When Galina Szlapetis first began volunteering for one of United Way of Peel Region's funded agencies in 1993, little did she know that 13 years later she would still be making an impact in the community through her work with United Way. While volunteering at the agency, Galina saw a newspaper ad recruiting volunteers for United Way's Citizen Review process. Her immediate response was: "What a great opportunity for me to learn more about United Way agencies and their programs so that I would be able to better help the clients where I volunteered," says Galina, just one of many United Way volunteers worthy of recognition as we honour National Volunteer Week, April 23 to 29.
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When Galina Szlapetis first began volunteering for one of United Way of Peel Region's funded agencies in 1993, little did she know that 13 years later she would still be making an impact in the community through her work with United Way. While volunteering at the agency, Galina saw a newspaper ad recruiting volunteers for United Way's Citizen Review process. Her immediate response was: "What a great opportunity for me to learn more about United Way agencies and their programs so that I would be able to better help the clients where I volunteered," says Galina, just one of many United Way volunteers worthy of recognition as we honour National Volunteer Week, April 23 to 29. |

"Volunteers are the backbone of the United Way movement," says Anita Stellinga, United Way of Peel Region's Director of Community Investment. "They are soundly embedded within our organizational structure and directly enable United Way to accomplish its goals." United Way of Peel Region has more than 1,300 volunteers who have provided approximately 28,000 hours of service annually, valued at close to $500,000.

There are many different volunteer roles at United Way. Among them are the Board of Directors leading the strategic direction of the organization; Campaign Cabinet directly impacting the achievement of the campaign goal; community leaders developing the investment strategy; volunteers who conduct workplace campaigns; event volunteers such as the golf committee; and volunteers who provide training to non-profit organizations through United Way's Training and Consulting services. "Every single facet of United Way is grounded in the capable hands of our dedicated volunteers," emphasizes Anita.

As a Regulatory Affairs Project Manager at AstraZeneca Canada Inc., Galina finds time in her hectic professional and personal life to serve as a member of United Way's Community Investment Cabinet and Chair of the Allocations Committee. "I came to know and appreciate the work that's being done by hundreds of caring, selfless and dedicated people to help people in my community. They are the invisible supports of our community. They are invisible because unless one volunteers or uses the services of a certain agency or agencies, one does not realize that they are there. The scope, breadth and depth of these services are incredible and they do amazing work in a grossly under-funded, under-resourced sector. Without them, our community would be a cold and desperate place," says Galina.

Scott Pichette has volunteered for United Way of Peel Region for the past five years, but he got his start in community work as a Big Brother in Montreal from 1988 through 1996. An employee of Montship Inc., a transportation firm, Scott was a campaign volunteer for United Way from 2001 to 2005. This year, he's a volunteer on the United Way Golf Committee.

"I was anxious to continue to give back to the community, and with my experience in golf (playing for 32 years) and also being involved as chairman of my industry event (Toronto Steamship Association) for the past two years, I felt my knowledge and experience in playing and organizing events would help the United Way of Peel Region golf tournament," explains Scott. "I have every intention to continue to work with United Way for many more years to come. The benefits and rewards received from giving back to the community far outweigh any pay cheque and it is truly a pleasure to help those in need!"

Denis Sacks, Vice-President of Bottler Relations for Pepsi-QTG, was the Employee Campaign Chair (or "cheerleader", as he prefers to be known) for his company's United Way fundraising efforts from 1999 to 2003. In 1998 and 1999, Denis served on United Way's Campaign Cabinet as Chair of the Food and Hospitality division. In 2004, when Tom Bene, President of Pepsi-QTG, was Food and Hospitality Chair, Denis assisted him in the Peel Region campaign. Pepsi-QTG won a 2005 Spirit Award for "Outstanding Corporate Campaign" at United Way's Community Achievement Celebration in February.

When asked what prompted him to become a volunteer for United Way of Peel Region, Denis replied: "United Way is a great contributor to the community - I believe the philosophy of spreading its support amongst many needy organizations is the right strategy." Denis also believes that
corporations should be actively involved in supporting their local community. He also sees the benefit for employees. "A United Way campaign provides a wonderful vehicle for creating team spirit within a company," he says.

Ready to roll up your sleeves and exercise a little elbow grease? United Way of Peel Region's spring Day of Caring is set for Thursday, May 18th. This is a terrific opportunity for you and your colleagues or friends to demonstrate the power of volunteering in the community.

Start off with a complimentary breakfast and pep rally at United Way, then head off to your volunteer assignment. (Each volunteer is responsible for their own transportation and lunch.)

