Launched last year, Success By 6 Peel is dedicated to providing opportunities for children to grow and develop to their fullest potential from birth to age six.
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Alice* was speaking to a Community Connections Facilitator from a United Way-funded agency. The intellectually challenged 18-year-old had just graduated from her specialized secondary-school program. The school referred her to the agency for assistance with her career aspirations. It was there that Alice revealed her "crazy" dream of becoming a florist. Being afflicted with a global developmental disability, she felt that her goal was unattainable.
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Rain didn't dampen the spirits of more than 100 energetic and enthusiastic employees from 10 different organizations in Peel Region on May 18 as they rolled up their sleeves and picked up their paintbrushes, hammers and shovels to demonstrate their support for community agencies. At United Way of Peel Region's Day of Caring, the volunteers completed 25 projects at 11 United Way-funded agencies across the region. They also saw first-hand how their contributions to United Way support the community. Activities included helping at the food bank, painting, landscaping, home repairs, carpet cleaning, job coaching and computer training.

Sponsored by NACAN Products Ltd. of Brampton, Day of Caring is more than simply a chance to demonstrate individual philanthropy: it also provides an invaluable opportunity to see, first-hand, where United Way donations go.

The following companies and organizations sent volunteers: Allstate Insurance, Contract Pharmaceuticals, E.I. DuPont, Esso, IKON Office Solutions, IMS Health, McKesson Canada, Petro-Canada, Region of Peel, and Trillium Health Centre.

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

United Way of Peel Region has organized Days of Caring for several years. Since 2000, more than 1,000 volunteers have contributed over 7,000 hours to the community through the event.

Click here to view images from the event.

The next Day of Caring is scheduled for October 26. It's never too early to sign up. Contact Marilyn Caird, Communications Manager, Events & Sponsorship, at 905-602-3625 or mcaird@unitedwaypeel.org.

United Way of Peel Region's Annual General Meeting is less than a month away - don't delay, RSVP today!

One of the highlights of the AGM is a special appearance by keynote speaker Charles Pascal, Executive Director of the Atkinson Charitable Foundation. Dr. Pascal will make a presentation on the Canadian Index of Wellbeing.

Dr. Pascal has had a distinguished career as a leader in education, training, policy development and organizational development. Prior to joining the Atkinson Foundation in 1996, he served as Deputy Minister of Education and Training. He oversaw the integration of three former ministries and two major projects. He has also served as Deputy Minister of Community and Social Services and was the second president of Sir Sandford Fleming College. Dr. Pascal teaches public policy and leadership at the University of Toronto and is a senior fellow at Massey College.

The Canadian Index of Wellbeing is a tool currently under development that provides an integrated index that captures the full range of factors that determine wellbeing. The domains that will be measured by the Index are: living standards, time allocation, healthy populations, ecosystem health, educated populace, community vitality, and civic engagement.

In addition to Dr. Pascal's insightful comments, the agenda will include the introduction of our new Chinese Advisory Council and reports on 2005 United Way 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!

The Ontario Trillium Foundation has announced it is granting Success By 6 Peel $195,000 to increase the organizational capacity and support of its strategic plan.

Launched last year, Success By 6 Peel is dedicated to providing opportunities for children to grow and develop to their fullest potential from birth to age six. As many as three in 10 children are entering Grade 1 without the experience they need to prepare them for successful learning. Success By 6 Peel is a collaboration of United Way of Peel Region and more than 60 partners.

"This funding means that we can now more effectively support existing programs by increasing our staff and also strengthen program development, " says Elena DiBattista, Director of Success By 6 Peel. "Currently, Success By 6 Peel is working on strategies that address real challenges in the community, such as the desperate need for daycare spaces and readiness for school. There are plans for creative, research-based initiatives such as mobile early learning centres; converted buses designed to reach young children in under-serviced, high-growth areas in Peel. We thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for making it possible for us to expand and enhance the support we deliver to very young children and their families in Peel Region."

The grant could not have come at a better time. In the Success By 6 report card released in February, the community received a mark of C- because children are progressing with some difficulty in five key areas: economic security, health, safety, child care, and school readiness.

Alice* was speaking to a Community Connections Facilitator from a United Way-funded agency. The intellectually challenged 18-year-old had just graduated from her specialized secondary-school program. The school referred her to the agency for assistance with her career aspirations. It was there that Alice revealed her "crazy" dream of becoming a florist. Being afflicted with a global developmental disability, she felt that her goal was unattainable.

"You never know what can happen unless you try," the facilitator told Alice. Offering Alice encouragement, he helped her enroll in a floral design program at a community college. During the fall semester, the facilitator arranged for Alice to do a co-op volunteer placement in two local florist shops. By the end of the semester, Alice had achieved honours standing in her class. Although the owners of the florist shops had initially signed a contract for only a three-month placement, they were so impressed by Alice's skill that they both asked her to stay on through the academic year. Alice completed the floral design program with honours and, thanks largely to United Way, is well on her way to seeing her dream blossom.

* name changed to protect privacy.

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. Every golfer will receive a new pair of Nike SP3 golf shoes and the use of a power cart. Lunch and dinner are included.

Plan to play to help create lasting change that improves lives and builds a resilient community!

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

…in Peel there are more than 100,000 children aged 6 and under and this number is increasing by over 14,000 a year?
There are currently 12,000 children in Peel under age 6 who live in poverty. Younger children have higher rates of poverty than the general population.

…almost 10,300 people, including 2,256 children, had to use Peel's homeless shelters in 2004?
Being homeless and living in poverty are conditions that contribute to poor developmental outcomes for children.