At the kick-off to its 2007 campaign on September 15, United Way 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.
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The Town of Caledon kicked off its “colourful” 2007 United Way campaign on September 11.

Order specially discounted tickets for the big regular-season showdown on October 12 between the Toronto Argonauts and their perennial archrivals, the Montreal Alouettes, when playoff positions will be on the line.
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Calling all caring employees from businesses and organizations throughout Peel! United Way of Peel Region's fall Day of Caring is on Thursday, October 18. Please plan to donate a day of your time to help out at United Way-funded agencies by completing much needed projects. There are opportunities for up to 150 volunteers.
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Julie was approaching secondary-school graduation. Normally an exciting time, it frightened her and her father. Although Julie's father, a single parent, had been through this experience before with his two older children, this time it was very different. Instead of discussing university or helping Julie create a resume, her father contacted a United Way-funded agency. He wanted to see what, if anything, was available for his daughter to do once she graduated.
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There are only a few tickets left for the annual United Way of Peel Region Chefs' Challenge sponsored AstraZeneca Canada and the Delta Meadowvale Resort and Conference Centre.
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Scrapbook for a good cause. Join Scrapalicious on September 30 for an all-day crop including lunch, snacks and goodie bags. All proceeds will go in support of United Way of Peel Region.
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United Way of Peel Region launched its 2007 "United, we are stronger" campaign at Playdium in Mississauga on September 15 and unveiled its $14-million goal. This includes $1.5-million raised and distributed outside Peel. Approximately 200 adults and children attended the event, which was sponsored by The Pepsi Bottling Group (Canada) Co. Guests formed teams named after Pepsi products and competed in various games. Click here to visit the photo gallery.

"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 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

At the kick-off to its 2007 campaign on September 15, United Way 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 will be raised and distributed outside Peel through 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.

• Amgen Canada Inc.
• AstraZeneca Canada Inc.
• Bantrel Co.
• Baxter Corporation
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel
• Canadian Mental Health Association, Peel Branch
• Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited
• Carlson Marketing Group Canada
• Catholic Cross-Cultural Services
• Chrysler Canada Corporation
• Chubb Security Canada
• Citi
• City of Brampton
• 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 Associates 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
• Rapport Youth & Family Services
• Regional Municipality of Peel/Peel Regional Police Services
• Samuel, Son & Co. Limited
• Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Centre of Peel
• The Pepsi Bottling Group (Canada) Co.
• Town of Caledon
• Victim Services of Peel
• VON Peel
• Wells Fargo Financial

"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 Town of Caledon kicked off its “colourful” 2007 United Way campaign on September 11.

On September 8, the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors hockey club invited the public to meet members of the organization. Left to right: Eugeue Melayk, team owner; Dr. Colin Saldanha, United Way Board Chair; Shelley White, United Way CEO; and Ted Fauteux, United Way Director of Resource Development.

There are more than a million good reasons to attend the CFL game between the Toronto Argonauts and their archrivals, the Montreal Alouettes, on Friday, October 12. Both teams are bound to be fighting for a playoff position, someone will have a chance to win $1-million, and $5.00 from each ticket sold through United Way of Peel Region will be donated to the organization. It's a win-win-win situation!

The half-time highlight will be Wendy's Kick for a Million contest. One pre-qualified contestant will attempt to kick field goals of 20, 30, 40 and 50 yards. The grand prize for kicking a 50-yard field goal is $1-million. There are also great prizes for kicking from the other three distances.

It promises to be a thrilling night out with family, friends and colleagues. To order specially discounted tickets in support of United Way, click here.

Calling all caring employees from businesses and organizations throughout Peel! United Way of Peel Region's fall Day of Caring is on Thursday, October 18. Please plan to donate a day of your time to help out at United Way-funded agencies by completing much-needed projects. There are opportunities for up to 150 volunteers.

