When:	Friday, June 6, 2008 7:30 a.m.- 9:00 a.m. Complimentary Continental Breakfast
Where:	Mississauga Convention Centre 75 Derry Road West, Mississauga Click for map and directions
Keynote Address:	The Honourable Deb Matthews M.P.P. Minister of Children and Youth Services and Chair of the Cabinet Committee on Poverty Reduction Deb Matthews was elected to the Ontario legislature in 2003 and re-elected in 2007. Matthews previously served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Community and Social Services and Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues. Her previous political experience includes co-chairing the provincial Liberal campaigns in 1987 and 1995 and serving as the president of the Ontario Liberal Party from 2003 to 2006. Matthews has been involved in a wide range of community organizations, serving on the boards of Orchestra London, the Thames Valley Children’s Centre, as board member and president of the Big Sisters of London and on London advisory boards for the Salvation Army and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. Matthews’ work on social assistance reform, including her Ontario Works report, has received strong support from a wide range of community leaders. She was recognized in the 2007 Ontario Budget speech as having been a driving force behind the new Ontario Child Benefit. Matthews received the 2007 Political Award of Merit from The Social Work Doctors’ Colloquium, given to an individual who in their political, professional and social life, practises and exemplifies the values of the social work profession including the fight for social justice. Her diverse work background includes business experience in the construction industry, fundraising in the non-profit sector and teaching at the University of Western Ontario. She served as the 1995-96 fundraising co-ordinator for the Boys and Girls Club of London. The University of Western Ontario has twice honoured her with a place on the University Students’ Council Teaching Honour Roll. Matthews was born in London North Centre and studied at the University of Western Ontario, where she completed her PhD in social demography. She has three children.

Space is limited, please R.S.V.P. by May 23 calling 905-602-3650 or email jpereira@unitedwaypeel.org.

Download the invitation here.

Each of us can make a difference in our community. Experience your chance on when you volunteer for United Way of Peel Region's Day of Caring!

Here's a great opportunity to see first-hand how United Way of Peel Region community fund donations are being used at one of our funded agencies.

How to Get Involved

Volunteers select from a variety of work projects submitted by agencies funded by United Way of Peel Region. The project summary list identifies the agency name, the type of project available and the number of volunteers requested by the agency.

Use the project list to match your skills and interests and to identify your first, second and third project of choice. Teams may be split amongst a number of projects or agencies dependent upon your preference. A maximum of 10 persons per company per project is permitted. A maximum of 20 participants from one company is permitted, unless opportunities exist following the registration deadline.

Your appointed Day of Caring Coordinator will submit preferred choices on the Company Registration form. Completed volunteer registration and media release forms must be received by United Way of Peel Region prior to the Day of Caring.

Volunteers are asked to a commit to a project for an entire day (8:30 am-4:00 pm) and are responsible for their own transportation. Agencies will provide all supplies required to complete their projects.

For more information, contact Marilyn Caird at mcaird@unitedwaypeel.org or call 905-602-3625.

Sponsor

MISSISSAUGA — An enthusiastic crowd of 700 people cheered at the Pearson Convention Center this evening when United Way of Peel Region announced that it had raised $14,565,806 in 2007, surpassing the $14-million goal set last September.

"Our campaign theme this year was United we are stronger," said 2007 Campaign Chair Linda Kuga Pikulin, President of The Pepsi Bottling Group (Canada) Ltd. "Our community really demonstrated its collective strength in this campaign. Thousands of generous individuals and organizations from all across the region joined with us because they believe in creating lasting positive change that makes our community stronger."

The 2007 campaign achievement includes $2-million from national employee campaigns and an additional $1.7-million that has been designated by Peel donors to other United Ways or registered charities. National employee 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.

"It takes a lot to make a community strong," United Way Board Chair Dr. Colin Saldanha told the guests. "It takes a vital business sector, good jobs, visionary political leadership, strong social services, opportunities for people to participate in the life of their community, and, most of all, it takes people who care. Together we are building the kind of community in which everyone can thrive."

United Way's Community Fund supports programs, services and initiatives that focus on meeting immediate human service needs as well as addressing the root causes of our community's most complex social challenges.

