Annual public campaign kicks off September 17

"United we can" is the theme for United Way of Peel Region's 2010 public campaign which kicks off on September 17, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Hershey Centre SportZone in Mississauga.

A complimentary continental breakfast will be served and everyone is invited. Register today to unite with us in celebration as we announce our 2010 fundraising goal. United Way's 2010 Kick-off is sponsored by TD Bank Financial Group.

To reserve your spot before the September 13 deadline or for more information about United Way's 2010 Kick-off, click here.

Supporting people through hard times

Joining the growing number of people unemployed due to the recession was difficult for Ron Carnwell, 56. So much of his self esteem and pride was tied to working.

"I was good at my job and I worked hard," says the divorced father of 3, and grandfather of 5. "Without a job I felt like I just wasn't contributing to society."

Struggling with feelings of confusion, hurt and betrayal, Ron contacted Family Services Peel (FSP), a United Way funded agency. Ron participated in the agency's Working to your full potential program, which provides counselling and workshops that assist people in finding employment.

"My counselor was great," says Ron. "He helped me accept that I lost my job and that what happened to me could happen to anyone. He also provided resources and information on job training and job search programs. He really energized my spirit and kept me motivated and hopeful."

Eventually with support from FSP, Ron found another job. He is grateful that when he needed help, it was there.

"These are really hard times," says Ron. "There are so many people out of work who don't know what to do. It's good to know that there are places where people can turn for help to get through these tough times."

United Way and Region of Peel empower youth

"Thanks to our Youth In Action grant, youth in our neighbourhood will have an opportunity to learn a skill and have fun at the same time," says Sherrise Gordon, 15. Sherrise is team leader of Out of the Fire and into the Kitchen, one of 11 youth-led projects recently awarded a Youth in Action grant, jointly funded by United Way of Peel Region and the Region of Peel. The grants, totalling $20,000, will fund projects including sports camps, workshops and mentoring sessions that aim to build confidence in youth aged 14 to 24, and help develop future leaders while improving neighbourhood life.

Youth in Action grants were developed in 2009 by United Way's Young Leaders Council, a group of volunteers aged 20 to 35 who are committed to creating a legacy of volunteerism and spirited giving within Peel Region. The grants will be distributed through several local registered charities that will provide financial oversight to the youth developing and implementing projects.

"Youth in Peel Region are restless for change," said Vanessa Mui, Co-Chair of the Youth in Action Review Panel and Executive Member of United Way's Young Leaders Council. "They are eager to tackle issues within their communities and act as agents of social change. We are excited to facilitate youth leadership and activism and empower youth to maximize their potential."

Out of the Fire and into the Kitchen (Mississauga) will receive a grant of $2,000, distributed through YMCA Peel Youth Village. The program aims to deter youth violence while teaching youth the essential life skill of cooking. During weekly sessions youth will prepare and share various dishes, and discuss the justice system with guest speakers from the community.

In addition to Out of the Fire and into the Kitchen, the following projects will receive Youth in Action grants: Journey to OUR Mother, Peel Environment Youth Alliance (PEYA) - EcoBuzz Conference, United Camp, Get out! Get Active!, Girls in Action, Newcomer Youth Media Project, Project One: Operation Inspire 2, RHYTHM, The NUSAYbah Project, Youth Productions.

For details on the Youth In Action grant recipients, read our full news release.

Apply for Neighbourhood Development grants

United Way of Peel Region and the Region of Peel are jointly offering up to $30,000 in grants to charities and community groups interested in improving the quality of community life in Peel. The Neighbourhood Development grants, totalling $275,000, aim to give Peel residents an opportunity to partner with local agencies and businesses to create resident-led programs and services that enhance the quality of neighbourhood life.

"The Neighbourhood Development grants were launched in 2008 as part of United Way's poverty reduction strategy," explains United Way CEO Shelley White. "The grants give residents an opportunity to identify priority issues and needs in their neighbourhood, and be active participants in creating programs and services to address them."

Previous grant recipients included a park beautification project that brought together volunteers, youth and seniors to revitalize a community park; a youth council that provided leadership skills for local youth; a seniors' wellness program that reduced isolation and increased independence; and a neighbourhood festival that brought residents together and promoted community pride.