As a Day of Caring volunteer, your day begins with a lively breakfast pep rally at United Way of Peel Region offices. (You are responsible for your own transportation and lunch.) Following the pep rally, off you go to one of 53 United Way-funded agencies to participate in any of 23 projects such as painting, yard work and providing computer training. Agencies welcome this support from the community, and you get to see first-hand where United Way contributions go.

A list of volunteer opportunities available at United Way-funded agencies has been distributed to organizations across the region. Sign up is on a first-come, first-served basis. To participate, contact Marilyn Caird, Communications Manager, Events, at 905-602-3625 or mcaird@unitedwaypeel.org. Every effort is made to match the capabilities and interests of volunteers to a project.

Take advantage of this terrific opportunity to contribute to your community! Sign up for Day of Caring now. Registration deadline is Friday, October 5.

Julie was approaching secondary-school graduation. Normally an exciting time, it frightened her and her father. Although Julie's father, a single parent, had been through this experience before with his two older children, this time it was very different. Instead of discussing university or helping Julie create a resume, her father contacted a United Way-funded agency. He wanted to see what, if anything, was available for his daughter to do once she graduated.

Julie, 21, has a developmental disability. Since age 6, she had been attending special schools and has had no social activities outside the classroom. In her father's opinion, she was ill-prepared for the "real" world.

The agency's Community Connections facilitator visited Julie and her father. The facilitator's job is to connect individuals to their community in any way they wish (recreational, educational, cultural, etc.). It was a foreign concept to Julie and her father to be asked what they want. They were accustomed to being told over the years what was available for her and what she would be able to do. She wasn't asked what she'd like to do in her life.

The facilitator explained that she would be seeking appropriate community activities or placements for Julie. She reassured Julie's dad that the aim was to help his daughter be successful and not to put her in a position that she couldn't handle.

It's been more than two years since the initial visit from the Community Connections facilitator. During that time, Julie has actively participated in her community. She is enrolled in an adult literacy class, is a member of a fitness club, takes dance and horseback-riding lessons, and volunteers in her local library. Her father now sees a bright future for all of his three children.

There are only a few tickets left for the annual United Way of Peel Region Chefs' Challenge, sponsored by AstraZeneca Canada and the Delta Meadowvale Resort and Conference Centre. Don't miss this tantalizing opportunity to enjoy exquisite cuisine from:

• 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 and Conference Centre
• Rogues Restaurant
• Rosewood Bistro & Wine Bar
• Ruth's Chris Steak House
• Solstice Restaurant & Wine Bar

When:	Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Time:	6:00 pm - Cocktails & Silent Auction 7:15 pm - Dinner
Where:	The Delta Meadowvale Resort and Conference Centre 6750 Mississauga Road Mississauga, Ontario
Dress Code:	Business attire
Reminder:	Cash bar

The evening starts with a silent auction, followed by the main event - dinner featuring 10 of Mississauga's finest restaurants. Master of Ceremonies Michelle Butterly of CHFI-FM will be on hand to award some great door prizes throughout the evening.

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. For further information, contact Kimberley Souliere, United Way Resource Development Manager, at 905-602-3633 or ksouliere@unitedwaypeel.org.

Scrapbook for a good cause. Join Scrapalicious on September 30 for an all-day crop including lunch (from Mucho Burrito), snacks and goodie bags. All proceeds will go in support of United Way of Peel Region.

This event has limited seating, so sign up early to avoid disappointment.

When:	September 30, 2007
Time:	10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where:	Scrapalicious Inc. 5170 Dixie Road Mississauga, ON
Cost:	$45/person - Includes lunch, snacks and goodie bags.

TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT AT THE CROPPING TABLE: Call 905-614-0085 or sign up online at www.shopscrapalicious.com.

Supporting United Way is one of the best ways to make an impact in our community. By giving to the Community Fund, you maximize your gift by allowing United Way to invest the money where it's needed most.

In Peel Region, people who are developmentally challenged lack access to day programs. Once they have completed their formal education system, there is nowhere for them to go. Many have parents that are working or elderly parents who have a very difficult time caring for them all day. Nor do they have easy access to the residential or respite services they need.