inc., Baxter Corporation, Canada Post, Chrysler Canada Corporation, GlaxoSmithKline Inc., Ingram Micro, Medtronic of Canada Limited, Praxair, Region of Peel, Ricoh, The Pepsi Bottling Group, Trillium Health Centre, UPS Supply Chain and Wyeth Consumer Healthcare Inc.

Day of Caring is a United Way-trademarked event and is carried out in communities across the country. United Way of Peel Region has organized Days of Caring for several years. Since 2000, more than 1,100 volunteers have contributed over 7,500 hours to the community through the event. Day of Caring volunteers enable community agencies to preserve precious resources for frontline services.

The mission of United Way of Peel Region is to engage with our community, through partnerships, to ensure people are cared for, connected and included.

Media Contacts:
Trudi Ford
Communications Manager
905-602-3626
tford@unitedwaypeel.org

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MISSISSAUGA - United Way of Peel Region is offering a one-time grant opportunity to support the involvement of residents, community and grass-roots organizations, associations, businesses, etc. in creating concepts and plans designed to strengthen their neighbourhoods. Requests can range from $500 to $25,000. A total of $100,000 is available for distribution from this Neighbourhood Development funding stream.

With 34,000 new residents each year, Peel's growth rate is one of the highest in the country. Peel has only 38 social housing units per 1,000 households (compared to 49 units for other urban centres). There are 12,400 families waiting for social housing; only 7% of the waiting list is placed annually. Multiple families living in single family dwellings and illegal basement apartments put additional pressure on social service providers. Lack of green space, high density, inadequate transportation, isolation, inaccessible services and few social and recreational opportunities for youth and children result in social exclusion and alienation. Youth violence and substance abuse are on the increase.

United Way's Neighbourhood Development funding is intended to strengthen neighbourhoods in ways that will create opportunities for all residents, including youth, children and families, newcomers and immigrants, seniors, and people with disabilities. This will require local leaders and residents to work together. A neighbourhood that works together is a safer, healthier and more productive one.

United Way strongly encourages collaborations and partnerships among residents, business associations, registered charities, and non-profit and grass-roots organizations to apply for Neighbourhood Development funding. The applying group must be a registered charity that is actively engaged in the project. An orientation session will be held on Thursday, October 25, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at United Way of Peel Region, 5170 Dixie Road, Suite 300, Mississauga. . Application deadline is November 14, 2007. Visit www.unitedwaypeel.org for details. To RSVP for the orientation session, receive an application form or get further information, contact Anita Stellinga, Director, Community Investment, at 905-602-3618 or astellinga@unitedwaypeel.org.

The mission of United Way of Peel Region is to engage with our community, through partnerships, to ensure people are cared for, connected and included.

Media Contacts:
Liz Leake
Communications and Marketing Director
905-602-3624
lleake@unitedwaypeel.org

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MISSISSAUGA - United Way of Peel Region is offering a one-time grant opportunity to support existing social-purpose enterprises. A social-purpose enterprise is a business venture that balances both revenue generation and a social mission. It is established by a not-for-profit organization that creates real economic opportunities for at-risk populations.

This opportunity is a pilot to provide funding to a small number of social-purpose enterprises, to identify learnings and outcomes from funded projects, and to determine the feasibility of a longer-term strategy related to social-purpose enterprise. Organizations are invited to submit an application. Grants up to $35,000 are available. A total of $100,000 is available for distribution through this funding opportunity. The application deadline is November 9, 2007.

Social-purpose enterprises offer at-risk individuals employment or employment-related training and experience, a way to earn income, improve their housing, foster enhanced life skills and self-esteem, and create better connections to their community. Activities within a social-purpose enterprise can provide opportunities to address the underlying causes of social and economic issues.

United Way is seeking social-purpose enterprise proposals that meet the following funding objectives: 1) Provide enhanced employment or training opportunities for marginalized populations; 2) strengthen the capacity of existing social-purpose enterprises.

Applicants must be registered charities with the Canada Revenue Agency. An orientation session will be held on October 23, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., at United Way of Peel Region, 5170 Dixie Road, Suite 300, Mississauga. To RSVP for the orientation session, receive an application and/or get further information about this funding opportunity, please contact
Mumbi Musilla, United Way Community Investment Associate, at 905-602-2328 or
mmusslia@unitedwaypeel.org.

The mission of United Way of Peel Region is to engage with our community, through partnerships, to ensure people are cared for, connected and included.

Media Contacts:
Liz Leake
Communications and Marketing Director
905-602-3624
lleake@unitedwaypeel.org

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MISSISSAUGA - Today United Way of Peel Region launched its 2007 "United, we are stronger" campaign at Playdium and unveiled its $14-million goal. Approximately 200 adults and children attended the event, which was sponsored by The Pepsi Bottling Group (Canada) Co.

"We are committed to creating change in our community," said Campaign Chair Linda Kuga Pikulin, President of The Pepsi Bottling Group (Canada) Co. "Creating the change we want to see calls for commitment, passion, and above all, teamwork. Through United Way, we can join together to make a lasting difference."

United Way's $14-million goal includes $1.5-million which will be raised and distributed outside of Peel. These donations come from national employee campaigns, which are coordinated by United Way for organizations that have head offices in Peel as well as multiple locations across the country. Donations raised through national campaigns are distributed back to the communities in which they were raised.

To date, close to $700,000 has been raised in the 2007 campaign. Last year's campaign raised $13,354,706.

"Our vision is to create the kind of long-lasting social change that makes our community stronger and improves the lives of everyone who lives here," said United Way Board Chair Dr. Colin Saldanha. "Donations to United Way's Community Fund help connect people to vital services, provide care and support for individuals and neighbourhoods and work to build a community where everyone is respected and included. People from all walks of life and in many different circumstances are helped by United Way."