"United Way would like to thank the community and the many generous donors and volunteers who helped us raise this record amount," said United Way CEO Shelley White. "United Way will invest in reducing poverty, supporting the integration of newcomers, assisting victims of abuse, supporting children and youth to reach their potential, and helping seniors live healthy and independent lives."

Attendees at the celebration included volunteers from companies and organizations across the region, representatives from United Way-funded agencies, organized labour, and government and community leaders.

The Pepsi Bottling Group (Canada) Ltd. was the evening's title sponsor. Grant Thornton LLP provided an additional sponsorship and Lite Concept Design and Image Force provided in-kind support.

During the evening, United Way presented 21 Spirit Awards to organizations and individuals whose participation in the 2007 campaign was outstanding.

Funds pledged to United Way's Community Fund are used to improve social conditions in Peel by:

• Investing in a network of well-managed human care services and programs that are focused on meeting community priorities;
• Championing and leading community-based partnerships to tackle complex social issues;
• Providing training and skills development to agency staff and volunteers to ensure our community has a strong human care network;
• Advocating for changes in public policy to eliminate inequity and expand opportunities so individuals can fulfill their potential.

United Way is the largest non-governmental funder of social services in Peel. The mission of United Way of Peel Region is to engage with our community, through partnerships, to ensure people are cared for, connected and included.

View images from this event.

On October 18, 177 employees from across the region set aside their regular jobs to volunteer at United Way-funded agencies in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. During United Way’s Day of Caring, volunteers from 16 different organizations in Peel completed 25 projects at 16 United Way-funded agencies. Their assignments included gardening, serving seniors lunch, providing computer training, helping at a food bank, painting, yard work, sorting and cleaning.

It would take one person almost nine months to do the work completed by the volunteers today.

Day of Caring is more than simply a chance to demonstrate individual caring; it also provides an invaluable opportunity to see, first-hand, the impact of United Way in the community.

“You are all community builders; you’re helping make our community stronger and healthier,” United Way CEO Shelley White told the volunteers as they gathered for a breakfast rally. “Your efforts today will help ensure that people are cared for, connected, and included. And when that happens, everyone benefits.”

The following companies and organizations sent volunteers: Amgen Canada Inc., AstraZeneca Canada Inc., Bard Canada Inc., Baxter Corporation, Canada Post, Chrysler Canada Corporation, GlaxoSmithKline Inc., Ingram Micro, Medtronic of Canada Limited, Praxair, Region of Peel, Ricoh, The Pepsi Bottling Group, Trillium Health Centre, UPS Supply Chain and Wyeth Consumer Healthcare Inc.

Day of Caring is a United Way-trademarked event and is carried out in communities across the country. United Way of Peel Region has organized Days of Caring for several years. Since 2000, more than 1,100 volunteers have contributed over 7,500 hours to the community through the event. Day of Caring volunteers enable community agencies to preserve precious resources for frontline services.

View images from this event.

On September 15, 2007, United Way of Peel Region launched its 2007 "United, we are stronger" campaign at Playdium and unveiled its $14-million goal. Approximately 200 adults and children attended the event, which was sponsored by The Pepsi Bottling Group (Canada) Co.

"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 of 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.

View images from this event.

Join United Way on Friday, October 12, 2006 at the Rogers Centre (7:30 p.m.) to watch

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each ticket will go to United Way.

TO ORDER YOUR TICKETS: Download the order form and fax the completed form to 416-341-0550 or call Liz Palermo at 416-341-2742.

The fourth of July was a day of celebration for United Way of Peel Region as more than 230 golfers representing 56 companies and organizations raised $67,000 in net proceeds at United Way's 16th annual golf tournament. The event took place at Lionhead Golf and Country Club.

"The golf tournament really jump-starts our campaign and we are deeply grateful for the enthusiastic support of the Peel business community," United Way CEO Shelley White told the golfers during dinner. "By participating today, you are helping to create social change so everyone in our community can thrive. You are partners with us in the important work of community building."

The tournament was supported by three title sponsors: Deloitte & Touche LLP, Telus and RBC Insurance.