Interested applicants are invited to attend one of the following information sessions:

• Wednesday, September 1, 2010 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Leonard's Place, 1105 Queen Street East, Brampton;

• Thursday, September 9, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. at United Way of Peel Region, 5170 Dixie Road, Suite 300, Mississauga;

• Thursday, September 16, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Caledon Parent-Child Centre, 150 Queen Street South, Bolton.

To RSVP for one of the information sessions or for more information about this funding opportunity and how to receive an application, please contact Areeta Bridgemohan, Manager, Community Investment at 905-602-3650 ext. 2328 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Thank you Marathon supporters!

Thanks to everyone who ran, walked, pledged or volunteered in support of United Way at the 2010 Mississauga Marathon in May. Donors contributed $3,300 for United Way through the Marathon. These contributions go to the Community Fund, which supports local, vital programs and services that develop resilient people, grow strong families, and build vibrant neighbourhoods.

It's not too soon to start planning for the 2011 Marathon, which takes place May 14 and 15. United Way is proud to be a charity partner.

Join Region of Peel's run for United Way

Sign up now for the Region of Peel's first-ever Run, Walk and Roll 5K for the United Way taking place October 30. The family-oriented, wheelchair accessible event is open to everyone. The inaugural run, presented by Walk+Roll Peel begins and ends at 10 Peel Centre Dr. in Brampton and travels along Queen Street. There are three course options for participants to choose from: a 5K chip timed event; a 5K non chip timed event and a 1K kid's course. Individuals in wheelchairs and parents with children in strollers or wagons are encouraged to participate. Service animals are welcome, however, pets, bikes, skateboards and rollerblades are not allowed on the course.

All proceeds benefit United Way, which helps develop resilient individuals, grow strong families and build vibrant neighbourhoods, making our community a better place for everyone.

For pledge forms, online registration and full event details, visit www.walkandrollpeel.ca.

Fall into action for our community

Exchange an ordinary work day for an adventure by participating in United Way's fall Day of Caring on October 21. During Day of Caring you will have an opportunity to personally contribute to the wellness of our community by volunteering at one of several local United Way funded agencies. Employers and employees alike often find coming together for a Day of Caring project to be a fun and rewarding team-building experience. Whether you register as an individual or a group, choose from a variety of projects that best suit your skills and interests, and spend a day making a real difference. Volunteer opportunities include painting, gardening, yard cleanups, computer training and more.

In addition to supporting our community and learning about local agencies and programs, your participation in Day of Caring helps save agency resources by undertaking projects that otherwise may not have been completed. During United Way's last Day of Caring volunteers gave more than 1,000 hours of their time to complete 25 different projects at 18 local United Way agencies.

Fall Day of Caring is generously sponsored by TD Canada Trust employees serving Mississauga. Registration opens September 20.

Thank you!

The Mississauga Board of Chinese Professional & Business (CPB) raised $3,500 for United Way at their 2010 Spring Banquet.

From left, Josephine Bau, the Board of Director of CPB; Audrey Chiang, Chair of the CPB; Sharon Douglas, Assistant Director, Community Investment; Shelley White, CEO; Jenny Qin, Community Outreach Coordinator; Anita Stellinga, Director, Community Investment of UWPR.

Thirty-one-year-old Vanessa Ramnarine, her husband Tony, and their two daughters Eva, 6, and Amy, 4, have always been a tight-knit family with strong family values. When a flyer from her daughter's school asked for participants for its eight-week Family and Schools Together (F&ST) program, Vanessa was all for it. That's because it offered the chance for parents, children, social service professionals, community volunteers and school staff to meet at school for dinner and quality family time.

"I liked the concept of the program and I thought it would be a really nice thing to do with the kids," she says. "In these tough times, it allowed us a family night out that we otherwise couldn't afford."

Funded by United Way and provided through Family Services of Peel, F&ST strengthens family unity and supports families in helping their children do well at school, at home and in the community. The goal is to improve health, social and academic outcomes for children and reduce the risk of delinquency, substance abuse and school failure in adolescent years. It also provides an opportunity for parents to become more involved in their child's school.

The Ramnarines are one of approximately 120 families that have graduated from F&ST. United Way supports programs like F&ST that empower children and youth to reach their full potential.

"You can see the effect the program has on your child," says Vanessa, who since attending F&ST has joined the parent council at her daughter's school. "At one time Eva was hesitant to participate in school activities, but since F&ST she loves school and has become very outgoing. She is developing great leadership skills."

September 17:
2010 Kick-off

October 21:
Day of Caring