Donations to United Way's community fund are strategically invested in programs, services and initiatives that create a holistic and integrated approach to addressing our community's most important social priorities:

• Strengthening families and children
• Alleviating hunger, homelessness and poverty
• Helping abused women and children
• Supporting seniors to live healthy and independent lives
• Helping newcomers and immigrants settle and integrate

"United Way brings together people to unite and focus on important social issues that affect us all," noted Shelley White, United Way CEO. "Tremendous progress can be made when individuals and leaders from labour, corporate, non-profit and public sectors work together to identify and address key community priorities."

Organizations and businesses interested in supporting United Way can contact Ted Fauteux, Director of Resource Development at 905-602-3632 or tfauteux@unitedwaypeel.org. For further information about United Way of Peel Region, visit the website at www.unitedwaypeel.org.

The mission of United Way of Peel Region is to engage with our community, through partnerships, to ensure people are cared for, connected and included.

Click here for photos.

Media Contacts:
Liz Leake
Communications and Marketing Director
905-602-3624
lleake@unitedwaypeel.org

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MISSISSAUGA - At the kick-off to its 2007 campaign today, United Way of Peel Region (UWPR) announced its 2007 Pacesetters, the companies and organizations whose early commitment to United Way helps get the campaign off to a great start. The campaign launch was sponsored by the Pepsi Bottling Group (Canada), Co. and took place at the Playdium entertainment complex in Mississauga.

"I am delighted to announce that we have 50 Pacesetter participants this year," said 2007 Campaign Chair Linda Kuga Pikulin, CEO of the Pepsi Bottling Group. "This boost is bound to motivate other companies and organizations to support the campaign."

Thanks largely to its Pacesetters, United Way has already received close to $700,000 towards its $14-million campaign goal, of which $1.5-million is targeted to come from national employee campaigns. These national campaigns are coordinated by United Way for organizations that have head offices in Peel and have multiple locations across the country. Donations raised through national campaigns are distributed back to the communities in which they were raised.

The following companies and organizations have set the pace for the 2007 campaign.
An * indicates those that have locations or services across the entire region:

Caledon-based companies and organizations:

• Town of Caledon

Mississauga-based organizations and companies:

• Amgen Canada Inc.
• AstraZeneca Canada Inc.
• Bantrel Co.
• Baxter Corporation
• Carlson Marketing Group Canada
• Chubb Security Canada
• Citi
• City of Mississauga
• Communications Repair Logistics
• Cooper Industries (Canada) Inc.
• D&B
• Dejardins General Insurance Group
• Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board*
• Edward Jones*
• E.I. duPont Canada Company
• ESAB Group Canada Inc.
• ESI Canada
• GE Canada
• General Mills Canada Corporation
• GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
• Golder Associates Ltd.
• Hatch Ltd.
• Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Inc.
• IKON Office Solutions
• Kimberly-Clark Inc.
• Labour Community Services of Peel Inc.
• Medtronic of Canada Limited
• Morguard investments Limited
• Nestlé Purina PetCare
• Patheon Inc.
• Peel District School Board *
• Peel Senior Link *
• Pepsi-QTG Canada
• PLASP Child Care Services Employees *
• PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
• Samuel, Son & Co. Limited
• Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Centre of Peel *
• The Pepsi Bottling Group (Canada), Co.
• Victim Services of Peel *
• VON Peel
• Wells Fargo Financial

Brampton-based organizations and companies:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel *
• Canadian Mental Health Association, Peel Branch
• Catholic Cross-Cultural Services
• Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited
• Chrysler Canada Corporation
• City of Brampton
• Rapport Youth & Family Services
• Regional Municipality of Peel/Peel Regional Police Services*

"On behalf of United Way, I thank all our Pacesetters for their commitment and generosity," said Shelley White, United Way of Peel Region CEO. "They are partners with us in improving social conditions so that everyone in Peel can thrive."

The mission of United Way of Peel Region is to engage with our community, through partnerships, to ensure people are cared for, connected and included.

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Media Contacts:
Liz Leake
Communications and Marketing Director
905-602-3624
lleake@unitedwaypeel.org

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MISSISSAUGA - United Way of Peel Region plans to invest more than $9-million in 2007/08 to help improve social conditions so that everyone in Peel can thrive. The funding for local use comes from donors who contributed to the 2006 campaign. An additional $2.9-million raised in 2006 was designated by donors to other United Ways and registered charities.

"We want both our community and individuals lives to be measurably better because of the work we do," said United Way CEO Shelley White. "To achieve this level of change we must not only continue to invest in programs and services that meet the immediate human service needs of people in our community, but must also invest more in initiatives that tackle the root causes of these needs."

United Way targets its funding to address five key social priorities in Peel:

• Strengthening families and children
• Reducing hunger, homelessness and poverty
• Helping abused women and children
• Supporting seniors to live healthy and independent lives
• Helping newcomers and immigrants settle and integrate

"All of the programs, services and initiatives we fund are focused on these local priorities," explained Sue Ritchie, United Way Board member and Chair of United Way's Community Investment Cabinet. "Thanks to our donors, we can help develop and support long-term solutions to our community's most complex issues such as poverty, domestic violence, social isolation, opportunities for newcomers, and child development."

United Way uses four key strategies to improve social conditions in Peel:

• Investing in a network of 108 well-managed human care services and programs delivered through 53 community agencies;
• Leading and developing community partnerships, such as Success By 6 Peel, the Peel Newcomer Strategy Group and the Mentoring Partnership;
• Providing training and skills development for agency staff and volunteers to help ensure the human service network in strong and sustainable; and
• Advocating for changes in public policy to eliminate inequity and expand opportunities for individuals.