"Our tournament is organized by business leaders as one way to give back to our community," noted 2007 Tournament Co-Chairs Frank Abate and Bill Zakarow. "Through United Way, the lives of hundreds of thousands of people are improved each day. The services, programs and initiatives supported by United Way help make our community a better place to live and work."

The mission of United Way of Peel Region is to engage with our community, through partnerships, to ensure people are cared for, connected and included.

Click here to view photos and video from the event.

When:	Friday, June 8, 2007 7:30 a.m.- 9:30 a.m. Complimentary Continental Breakfast
Where:	BraeBen Golf Course 5700 Terry Fox Way, Mississauga
Keynote Speaker:	DIANE DUPUY Founder of the Famous People Players Diane Dupuy followed her dreams, triumphed over failure, and became world renowned. Today, she oversees the Famous People Players, a Toronto-based theatre group that employs performers who are developmentally-challenged. What began as a dream over 20 years ago, has grown into an incredible international success, including two smash Broadway hits, world-wide tours, and support from Liberace, Phil Collins, Bill Cosby, Frank Sinatra, Paul Newman, and others. Diane’s extraordinary work on both artistic and humanitarian levels has garnered her many prestigious awards, including the Order of Canada. Diane recently returned from Puerto Rico where her friend Dr. Deepak Chopra invited her to speak as a panelist, alongside past Vice President Al Gore, at the Alliance for New Humanity. Diane Dupuy has been a guest on talk shows across North America and her story has been made into a CBC special. She was recently featured in Biography, published by the A&E Television Network. Most recently her story was featured on an award winning documentary titled Black Light Dreams which aired to rave reviews on CBC’s Opening Night and A&E's Breakfast for the Arts. Diane Dupuy has been named to the Order of Canada, and has received numerous other awards and honorary degrees. Her powerful message and inspirational presentation will motivate you to new heights of excellence... and achieve even the most impossible of your dreams. Her newest book is The Teacher and the Soul.

Space is limited, please R.S.V.P. by calling 905-602-3650.

Download the invitation here.

On May 10, 2007 more than 80 employees from across the region set aside their regular jobs to volunteer at United Way-funded agencies in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. During United Way's Day of Caring, volunteers from 12 different organizations in Peel completed 18 projects at 11 United Way-funded agencies. Their assignments included planting vegetable gardens, helping seniors with shopping, providing computer training, washing windows, painting, and conducting mock job interviews for foreign-trained newcomers to Canada. It would take one person four months to do the work completed by the volunteers today.

Sponsored by Bantrel Co. of Mississauga, Day of Caring is more than simply a chance to demonstrate individual caring; it also provides an invaluable opportunity to see, first-hand, the impact of United Way in the community.

"You are all community builders; you're helping make our community stronger and healthier," United Way CEO Shelley White told the volunteers as they gathered for a breakfast rally. "Your efforts today will help ensure that people are cared for, connected, and included. And when that happens, everyone benefits."

The following companies and organizations sent volunteers: Alcon Canada Inc., Bantrel Co., Bard Canada Inc., Baxter Corporation, Contract Pharmaceuticals Ltd., E.I. DuPont Canada Co., McKesson Canada, Nacan Products Ltd., Region of Peel, Ricoh Canada, and Trillium Health Centre.

Day of Caring is a United Way-trademarked event and is carried out in communities across the country. United Way of Peel Region has organized Days of Caring for several years. Since 2000, more than 1,100 volunteers have contributed over 7,500 hours to the community through the event. Day of Caring volunteers enable community agencies to preserve precious resources for frontline services.

The next Day of Caring is scheduled for October 18.

Click here to view photographs from the event.

A sold-out crowd cheered at the Pearson Convention Center on February 15, 2007 as United Way of Peel Region announced that it had raised $13,354,706 in 2006, handily surpassing the $13-million goal set last fall.

"This really is a community of heroes," said Campaign Chair Carl Oxholm, referring to the 2006 campaign theme, Be a Hero. "When people learned how United Way brings together people from all parts of our community to address social challenges and focus on solutions, they responded with enthusiasm."

The amount raised in 2006 includes $1.2 million from national employee campaigns and an additional $1.8 million that has been designated by donors to other United Ways or registered charities. National employee 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.

