Volunteers can show they care on Thursday, October 26th at United Way of Peel Region's fall Day of Caring. The semi-annual event provides corporations and organizations with the opportunity to help out at United Way of Peel-funded agencies by completing much needed projects. The fall Day of Caring is sponsored by McKesson Canada.
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Ready to play the role of a hero? United Way of Peel Region adds a little Hollywood glitz and glamour to its 2006 Campaign Kick-off on Saturday, September 16.

United Way launches its campaign at the Cineplex Coliseum Mississauga with the announcement of its 2006 campaign goal followed by the preview of the new FOX movie, "Everyone's Hero". The animated feature is the story of a boy who saves the day for his father by believing in his ability to make a difference. The plot is well suited to the messaging of United Way, which encourages all members of the community to be a hero and help improve people's lives.

Download the invitation to this event.

What does it mean to donate $1,000 or more to United Way? On July 25, staff at Edward Jones investment firm held a special luncheon to discuss human care needs in the community and how important it is for the company's employees not only to continue to support United Way of Peel Region but to increase their support.

The focus of the event was Leadership Giving. United Way Leadership donors are people who contribute $1,000 or more. "We want people to give a Leadership gift to the United Way of Peel Region Community Fund because they can see the benefits of doing so," says Ted Fauteux, United Way's Director of Resource Development.

Here are examples of what a gift at this level can do:

• Provide one intellectually challenged person and their family with support to access community resources and long-term planning for their current and future well-being
• Allow two women and their children to flee an abusive home situation
• Enable 30 isolated seniors to be transported to a congregate dining event and provided with a meal
• Let two learning-disabled children participate in a summer support program

Fauteux points out that payroll deduction makes the giving easy - $40 per bi-weekly pay means a contribution of $1,040 to United Way. The actual cost to the donor is just under $650 when tax credits are considered.

As the largest non-governmental funder of the human care sector in Peel, United Way supports 104 agencies and 54 services and programs, making a lasting difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people right across our community. Children like 5-year-old Julia, who received the support she needed to develop and flourish, despite her spastic cerebral palsy. Women such as Helen, a mother of six, who silently bore years of spousal abuse but then received the counselling and support needed to escape and start a new life with her children. Seniors like Chekin, whose isolation and loneliness following his wife's death was alleviated by volunteers who provided him with emotional and social support.

Keynote speakers at the Leadership event were Steve Seifert, Principal, Products & Services, Edward Jones, and Carl Oxholm, Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Seifert is United Way's 2006 Chair, Leadership Giving. Oxholm is 2006 Campaign Chair. Both spoke passionately about their personal experiences with United Way. The message came across loud and clear that United Way is for everyone, crossing all economical and cultural boundaries. Since 1999, Edward Jones has won six United Way Spirit Awards, which recognize and celebrate the extraordinary talent, creativity and dedication shown by hundreds of organizations and thousands of volunteers throughout Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga during their United Way campaigns. Two of Edward Jones' Spirit Awards were in the category of Leadership Giving.

"Recognition is an essential aspect of the Leadership Giving program," explains Fauteux. "Public recognition - with permission - in United Way's annual report will be a public demonstration of you and your family's commitment to the betterment of your community."

One of Fauteux's favourite quotes is from Albert Pike, 19th-century Scottish author and composer: "What we have done for ourselves dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal."

Leadership Giving is a focus of United Way's in 2006. If you would like additional information, to make a contribution to the Leadership Giving program or wish to volunteer to communicate the United Way message to others, contact Ted Fauteux at 905-602-3632 or tfauteux@unitedwaypeel.org.

Volunteers can show they care on Thursday, October 26th at United Way of Peel Region's fall Day of Caring. The semi-annual event provides corporations and organizations with the opportunity to help out at United Way of Peel-funded agencies by completing much-needed projects. The fall Day of Caring is sponsored by McKesson Canada.

Day of Caring volunteers begin their day at a breakfast pep rally at United Way of Peel Region offices. Then it's off to one of the 54 funded agencies to paint, do yard work, help train on computers, or any number of other helpful assignments. Agencies welcome the opportunity to have this support from the community, and volunteers benefit from seeing first-hand where United Way contributions go.

"It was wonderful to give back to the community in a way that I enjoy. Monetary donations can't weed a garden or plant flowers," noted one volunteer.

"The whole day was a very eye-opening experience," stated another volunteer.

A list of volunteer opportunities available at United Way-funded agencies will be distributed the first week of September. Sign-up is on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure your name is added to the project distribution list contact Marilyn Caird, Communications Manager, Events & Sponsorship at 905-602-3625 or mcaird@unitedwaypeel.org. Every effort is made to match the capabilities and interests of volunteers to a project.

Don't miss this great opportunity to show you care for your community! Sign up for Day of Caring.

For this United Way fundraiser, the Argos are offering tickets at the 100 and 200 level for up to 25% off the regular price. The team will donate $5 for each ticket sold to United Way of Peel Region!

A $33.75 ticket (regularly $45) will get you a seat near the 30-yard line on the 100 or 200 level. A $21 ticket (regularly $28) will get you a seat in or near the end zones on the 100 or 200 level.

The deadline for ordering tickets is October 17. Download the ticket order form, fill it out and fax directly to the Argos at the number provided. Tickets will be mailed to the purchaser. There is no minimum ticket order - the more you order, the more United Way's a winner.