This year, United Way is funding several additional programs targeted to particularly vulnerable groups: low income residents (including the working poor), seniors (particularly women), and children, youth and women facing the effects of violence, abuse or neglect.

Newly-funded programs include:

• Erin Mills Youth Outreach program (Erin Mills United Church/Erin Mills Youth Outreach) - promotes, supports and delivers coordinated neighbourhood programs for after school, March Break and PD days for youth to help reduce circumstances that lead to poverty;
• Elder Abuse Peer Support program (Distress Centre Peel) - this program is being developed to provide confidential phone support in multiple languages as well as access to referrals and counselling for callers facing elder abuse issues. It will be the only program in the community providing crisis or intervention for vulnerable seniors;
• Counselling and support (Learning Disabilities Association of Mississauga) - for low-income adults, youth and children with learning disabilities or suspected learning disabilities;
• African Community Violence and Abuse Prevention program (African Community Services) - provides public education, counselling, referrals and peer support in several languages to help reduce violence against women within the African-Canadian community.

In developing the funding recommendations, United Way reviewers noted the following trends and common challenges among community agencies:

• Leadership turnover: Close to 1 in 4 funded agencies experienced turnover at the senior staff level, either through retirements or career changes. To promote succession planning and leadership development, United Way is working with community partners to develop the Peel Learning Institute. This Institute, funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, will provide leadership training and skills development for human service professionals in Peel.
• Decreases in fundraising and funding: More than 1 in 4 funded agencies reported a decline in charitable gaming revenues due to the expansion of casinos as well as the non-smoking legislation affecting bingo halls. While United Way cannot replace this revenue, it does offer learning opportunities through its Training and Consulting Services for agencies needing to develop fundraising strategies.
• Human resources management challenges: Some agencies, particularly where staffing levels have increased significantly due to an influx of government funding, are facing challenges in human resource management. Through the Strengthening Organizational Effectiveness Fund, United Way (in partnership with the Region of Peel) funds agency projects related to human resources and staff development, strategic planning, governance, information technology, and financial management.
• Expanded diversity initiatives: 1 in 5 funded agencies have undertaken initiatives to increase their effectiveness in providing service to an increasingly diverse clientele. Through the Regional Diversity Roundtable (a network of organizations and institutions committed to building inclusion and diversity competence) United Way promotes the implementation of diversity strategies in the human services sector.

"These trends highlight how vitally important it is that United Way continue to focus on strengthening Peel's social services sector," said United Way CEO Shelley White. "Without strong, stable agencies, the residents in our community will not be able to gain access to the services and programs they need."

The Mission of United Way of Peel Region is to engage with our community, through partnerships, to ensure people are cared for, connected, and included.

Media Contacts:
Liz Leake
Communications and Marketing Director
905-602-3624
lleake@unitedwaypeel.org

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MISSISSAUGA - The fourth of July was a day of celebration for United Way of Peel Region as more than 230 golfers representing 56 companies and organizations raised $67,000 in net proceeds at United Way's 16th annual golf tournament. The event took place at Lionhead Golf and Country Club.

"The golf tournament really jump-starts our campaign and we are deeply grateful for the enthusiastic support of the Peel business community," United Way CEO Shelley White told the golfers during dinner. "By participating today, you are helping to create social change so everyone in our community can thrive. You are partners with us in the important work of community building."

The tournament was supported by three title sponsors: Deloitte & Touche LLP, Telus and RBC Insurance.

"Our tournament is organized by business leaders as one way to give back to our community," noted 2007 Tournament Co-Chairs Frank Abate and Bill Zakarow. "Through United Way, the lives of hundreds of thousands of people are improved each day. The services, programs and initiatives supported by United Way help make our community a better place to live and work."

The mission of United Way of Peel Region is to engage with our community, through partnerships, to ensure people are cared for, connected and included.

Media Contacts:
Liz Leake
Communications and Marketing Director
905-602-3624
lleake@unitedwaypeel.org

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Mississauga - More than 150 people were on hand for United Way of Peel Region's Annual General Meeting today at the BraeBen Golf Course. Among the highlights were the remarks of keynote speaker Diane Dupuy, founder and President of the internationally acclaimed theatre company Famous People Players.

At the meeting, three new Board members were elected for a three-year term. At a Board of Directors meeting immediately following the annual meeting, Dr. Colin Saldanha was elected for a one-year term as Board Chair. Other officers elected were Vice Chair Joseph Palumbo, Executive Director, Career Development Centre and International Placement, Schulich School of Business, York University, and Bobby Sachdeva, Partner, Pallett Valo LLP, as Secretary. Marshall Platt, CA, a Partner with Deloitte & Touche LLP, was re-elected as Treasurer.

Dr. Saldanha has lived in Mississauga for more than 20 years. He practices family, travel and occupational medicine. He also serves as a corporate physician to a number of businesses and government agencies. Dr. Saldanha has long-standing involvement in local organizations. He has demonstrated extensive leadership in the community, having served as President of the Peel Multicultural Council, Chair of the Peel Police Services Board, President of the Canadian Association of Police Boards, President and Chair of the Mississauga Board of Trade, and President of the Safe and Sober Driving Coalition. He currently serves as Chair of the Health Policy Committee of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and as a member of the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council and the Mentoring Partnership. Dr. Saldanha was recently appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Royal Ontario Museum. In 1992 Dr. Saldanha received the Canada 125 Medal. He was elected to United Way's Board of Directors in 2005 and has served as Secretary and Vice Chair.

"I am delighted to serve as the Chair of United Way of Peel Region at this important time in its history," said Dr. Saldanha. "United Way is helping to create a community of self-reliance and strength by empowering individuals and supporting programs and initiatives that ensure an enhanced quality of life for everyone in our community. We have a robust community with great opportunities. We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential."