"United Way is committed to ensuring that people in our community are cared for, connected, and included," said Harry Mann, United Way Board Chair. "We want to inspire the type of change that makes our community stronger and improves the lives of everyone who lives here. We thank the many local heroes who help make this vision possible!"

Oxholm, a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, noted that United Way gained more than 92 new Leadership donors who gave a minimum of $1,000 each for a total addition to the campaign of more than $105,000. As well, 31 local businesses participated for the first time, resulting in a more than $300,000 boost to the campaign.

"United Way would like to thank the many generous donors and volunteers who helped us raise over $13 million for our community. This is an extraordinary achievement!" remarked United Way CEO Shelley White. "The support of so many people enables United Way to achieve the greatest results for individuals and our community. We are committed to implementing a focused, holistic and integrated approach to addressing human care issues in our community. United Way is dedicated to working in partnership with all sectors and individuals to help us meet immediate needs as well as tackle the root causes of our community's most challenging problems, such as poverty, discrimination, domestic violence, social isolation, and insufficient funding for human services."

Attendees at the celebration included volunteers from companies and organizations across the region, representatives from United Way-funded agencies, organized labour, and municipal and community leaders. The evening's sponsors were Purolator, RP Graphics, Grant Thornton LLP, the Clorox Company of Canada, and Samuel, Son & Company. Gift-in-kind sponsors were Hershey Canada Inc., Light Concept Design, and Scrapalicious Inc.

The crowd was on its feet during the dynamic performances from the Chinese Dragon and Lion dance ensemble Northern Legs Southern Fists, youth drum and dance group Ngoma, and the Brampton-based urban dance group Baby Boyz.

As well, United Way handed out 20 Spirit Awards to organizations and individuals whose participation in the 2006 campaign was outstanding. The awards ceremony included the presentations of the inaugural Spirit Award for Youth to the students of Roberta Bondar Public School and Bramalea Secondary School for running fun and successful United Way campaigns in their schools.

Funds pledged to United Way are used to improve social conditions in Peel by:

1. Investing in a network of well-managed human care services and programs that are focused on meeting community priorities;
2. Championing and leading community-based partnerships to tackle complex social issues;
3. Providing training and skills development to agency staff and volunteers to ensure our community has a strong human care network;
4. Advocating for changes in public policy to eliminate inequity and expand opportunities so individuals can fulfill their potential;
5. Leveraging resources to address human service issues for our community.

United Way is the largest non-governmental funder of social services in Peel.

Click here to view photographs from the event.

Click here to download a copy of the event program.

A record number of volunteers participated in United Way of Peel Region's Day of Caring on October 26, an event that provides employees from businesses and organizations across Peel with the opportunity to help out for the day at a United Way-funded agency.

More than 160 employees from 15 different businesses and organizations in Peel rolled up their sleeves today to complete 26 projects at 13 United Way-funded agencies. Activities included painting, preparing meals, home repairs, sorting and organizing, and job interview coaching. The volunteers also got to see first-hand how their contributions to United Way work hard in the community, supporting services and programs for hundreds of thousands of people in Peel.

Today's Day of Caring was sponsored by McKesson Canada of Brampton. Breakfast was provided by Tim Hortons at Dixie Road and Aimco Blvd.

The following companies and organizations sent volunteers: Alcatel, Alcon, Ceridian, CPR, GlaxoSmithKline Inc., IKON Office Solutions, Ingram Micro, Motorola, Nacan Products Ltd., PetroCanada, Region of Peel, Ricoh, Transalta, Trillium Health Centre and the University of Toronto at Mississauga.

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

Day of Caring is a United Way-trademarked event and is carried out in communities across the country. United Way of Peel Region has organized Days of Caring for several years. Since 2000, more than 1,300 volunteers have contributed over 8,000 hours to the community through the event.

View images from this event.

Join United Way on Friday, October 20, 2006 at the Rogers Centre (7:30 p.m.) to watch

$5 from the sale of each ticket will go to United Way.

TO ORDER YOUR TICKETS: Download the order form and fax the completed form to (416) 341-0550 or call Allan McNinch at (416)-341-2717.