Thanks to GE Capital Solutions, hundreds of people in Peel will have access to a vital tool they need to become employable. On February 29, the company donated close to 100 personal computers to United Way and its affiliated agencies.
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Tahereh Saberi Hajipoor, a highly skilled and educated immigrant from Iran,registered in the Enhanced Language Training (ELT) program at a United Way-funded agency in May 2006 after numerous frustrating attempts to secure a meaningful job.
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Courtesy of owner Ann Williams, Mississauga's My Salon & Spa held a one-day fundraiser on March 4 for the benefit of children's programs and services supported by United Way of Peel Region. Special pricing was in effect for women, men and children, with 100 per cent of service fees going directly to United Way.
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Here's your big chance to show you care for your community. Thursday, May 10 is United Way of Peel Region's spring Day of Caring.
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Get into the swing of things at United Way of Peel Region's 16th Annual Golf Tournament on July 4 at Lionhead Golf and Country Club.
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Cheer on the Toronto Argonauts as they take on the Montreal Alouettes at the Rogers Centre on Friday, October 12. This annual fundraiser for United Way offers greatly reduced ticket prices.
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The Mentoring Partnership has received a 2007 Urban Leadership Award in the category of City Initiatives from the Canadian Urban Institute. The award recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to the public realm and the quality of urban life.

United Way of Peel Region is a partner in the Mentoring Partnership in Peel as part of its commitment to help newcomers settle and integrate. The Mentoring Partnership links foreign-trained professionals and mentors in their respective fields to accelerate their access to employment.

Beginning as an idea generated at the original Toronto City Summit in 2002, the program was developed by The Maytree Foundation and the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC), under the leadership of Ratna Omidvar, Executive Director of The Maytree Foundation. The Maytree Foundation and TRIEC established the Mentoring Partnership in Toronto, Peel and York to accelerate the employment of foreign-trained professionals in their respective areas of expertise.

Dixie-Bloor Neighbourhood Centre is the lead service provider in partnership with Malton Neighbourhood Services, Employment Access Services and Caledon Community Services. The Peel corporate partners in The Mentoring Partnership include Deloitte, RBC, the City of Mississauga, the City of Brampton, the Brampton Board of Trade, the Mississauga Board of Trade, GE Canada, PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Region of Peel, TD Bank and the University of Toronto.

"Congratulations to Ratna, The Maytree Foundation, TRIEC and everyone involved on receiving this prestigious award! It is well deserved. The Mentoring Partnership is making a significant difference in facilitating the employment and integration of skilled foreign-trained professionals," said United Way CEO Shelley White.

The award will be presented at a ceremony in June.

To learn more about the Mentoring Partnership, visit
www.mentoringpartnership.com.

Thanks to GE Capital Solutions, hundreds of people in Peel will have access to a vital tool they need to become employable. On February 29, the company donated close to 100 personal computers to United Way and its affiliated agencies.

United Way-funded programs provide computer skills and equip job applicants with the necessary tools to become employable in today's job market by helping them overcome fear of computers. The donation of the PCs is very beneficial considering that community needs outstrip the resources available.

GE Capital Solutions's generous gesture was based on the company's commitment to give back to the community. "Although they might be old in PC years, they still have something to give to others - whether that be helping someone write a resume, search for a job, learn how to surf the Internet or simply learn how to type," said Rob Dalicandro, Fleet IT Leader.

"United Way and its funded agencies are grateful for the generosity and consideration demonstrated by GE Commercial Finance Fleet Services. The donation will definitely make a difference in the lives of many people in the community," said Fauteux.

From left to right: Rob Dalicandro, VP Information Technology, GE Capital Solutions, Cora Larkins United Way of Peel Region, Anna Ayoub, Peel Literacy Guild, Ted Fauteux United Way of Peel Region, Ken Johnson, President & CEO, GE Capital Solutions

Tahereh Saberi Hajipoor, a highly skilled and educated immigrant from Iran,registered in the Enhanced Language Training (ELT) program at a United Way-funded agency in May 2006 after numerous frustrating attempts to secure a meaningful job. Following 10 weeks in the ELT program, Tahereh realized that jobs were difficult to get, but they were available for people with the right skill set. The training she received boosted her confidence, but she was still somewhat skeptical of her chances of finding work.

The agency's ELT staff connected Tahereh with a well-established media firm. The head of the company, himself an immigrant, recognized the urgency and need to provide job opportunities for newcomers. Tarhereh was hired after her first interview. "The office is so close to my home and my children's school, and that is difficult to find here in Canada!" she exclaimed.

In a letter to the agency, Tahereh expressed her gratitude: "I don't have enough words to thank you. I greatly appreciate your effort to help me find employment. Without your help, I couldn't do it. Thank you so much."

Courtesy of owner Ann Williams, Mississauga's My Salon & Spa held a one-day fundraiser on March 4 for the benefit of children's programs and services supported by United Way of Peel Region.

Special pricing was in effect for women, men and children, with 100 per cent of service fees going directly to United Way. A total of $746 was raised. Throughout the day, customers received complimentary hair products from Joico, refreshments and generous door prizes.

"I am thrilled that it was such a success and that they are already planning to make this an annual event," said Liz Leake, United Way's Director of Communications & Marketing. "It was so kind and generous of the salon to hold this terrific event in support of United Way."

Here's your big chance to show you care for your community. Thursday, May 10 is United Way of Peel Region's spring Day of Caring.

Join volunteers from organizations throughout the region and share your time, talent and a little bit of elbow grease with United Way-funded agencies. Not only is it fun, you'll feel a strong sense of doing something that makes a difference in people's lives.

Start your Day of Caring with a breakfast rally at United Way before you head off to your assigned project. You are responsible for your own transportation and lunch.

Volunteer activities may include painting, cleaning, outdoor yard clean-up or less active tasks such as mock job interviews and serving meals to seniors. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the agencies funded by United Way and the services they provide.

Sign-up for Day of Caring is on a first-come, first-served basis. A list of volunteer opportunities will be sent to you on request.

To participate in Day of Caring or for further details, please send your name and contact information to Marilyn Caird at mcaird@unitedwaypeel.org or call direct at 905-602-3625.

Get into the swing of things at United Way of Peel Region's 16 Annual Golf Tournament on July 4 at Lionhead Golf and Country Club.

You may have plenty of time to practice before the event, but if you don't act soon by purchasing your tickets and/or hole sponsorship, you could miss out on this fun-filled day in aid of United Way. Last year's tournament sold out quickly. There are limited corporate sponsorship opportunities available as well.

Call Marilyn Caird, Communications Manager, Events & Sponsorship, at 905-602-3625 for further information.

Cheer on the Toronto Argonauts as they take on the Montreal Alouettes at the Rogers Centre on Friday, October 12. This annual fundraiser for United Way offers greatly reduced ticket prices.

This could be your last chance to see Toronto quarterback Damon Allen in action in person, as many experts believe 2007 will be the last season for the football phenomenon, who will turn 44 in July.

The ticket order form can be downloaded here. Contact Liz Palermo, Toronto Argonauts Representative, at 416-341-2742 for more information. See you at the game!

More than half of Canadian non-profit organizations rely solely on volunteers to fulfill their mission.
Canadians volunteer more than two billion hours a year, equivalent to more than one million fulltime jobs.

Census Canada released population data on March 13 that shows that Peel's population grew by 17 per cent (988,958 to 1,159,405) between 2001 and 2006. This dramatic increase puts enormous pressure on Peel's already overburdened, under-funded human care network.