The following individuals were elected to the Board for the first time:

Kamal Jolly
Ms. Jolly is a resident of Mississauga. She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree and is a lawyer specializing in corporate law. She has extensive experience in all aspects of corporate and securities transactions with Torys LLP, Holland & Knight LLP, and TLC Laser Eye Centres. She is currently Vice President of Narang Investments Inc. Ms. Jolly served on the Ontario Review Board from 2002-2005. From 1993-1996, she served as Vice President with India Rainbow Community Services of Peel.

Norma Trim
Ms. Trim is a resident of Caledon. She is Director of Corporate Finance with The Region of Peel. She has extensive experience in financial management in a variety of sectors, including health and biomedical. Norma is a chartered accountant and has a Masters Certificate in Municipal Management. She has served as a community volunteer with youth and sport organizations in Caledon.

Teresa Wong
Ms. Wong is a resident of Mississauga. She is a Senior Investment Advisor and Financial Planner with BMO Nesbitt Burns in Toronto. Her investment career spans 30 years. Ms. Wong is a Canada Medal recipient, former governor of Sheridan College, and past president/chair of numerous business and charitable organizations including as founding president of Mississauga Chinese Business Professionals Association.

Continuing as Board members are Harold Brathwaite, Charles Courneyea, Michelle Cole, Matthew Curran, Paul Jones, Vijay Kanwar, Harminder (Harry) Mann, Louroz Mercader, Joseph Palumbo, Marshall Platt, Sue Ritchie, Bobby Sachdeva, Don Taylor and Janice Telfer.

The mission of United Way of Peel Region is to engage with our community, through partnerships, to ensure people are cared for, connected and included.

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MISSISSAUGA - Beginning with a colourful and captivating Chinese ritualistic dance ceremony in which a new lion is brought to life by symbolically dotting its eyes and other body parts, United Way of Peel Region officially launched its first ethnic advisory council today at the Mississauga Living Arts Centre. The Chinese community, which numbers more than 40,000 people in Peel, now has another strong voice in United Way.

United Way's Chinese Community Advisory Council (CCAC] was formed to provide advice and support to United Way as it continues to engage diverse communities in its work. The Council is a voluntary community group whose purpose is to assist and provide recommendations to United Way on engaging the Chinese community.

"Diversity is one of Ontario's greatest strengths," Ontario's Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Mike Colle told guests at the launch. "The Chinese community's contribution to Ontario's economic and cultural richness has been significant. The creation of the CCAC will help United Way of Peel Region benefit from all that this vibrant community has to offer."

The CCAC will raise the awareness of access and support for United Way within the Chinese community. In addition, the council will endeavour to enhance the fundraising capacity of United Way within the Chinese community and encourage greater participation in United Way. In order to identify strengths, barriers and challenges, the CCAC, in conjunction with United Way, is conducting an assessment of the Chinese community to identify strengths and needs. Information is being gathered from human service agencies that serve the Chinese community and from other agencies and various United Ways.
"Working together we will build and strengthen a mutually beneficial relationship," said United Way CEO Shelley White.

"The Chinese Community Advisory Council looks forward to working with United Way to ensure that every member of the Chinese community in Peel can make their dream a reality," said CCAC Co-chair Nelly Gong.
In addition to the remarks of Minister Colle, the keynote address was presented by Dr. Joseph Y.K. Wong, Chair of the Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation and former Board Chair of United Way of Greater Toronto. Other guest speakers were Sue Ritchie, Chair of United Way's Community Investment Cabinet, and CCAC Co-chairs Nelly Gong and Josephine Bau.

Other highlights of the event were the presentation of the documentary The Road Chosen, which chronicled the success of an early Chinese immigrant in Canada and the opening eye-dotting/lion dance performed by Northern Legs Southern Fists.
On hand to provide information and literature to guests were several social service agencies that support Peel's Chinese community, including some funded by United Way.
The members of the CCAC are:

• Josephine Bau (Co-chair) - Administrative Coordinator, Region of Peel, Children's Services
• Shirley Cheng - Health Outreach Worker, Health, Region of Peel
• Ken Choi - Vice President, Buddha's Light International Association of Toronto
• Nelly Gong (Co-chair) - Agent, State Farm
• Ricky Ho - President, Edge Light Corp.
• Jack Jia - Publisher, Chinese News
• Man Yee Ling - Public Services Librarian, Brampton Library
• Jenny Qin - Community Outreach Coordinator, United Way of Peel Region
• Simon So - Coordinator, Bridging Project
• Frank Tang - Vice President, Mississauga Mandarin Association

The establishment of the CCAC is tangible demonstration of United Way's mission to engage with our community, through partnerships, to ensure that people are cared for, connected, and included.

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MISSISSAUGA - Today more than 80 employees from across the region set aside their regular jobs to volunteer at United Way-funded agencies in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. During United Way's Day of Caring, volunteers from 12 different organizations in Peel completed 18 projects at 11 United Way-funded agencies. Their assignments included planting vegetable gardens, helping seniors with shopping, providing computer training, washing windows, painting, and conducting mock job interviews for foreign-trained newcomers to Canada. It would take one person four months to do the work completed by the volunteers today.

Sponsored by Bantrel Co. of Mississauga, Day of Caring is more than simply a chance to demonstrate individual caring; it also provides an invaluable opportunity to see, first-hand, the impact of United Way in the community.

"You are all community builders; you're helping make our community stronger and healthier," United Way CEO Shelley White told the volunteers as they gathered for a breakfast rally. "Your efforts today will help ensure that people are cared for, connected, and included. And when that happens, everyone benefits."