"I'm really pleased with the way the website is shaping up," said Trudi Ford, Communications Manager and Webmaster. "It's going to be very user-friendly - easy to navigate and access what you're looking for. Plus, there are a few new features being added, including forms and searchable databases, which will enhance the site."

Trudi welcomes you to test the site and offer your input before the official launch this fall. You can reach her at 905-602-3626 or tford@unitedwaypeel.org.

Two main concerns emerged from Tuan's counselling sessions. One was that he felt an extreme desire to be liked by others, even those he barely knew. This was causing him to have poor judgment to the point of risking safety and the security at home. The other issue was Tuan's high degree of dishonesty.

With the aid of his counseller, Tuan was able to chart the pros and cons of his dishonesty and he concluded that honesty would be better in the long run. Tuan discovered that it was actually easier to tell the truth and to accept responsibility for his behaviour.

At the conclusion of his counselling, Tuan began enjoying a more positive relationship with his mother. His living situation was more secure, his school performance improved, his self-esteem was enhanced, and his mother began to see him as trustworthy again.

Imagine having the opportunity in one evening to sample sumptuous courses from 10 top local restaurants. Satisfy your appetite while helping satisfy the needs of the community at the annual Chefs' Challenge in support of United Way of Peel Region.

Date:	Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Time:	6:00 p.m. - Cocktails & Silent Auction 7:15 p.m. - Dinner
Venue:	The Delta Meadowvale Resort & Conference Centre 6750 Mississauga Road Mississauga, Ontario L5N 2L3 Click here for directions.
Dress Code:	Business Attire
Reminder:	Cash bar

Following a silent auction, guests move "Marche-style" from food station to food station and sample delectable delights from the following fine restaurants:

• Breakwater Restaurant, Waterside Inn
• The Elliott House
• Lucy's Seafood Kitchen & Cafe
• Michael's Back Door
• On The Curve / TEN
• Regatta Bar & Grille, Delta Meadowvale Resort & Conference Centre
• Rogues Restaurant
• Rosewood Bistro & Wine Bar
• Ruth's Chris Steak House
• Solstice Restaurant & Wine Bar

Master of Ceremonies Michelle Butterly, popular CHFI-FM radio personality, will be on hand to award some great door prizes throughout the evening.

AstraZeneca Canada and the Delta Meadowvale Resort and Conference Centre are the organizers and major sponsors of the Chefs' Challenge. "It is our aim to help raise $100,000 for United Way," said AstraZeneca CEO Michael Cloutier. In the past two years, since AstraZeneca became a major sponsor, the event has raised close to $250,000.

Tickets are $200 per person or $2,000 for a table of 10. (Tax receipts for the full amount will be mailed after the event.)

To purchase tickets to this gourmet gala, download the ticket order form and return with payment to reserve your seats. Seating/tables are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Don't delay - order yours today! For further information, contact Kimberley Souliere, United Way Campaign Manager, at 905-602-3633 or
ksouliere@unitedwaypeel.org.

Developed by United Way of Peel Region and the Social Planning Council of Peel in conjunction with several community partners, PLI is now in the second year of a three-year initiative. The purpose of PLI is to help build the capacity of the human services sector to serve the community better through enhancing the skills of its professionals.

Employees at small- to medium-sized human services agencies were invited to participate in the assessment. Field research generated data from 152 respondents representing 33 human services agencies in Peel. Respondents, including Executive Directors, senior managers, middle managers and front-line staff, represented a diverse cross-section of human service agencies in Peel.

Insight gained from the training needs assessment will be used in the development of a training plan and the delivery of a program pilot. The training plan will outline the structure, content and delivery of PLI's leadership skills training program. The program pilot will invite members of the community to participate in a core-testing group designed to examine and evaluate the learning program.

The Peel Learning Institute is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. For more information about the training needs assessment, or to receive a copy of the report, contact Valerie Timothy, Project Manager, Peel Learning Institute, at 905-602-6168 or peellearning@unitedwaypeel.org.

"The need for a national forum to discuss the wide range of possibilities inherent in Early Child Development has never been greater. Today collaborating and cooperating across all sectors to effect the physical, emotional and intellectual development of young children is crucial," said Jim Grieve, Chair of Success By 6 Peel and Director of the Peel District School Board.

Success By 6 Peel is a community-based partnership comprising United Way of Peel Region and more than 60 partners in business, labour, health, social services and government. Its purpose is to help ensure that children from birth to age 6 have the best possible start in life.

Spring Forward! will be built on four main cornerstones:

1. To create a national focus on the critical importance of Early Child Development.
2. To provide leading edge, but practical, ideas and information that can be implemented immediately to build capacity at the neighbourhood level.
3. To promote the concept of cross-sectional collaborations to deliver integrated services and programs.
4. Use research in the development of effective programs and services.

Delegates will include front-line workers, senior officers, policy-makers and service managers with responsibilities for early childhood education and family services from across Canada in the public, voluntary, private, health and education sectors and related fields.

For further information about Spring Forward!, contact Success By 6 Peel's Communications Manager, Beth Williams, at 905-602-6152 or bwilliams@unitedwaypeel.org.

One in every four (26%) students in Peel has tried marijuana and 38% of these students first tried it before they entered high school. United Way of Peel Region supports a number of programs and services that provide counselling to troubled youth.

...prenatal exposure to alcohol is the leading cause of preventable birth defects and developmental delays in children