Volunteer activities may include painting, cleaning, outdoor yard work or less active tasks such as mock job interviews and serving meals to seniors. Learn more about the services and programs funded by United Way of Peel Region while spending a rewarding day making a difference in the community.

Every effort is made to match the capabilities and interests of volunteers to a specific project. A list of volunteer opportunities available at United Way-funded agencies will be sent to interested volunteers, who can sign up on a first-come, first-served basis.

If your organization is interested in taking part in a Day of Caring, please send your name and contact information to Marilyn Caird at mcaird@unitedwaypeel.org, or call direct at 905-602-3625 for further information.

Don't miss this great opportunity to see firsthand how your donation of time and energy makes a difference in our community. If you can't participate on May 18, watch Way To Go! for more information about the fall Day of Caring on October 26.

Can you measure happiness? Find out at United Way of Peel Region's Annual General Meeting as keynote speaker Charles Pascal, Executive Director of the Atkinson Charitable Foundation, discusses the new Canadian Index of Well-Being (CIW), a tool that redefines what it means to have a truly prosperous economy. Pascal, former Ontario Deputy Minister of the Premier's Council on Health, explains how the CIW tracks everything from employment rates and housing costs to water and air quality, and from teenage pregnancy rates to high-school completion levels.

In addition to the enlightening remarks of Pascal, there will be reports from members of United Way's Board of Directors on 2005 activities and results.

When:	Friday, June 16, 2006 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. (Complimentary Continental Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.)
Where:	BraeBen Golf Course 5700 Terry Fox Way Mississauga

RSVP by no later than Friday, June 2, 2006 to 905-602-3650. Download the invitation to the event.

Everyone is welcome to attend!

As a funding partnership that includes United Way of Peel Region, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and the Region of Peel, the Mentoring Partnership links immigrants with Canadian mentors. Having recently celebrated its first anniversary, the program is showing positive results in creating greater employment opportunities for foreign-trained skilled and professional immigrants. Of the 464 registrants, 152 have been matched with mentors, and 79 mentees have found jobs, including 48 in their chosen field.

Last year, Jyoti became a mentor herself in the Mentoring Partnership. She counselled Vipul Shah, a mechanical engineer from India, and helped him get a co-op placement in an engineering firm. Upon completion of the program, Vipul was hired by the company. "It's gratifying to see the Mentoring Partnership fostering a full-circle relationship," said United Way of Peel Region CEO Shelley White.

After researching various organizations that assist new immigrants, Tazim turned to a United Way-funded agency. She joined the agency's Enhanced Language Training course in July 2005, even though her English was excellent. She completed the course and gained a volunteer position as a teaching assistant with a local secondary school. The school was impressed with Tazim's ability, and she was offered a paid position as a full-time teaching assistant.

The school encouraged Tazim to apply for her entry into a Bachelor of Education degree program, which she did. She began the one-year course six months after her application was accepted. Tazim now has her degree and certification and is happily teaching full-time in Ontario. She is grateful to United Way for "teaching" her the way to success.

This yearly tradition has raised more than $800,000 for United Way's Community Fund. "A bad day on the golf course beats a good day at the office," jokes Tournament Chairman Bill Zakarow of Symcor Inc. "But there's no way you can have a bad day at United Way's tournament - it's nothing but good fun for a good cause. And by becoming a title or hole sponsor, it's a real win-win situation. Your company or organization gets great exposure and United Way gets valuable support."

Consider becoming a title sponsor. You'll be in good company with Deloitte & Touche LLP, Genworth Financial Canada, RBC Travel Insurance Co., Sun Microsystems of Canada Inc., and Telus, our title sponsors to date.

Foursomes are $1,800 ($2,000 including hole sponsorship) and the rate for single golfers is $500.

Let's all swing away to help create lasting change that improves lives and builds a resilient community!

For sponsorship opportunities, click here.
For the registration brochure, click here.

A charming blend of form and function, the bench is proudly displayed in the reception area of United Way headquarters at 5170 Dixie Road in Mississauga. The next time you're at United Way or in the area, be sure to take a moment to admire Marion's amazing creation.

For more information about Marion and her work, visit her website at www.mbsculptor.com.

…that individuals between the ages of 45 and 54 are most likely to volunteer, while those aged 25 to 34 as well as 65 and older are least likely to do so?
Although comparatively few Ontarians aged 65 and older volunteer, this group contributes the most hours on average (261 hours annually) followed by those aged 35 to 44 (163 hours).

…that women in Ontario are slightly more likely than men to volunteer (27% women, 24% men) and account for a higher percentage of total hours volunteered (53% versus 47%)?