The following companies and organizations sent volunteers: Alcon Canada Inc., Bantrel Co., Bard Canada Inc., Baxter Corporation, Contract Pharmaceuticals Ltd., E.I. DuPont Canada Co., McKesson Canada, Nacan Products Ltd., Region of Peel, Ricoh Canada, and Trillium Health Centre.

Day of Caring is a United Way-trademarked event and is carried out in communities across the country. United Way of Peel Region has organized Days of Caring for several years. Since 2000, more than 1,100 volunteers have contributed over 7,500 hours to the community through the event. Day of Caring volunteers enable community agencies to preserve precious resources for frontline services.

The next Day of Caring is scheduled for October 18.

The mission of United Way of Peel Region is to engage with our community, through partnerships, to ensure people are cared for, connected and included.

Media Contacts:
Liz Leake
Communications and Marketing Director
905-602-3624
lleake@unitedwaypeel.org

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MISSISSAUGA - Representatives of Peel's social services sector and the Fair Share Task Force welcomed the Honourable Madeleine Meilleur, Ontario Minister of Community and Social Services, for a tour and meeting at Catholic Family Services of Peel-Dufferin today.

The Minister indicated that she came to "listen and learn" about the work of Peel agencies providing services for victims of abuse and for people with developmental disabilities.

After a tour of the agency led by Executive Director Mark Creedon, John Huether, Chair of the Fair Share Task Force and Shelley White, CEO of United Way of Peel Region spoke about the challenges in serving the needs of vulnerable people in Peel resulting from the failure of government funding to keep pace with the growth.

"It was a very productive meeting as the Minister has a strong understanding and commitment to social services," said White, "We look forward to further dialogue with the Minister's staff."

The Honourable Harinder Takhar, Minister of Small Business, was helpful in securing the meeting with the Minister, and was joined at the meeting by MPPs Dr. Kuldip Kular (Bramalea-Gore-Malton-Springdale) and Bob Delaney (Mississauga West), who spoke about the strength of Peel's agencies and their need for more provincial support to address their growing needs. Also attending were Keith Tansley, Executive Director of Community Living Mississauga; Fred Chorley, Executive Director of Victim Services of Peel; John Ellis, Executive Director of Family Service Ontario and Ministry staff from both Queen's Park and regional offices.

The mission of United Way of Peel Region is to engage with our community, through partnerships, to ensure people are cared for, connected and included.

Media Contacts:
Liz Leake
Communications and Marketing Director
905-602-3624
lleake@unitedwaypeel.org

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MISSISSAUGA - Human care agencies that do not currently receive financial support from United Way of Peel Region are now invited to apply for funding. United Way is offering special funding for programs and services that respond to three of Peel's most important human service priorities: helping abused women and children, reducing poverty, and supporting seniors.

"We are targeting to invest up to $440,000 in these three key areas," said Sue Ritchie, Chair of United Way's Community Investment Cabinet. "We want to do more to address the root causes behind these complex issues as well as strengthen the human care service network."

Human care service agencies that serve Peel can apply. Funding will run from July 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008 and may be renewed upon approval by United Way.

"The human care issues in our community are complex and require a holistic approach to developing solutions," explained United Way CEO Shelley White. "Through this funding opportunity we want to support initiatives that promote collective action and integration of services. In the end, we want to create sustainable change that makes our community stronger and improves individual lives."

In March United Way will announce multi-million dollar funding to agencies currently supported by United Way, made possible by the successful 2006 campaign. Applications from currently funded agencies are now being reviewed.

Funding application packages are available from Cheryl Jones at (905) 602-3619 or via email at cjones@unitedwaypeel.org. Interested agencies are strongly encouraged to attend an information session on March 1 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. or March 20 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at 4 p.m. at United Way. To register, contact Cheryl Jones. Information about United Way's community investment policies and agency eligibility criteria is available at www.unitedwaypeel.org.

The deadline for applications is Thursday, March 29 at 4 p.m.

Media Contacts:
Liz Leake
Communications and Marketing Director
905-602-3624
lleake@unitedwaypeel.org

Information Contacts:
Anita Stellinga
Community Investment Director
905-602-3618
astellinga@unitedwaypeel.org

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MISSISSAUGA - Chinese community leaders, social services providers and various multicultural groups, as well as local politicians will join United Way of Peel Region as it Launches its first ethnic Advisory Council on March 1 at the Mississauga Living Arts Centre. The event marks the establishment of the Chinese Community Advisory Council and enhanced relationship between United Way of Peel Region and the Chinese Community.

A documentary "The Road Chosen" (a success story of an early Chinese immigrant) to follow speeches

Launch will be kicked off with the Lion dance ensemble Northern Legs Southern Fists.

Media Contacts:
Jenny Qin
Community Outreach Coordinator
905-602-3628
jqin@unitedwaypeel.org

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MISSISSAUGA - A sold-out crowd cheered at the Pearson Convention Center this evening as United Way of Peel Region announced that it had raised $13,354,706 in 2006, handily surpassing the $13-million goal set last fall.

"This really is a community of heroes," said Campaign Chair Carl Oxholm, referring to the 2006 campaign theme, Be a Hero. "When people learned how United Way brings together people from all parts of our community to address social challenges and focus on solutions, they responded with enthusiasm."

The amount raised in 2006 includes $1.2 million from national employee campaigns and an additional $1.8 million that has been designated by donors to other United Ways or registered charities. National employee campaigns are coordinated by United Way for organizations that have head offices in Peel and have multiple locations across the country. Donations raised through national campaigns are distributed back to the communities in which they were raised.

"United Way is committed to ensuring that people in our community are cared for, connected, and included," said Harry Mann, United Way Board Chair. "We want to inspire the type of change that makes our community stronger and improves the lives of everyone who lives here. We thank the many local heroes who help make this vision possible!"

Oxholm, a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, noted that United Way gained more than 92 new Leadership donors who gave a minimum of $1,000 each for a total addition to the campaign of more than $105,000. As well, 31 local businesses participated for the first time, resulting in a more than $300,000 boost to the campaign.

"United Way would like to thank the many generous donors and volunteers who helped us raise over $13 million for our community. This is an extraordinary achievement!" remarked United Way CEO Shelley White. "The support of so many people enables United Way to achieve the greatest results for individuals and our community. We are committed to implementing a focused, holistic and integrated approach to addressing human care issues in our community. United Way is dedicated to working in partnership with all sectors and individuals to help us meet immediate needs as well as tackle the root causes of our community's most challenging problems, such as poverty, discrimination, domestic violence, social isolation, and insufficient funding for human services."

Attendees at the celebration included volunteers from companies and organizations across the region, representatives from United Way-funded agencies, organized labour, and municipal and community leaders. The evening's sponsors were Purolator, RP Graphics, Grant Thornton LLP, the Clorox Company of Canada, and Samuel, Son & Company. Gift-in-kind sponsors were Hershey Canada Inc., Light Concept Design, and Scrapalicious Inc.

The crowd was on its feet during the dynamic performances from the Chinese Dragon and Lion dance ensemble Northern Legs Southern Fists, youth drum and dance group Ngoma, and the Brampton-based urban dance group Baby Boyz.

As well, United Way handed out 20 Spirit Awards to organizations and individuals whose participation in the 2006 campaign was outstanding. The awards ceremony included the presentations of the inaugural Spirit Award for Youth to the students of Roberta Bondar Public School and Bramalea Secondary School for running fun and successful United Way campaigns in their schools.

Funds pledged to United Way are used to improve social conditions in Peel by:

1. Investing in a network of well-managed human care services and programs that are focused on meeting community priorities;
2. Championing and leading community-based partnerships to tackle complex social issues;
3. Providing training and skills development to agency staff and volunteers to ensure our community has a strong human care network;
4. Advocating for changes in public policy to eliminate inequity and expand opportunities so individuals can fulfill their potential;
5. Leveraging resources to address human service issues for our community.

United Way is the largest non-governmental funder of social services in Peel.

Click here to view photographs from the event. Additional images will be posted the week of February 19, 2007.

Media Contacts:
Liz Leake
Communications and Marketing, Director
905-602-3624
lleake@unitedwaypeel.org

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MISSISSAUGA - United Way of Peel Region tonight announced the recipients of the 2006 Campaign Spirit Awards at its 2006 Community Achievement Celebration held at the Pearson Convention Center.

"The Spirit Awards program pays tribute to the most outstanding United Way campaigns over the past year," says United Way CEO Shelley White. "We are thrilled that so many individuals and organizations participated in the campaign this year, helping us raise a record $13,354,706. And for the first time, United Way of Peel Region presented a youth Spirit Award for outstanding elementary, middle and/or secondary school campaigns. Congratulations to all the recipients!"

Best First-Time Campaign
This award is presented to a workplace campaign that has had outstanding participation in its first-ever campaign for United Way of Peel Region.
Winners: 100 or fewer employees: ADP Health and Safety Division, FHS Inc., Mississauga
101-499 employees: ESI Canada, Mississauga
500 or more employees: Wells Fargo Financial, Mississauga

Outstanding Public-Sector Joint Union-Management Campaign
This award is given to the public-sector campaign that best exemplifies teamwork and leadership and involves both management and union employees.
Winners: 101-499 employees: Enersource Corporation and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 636, Mississauga
500 or more employees: The Regional Municipality of Peel and the Canadian Union of Public Employees Locals 2842 and 966, the Ontario Nurses Association, Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 228, The Peel Regional Police Association, and the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 175.

Outstanding Private-Sector Joint Union-Management Campaign
This award is presented to the private-sector campaign that best exemplifies teamwork and leadership and involves both management and union employees.
Winner: ESAB Group Canada Inc. and United Steelworkers Local 9042, Mississauga

Outstanding Agency Campaign Award
This award is presented to a United Way-funded agency that has exceptional participation in its employee United Way campaign.
Winners: 20 or fewer employees: Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Centre of Peel
21 or more employees: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel

Speakers' Bureau Award
This award is presented to the member of United Way's Speakers' Bureau who is an outstanding ambassador and public speaker.
Winner: Brett Paveling, Community Living Mississauga

Outstanding Leadership Giving Campaign Award
This award is given to the organization that conducted an exemplary Leadership Giving Campaign. A Leadership donor gives more than $1,000 annually to United Way.
Winner: GlaxoSmithKline Inc., Mississauga

Outstanding Corporate Campaign Award
This award is presented to a corporation that excels in the many areas of corporate support for United Way.
Winners: 100 or fewer employees: Frito Lay Canada, Mississauga
101 to 499 employees: Baxter Corporation, Mississauga
500 or more employees: GE Canada, Mississauga

Outstanding Employee Campaign Award
This award is presented to the workplace campaigns with the most outstanding efforts of individuals or teams that ran exceptional employee campaigns.
Winners: 100 or fewer employees: Kimberly-Clark Inc., Mississauga
101-499 employees: Amgen Canada Inc., Mississauga
500 or more employees: The City of Brampton

Best National Employee Campaign
This award is presented to the employee campaign that runs an exceptional national campaign and has the greatest increase in participation and/or dollars raised.
Winners: 500 or fewer employees: Kimberly-Clark Inc., Mississauga
501 or more employees: GE Canada, Mississauga

'It's Your Say' Spirit Award for Youth
This award recognizes the vital importance of involving young people in United Way's work of building a strong and vibrant community for everyone.
Winners: Roberta Bondar Public School, Brampton
Bramalea Secondary School, Brampton

Chair's Award of Merit
A campaign of excellence is chosen to receive this special recognition.
Winner: The Regional Municipality of Peel

The award winners were selected by and independent panel of judges who assess each nomination according to the awards criteria. The judges for 2006 were: Community Investment Cabinet member Elizabeth Amorim; Cathy Denyer, Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel; Janet Cassidy, Edward Jones; Resource Development Director Ted Fauteux; Campaign Chair Carl Oxholm; Board member Carol Seglins and United Way CEO Shelley White.

Click here to view photographs from the event. Additional images will be posted the week of February 19, 2007.

Media Contacts:
Liz Leake
Communications and Marketing, Director
905-602-3624
lleake@unitedwaypeel.org

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MISSISSAUGA - More than three million GTA/905 residents are receiving less and less provincial funding for social services relative to other Ontarians and the funding gap for local social services continues to widen for GTA/905 residents, according to information received by the Strong Communities Coalition from the Ontario Government of Ontario.
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Provincial Government information indicates that the total funding gap for key social services between the GTA/905 regions and the rest of Ontario reached $688 million in 2005/06, an increase of 25 per cent from the 2003/04 period. The annual operating funding gap grew across all provincially funded social services examined such as child care, children's services including child welfare, adult services and developmental services. The per capita funding gap widened most for child care services where it grew by 62 per cent.

The widening gap in annual operating funding for social services is due to GTA/905 residents receiving between 50 to 60 per cent less funding on a per capita basis when compared to other Ontarians for each social service being tracked. GTA/905 regions receive $51 less per capita for developmental services compared to a provincial average of $101. Overall, GTA/905 residents receive $213 less per capita for key provincially funded social services when compared to what other Ontarians receive from the Provincial Government.

"Increasing numbers of lives are compromised in the GTA/905 because of the growing inequity in provincial funding for social services, said Barbara Burton, CEO of the United Way of Oakville, a member of the Strong Communities Coalition. "Provincial funding for social services as well as health care has not kept pace with the rapidly growing population of the GTA/905, which will see 100,000 new residents, which is the population of Kingston, added annually for the next fifteen years".

The new information provides further evidence of the growing funding gap in health care and social services documented by PriceWaterhouseCoopers in its fall report: Assessing the Gap in Health and Social Services Funding Between the GTA/905 and the Rest of Ontario. That report indicates that the residents of the fast growing regions of Durham, Halton, Peel and York have less provincial resources for health and social services when compared to other Ontarians and that the annual operating funding gap is growing.

"Human services should be regarded as an investment in economic growth," said Dr. Colin Saldanha, a family physician and past President of the Mississauga Board of Trade. "Adequate and equitable funding of social services and health care allows residents of the GTA/905 to fully participate in their communities, be more productive in their jobs, and in so doing, to maximize their contribution to the economic growth of the province.

"We continue to see a growing need for local access to health care and social services in our Region", said Colleen Zakoor, Executive Director of Canadian Mental Health Association York Region. "A lack of provincial funding for local services and longer wait times for service means that by the time someone is able to access service, their needs have become more critical and requires more costly intervention. It is imperative that the funding gap be addressed to ensure a responsive and sustainable system in York Region and to ensure equity of access for all Ontarians regardless of where they live."

The Strong Communities Coalition is an alliance of the United Ways in Peel, York, Durham and Oakville and the GTA/905 Healthcare Alliance with the support of York Region Human Services Planning Coalition and the Peel Fair Share Task Force. The Coalition's goal is to improve local and timely access to comprehensive and quality health care and social services in the GTA/905 regions of Durham, Halton, Peel and York.

In its Growing Pains report released with the PWC report, the Coalition's recommendations call for immediate growth funding for health and social services in Ontario's high growth regions; allocating provincial health and social services funding on the basis of population size, growth and needs, i.e., population-based, and the development of a human services plan to complement Places to Grow.

Media Contacts:
Paola Arci
Strong Communities Coalition
416-205-1331

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MISSISSAUGA - United Way of Peel Region has launched its new five-year strategic plan, Building Vibrant Communities Together. The plan includes a new vision, mission and strategic directions for the organization and embraces six key values that will serve as guiding principles for volunteers and staff.

"United Way is committed to addressing Peel's most important social issues and strengthening the human services sector," explains United Way of Peel Region Board Chair Harry Mann. "What's exciting about our new strategic plan is that we have focused on what makes a community vibrant and what United Way's role is in building this type of community. We think a vibrant community is one in which every person is cared for, connected, and included. United Way's role is to engage with our community, through partnerships, to help make it happen."

Here are United Way's new vision, mission, strategic directions and values:

Vision:
United Way will champion and inspire sustainable change that strengthens community and improves lives.

Mission:
To engage with our community, through partnerships, to ensure people are cared for, connected and included.

Strategic Directions:
1. Diversify and increase sustainable financial resources.
2. Invest United Way resources strategically to address human service priorities.
3. Strengthen the capacity of the human service sector.

Values:
Accountability - Collaboration - Inclusion - Integrity - Visionary - Voluntarism

"Over the next five years United Way will focus on mobilizing collective action to create measurable, lasting change that improves people's lives and builds resilient communities," adds United Way CEO Shelley White. "As a result, United Way expects that by 2011 it will have increased its community investments and expanded its partnerships in addressing social issues. Additionally, United Way anticipates that the human service sector will have increased sustainability, resources, and will be able to communicate the vital impact its programs and services are having on people's lives and social conditions."

United Way's new strategic plan was developed in consultation with volunteers, social service agencies, municipal government, donors, community partners, and staff. An Executive Summary of the Strategic Plan can be downloaded from United Way's website at www.unitedwaypeel.org.

Media Contacts:
Liz Leake
Communications and Marketing, Director
905-602-3624
lleake@unitedwaypeel.org

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MISSISSAUGA - United Way of Peel Region and its partners today announced that they have received a $255,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) for the Mississauga Healthy City Stewardship Centre. The Centre will support the coordination and implementation of the city's Healthy Mississauga 2010 Plan. The grant will be dispensed over a four-year period.

"The Healthy Mississauga 2010 Plan is a key element in ensuring our community's future," said Peter Fonseca, MPP for Mississauga East. "As a member of the Healthy City Stewardship Centre, I am very pleased that the Ontario Trillium Foundation has provided funding for this vital initiative, which will put a focus on physical, mental and social health that people need to have a fulfilling life."

"We are so delighted that the Healthy City Stewardship Centre has received an OTF grant," said Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion. "The Centre is fortunate to have the support of a dedicated group of leaders who feel so passionately about improving the health of our community. This funding will support our efforts towards becoming the healthiest city in Canada."

The Healthy City Stewardship Centre draws together 14 community partners that share a common vision for a healthy city where people enjoy optimal physical, mental, social and spiritual health. United Way of Peel Region is a partner in the initiative.

"United Way is pleased to be a partner in the Healthy City Stewardship Centre," said Shelley White, CEO of United Way of Peel Region. "The Ontario Trillium Foundation grant will facilitate the implementation of the Healthy Mississauga 2010 Plan to ensure that people in Mississauga have equal access to health information and services; that they feel safe in their communities; and that they live in and contribute to a clean and sustainable environment."

While the health of Mississauga is considered to be favourable, recent trends such as obesity rates and poverty levels cause concern for the city's future health.

"Roughly two thirds of total deaths in Canada are due to preventable chronic disease, and the people who live and work in Mississauga are not exempt from that statistic," said Michael Cloutier, President and CEO of AstraZeneca Canada Inc. and Chair of the Healthy City Stewardship Centre. "This important grant will allow us to continue the vital work of the Healthy City initiative and safeguard the health of this world-class community - now and in the future."

The Healthy City initiative has garnered international interest. The initiative has been short-listed for a 2006 World Leadership Award in the Health category. The winner will be announced on December 6 in London, England. The World Leadership Awards are presented by the World Leadership Forum to cities whose leaders have shown exceptional imagination, foresight or resilience in a number of key fields.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ontario Ministry of Culture, receives annually $100 million of government funding generated through Ontario's charity casino initiative. For more information, please visit www.trilliumfoundation.org.

Media Contacts:
Liz Leake
Communications and Marketing, Director
905-602-3624
lleake@unitedwaypeel.org

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MISSISSAUGA - United Way of Peel Region today applauded the McGuinty Government's decision yesterday to expand to Peel the funding of programs designed to enhance the integration of immigrants and urged the Government to also recognize the need to address escalating demands for human services funding for the GTA/905.

"This is an important recognition of the growing numbers of immigrants in the Region of Peel as well as an acknowledgement of the role employers play in the integration of immigrants," said Shelley White, CEO of United Way of Peel Region, which is a member of the Fair Share Task Force in Peel and of the Strong Communities Coalition, an alliance of United Ways in the GTA/905 and of the GTA/905 Healthcare Alliance.

Peel has the second highest volume of new immigrants in the country, second only to Toronto and the Ontario Government's new funding will help employers to connect more effectively with these people.

"Securing a job is critical to the integration of immigrants and the more that can be done to connect employers with skilled newcomers the more successful we, as a community and a province, will be in harnessing the skills of our new immigrants and enhancing the province's economic growth," said White.

In the coming years, the vast majority of the region's growth of some 27,000 residents a year will come from new immigrants.

"We hope that the Ontario Government will also address the needs of high-growth areas like ours when it comes to other human services such as services for children's mental health, family counseling, developmental disabilities, child care, and victims of abuse," said White. "With timely access to these services, Peel residents can contribute more fully to their communities and to the provincial economy."

Currently, Peel residents receive less than half of what other Ontarians receive for these services.

The mission of United Way of Peel Region is to engage with our community, through partnerships, to ensure people are cared for, connected and included. United Way of Peel Region has raised more than $180-million since its founding in 1957 to meet priority needs in the community. The goal of the 2006 campaign is $13-million.

Media Contacts:
Liz Leake
Communications and Marketing, Director
905-602-3624
lleake@unitedwaypeel.org

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MISSISSAUGA - A record number of volunteers participated today in United Way of Peel Region's Day of Caring, an event that provides employees from businesses and organizations across Peel with the opportunity to help out for the day at a United Way-funded agency.

More than 160 employees from 15 different businesses and organizations in Peel rolled up their sleeves today to complete 26 projects at 13 United Way-funded agencies. Activities included painting, preparing meals, home repairs, sorting and organizing, and job interview coaching. The volunteers also got to see first-hand how their contributions to United Way work hard in the community, supporting services and programs for hundreds of thousands of people in Peel.

Today's Day of Caring was sponsored by McKesson Canada of Brampton. Breakfast was provided by Tim Hortons at Dixie Road and Aimco Blvd.

The following companies and organizations sent volunteers: Alcatel, Alcon, Ceridian, CPR, GlaxoSmithKline Inc., IKON Office Solutions, Ingram Micro, Motorola, Nacan Products Ltd., PetroCanada, Region of Peel, Ricoh, Transalta, Trillium Health Centre and the University of Toronto at Mississauga.

"I really want to thank the volunteers who are helping out today," said United Way's CEO Shelley White, at an early morning breakfast rally. "By giving their time and energy, they are enabling the agencies to preserve precious resources for frontline services."

Day of Caring is a United Way-trademarked event and is carried out in communities across the country. United Way of Peel Region has organized Days of Caring fo