2012 editions

Community Impact: Supporting Mental Health

Did you know...

• 1 in 5 individuals in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga will experience a mental health illness in their lifetime and those living with mental health issues are vulnerable to unemployment, poverty and abuse.
• 10 to 25 per cent of seniors living in Peel experience mental health issues.
• Mental health issues contribute to suicide, which is the second leading cause of death for Canadians aged 10-24 year-olds.
• In Peel children needing mental health services wait six to eight months for counseling, 12 to 15 months for specialized sexual abuse treatment, and eight to 10 months for day treatment.

Your donation to United Way of Peel Region’s Community Fund helps ensure that individuals who are affected by mental health issues are supported. In 2010, your donations helped United Way provide counselling, support, self-esteem, skills training and employment opportunities to more than 26,000 individuals living with mental illness.

By investing in programs and services that increase community awareness, together we help those dealing with mental health issues to develop coping skills and abilities that enable them to participate in society.

United Way recognizes the role of stigma in the community and the impact that stigma has on individuals affected by mental health. For this reason United Way is working to establish The Mental Health Roundtable to collaborate with community partners to identify impactful solutions to address mental health challenges facing Peel.

Help us continue to ensure that Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga is a thriving region where everyone is cared for, connected and included and no one is left behind. Please give generously today.

Supporting Hailey

Less than six months after the birth of his daughter Hailey, Steve Ford was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, an illness that causes dramatic shifts in mood, energy, thinking and behaviour from mania to depression and back again.

Steve got the help he needed to stabilize his condition through a combination of counselling and medication.

“Mental illness doesn’t just impact the individual,” says Steve’s wife Trudi. “It impacts the entire family.”

The Family Association for Mental Health Everywhere (FAME), a United Way funded agency that provides counselling and resources to families coping with mental health issues, provided the necessary supports both Trudi and Hailey needed.

Today, Hailey, a first grade student, attends weekly counselling sessions at FAME to talk about any concerns she has and to gain an understanding of her father’s mood swings.

“It is vital to us that she knows that my illness is in no way her fault,” says Steve. “Fame has helped her to understand mental illness in an age appropriate way.”

Purolator donation inspired by United Way tour

Purolator CEO Tom Schmitt hands off the keys for donated truck to Eden Community Food Bank Executive Director Bill Crawford.

A recent tour of United Way funded agencies by Purolator representatives inspired the company to donate a curbside truck to the Eden Community Food bank (ECFB) in Mississauga.

During the United Way tour, Purolator representatives witnessed firsthand the day-to-day hurdles the ECFB team faces. Following the inspirational visit, Purolator made a commitment to donate a retired curbside truck and engaged their longstanding fleet partners to donate their services to ensure the truck was road-ready. The truck will assist the food bank in delivering 30,000 pounds of food to feed more than 500 families in Western Mississauga every month.

Young Leaders Council co-chair selected for DiverseCity Fellows

Congratulations to United Way of Peel Region’s Young Leaders Council Executive Co-Chair Diane Saldanha who has been selected to participate in the 2012 DiverseCity Fellows program. Diane applied for the 2012 DiverseCity Fellows program with the support of United Way of Peel Region.The GTA-based leadership program brings together city-builders to implement projects to improve the region. The 28 city-builders selected will have access to leadership development opportunities, networks and inspiration.

Click here to learn more about the DiverseCity Fellows program.

Click here to learn more about United Way of Peel Region’s Young Leaders Council.

Last year, over 35 youth in Peel were empowered to build their leadership skills and confidence through R.H.Y.T.H.M, a youth-led hip-hop dance program supported through the Youth in Action Grants. This project, led by Damon Pfaff, 24, consisted of 24 classes, where curriculum included dance lessons, discussions, leadership development, lectures and performances. The project culminated with youth being able to share their new skills at a live performance at Celebration Square in Mississauga. Feedback from the program was very positive: “This program was really amazing! I hope that it happens again next year!” said participant, Josh Demedeiros.

Thanks to the Youth in Action Grants, it will. R.H.Y.T.H.M is one of 10 youth-led community projects are receiving funding of up to $2,000 through Youth in Action grants jointly funded by the United Way of Peel Region and the Region of Peel. These projects include a mentoring program, a photography project focusing on social injustice, and a one-day workshop for secondary school students on youth action and philanthropy. The grants are awarded annually to recognize youth between the ages of 14 and 24 that are making a positive impact in their community through various projects. This marks the third consecutive year that these grants have been awarded.

“It is great to see so many youth making a difference in their community,” says Amanda Bordonaro, Co-Chair of the Youth in Action Review Panel and Executive Member of United Way’s Young Leaders Council. “All of the grant recipients have demonstrated tremendous leadership and it is important that we recognize and nurture their achievements. The youth are the future leaders of Peel Region. It is an amazing feeling to know that there are so many young people dedicated to making a positive impact in the region.”

The Youth in Action Grant program was developed by United Way of Peel Region’s Young Leaders Council, a group of volunteers between the ages of 20-35 years old who are committed to creating a legacy of volunteerism and spirited giving within the Peel Region.

In addition to R.H.Y.T.H.M., the following projects will receive Youth in Action grants: Arts for Change Talent Show, Aspire, Human Billboard Project, Job Search Readiness, Mix It Up, Peel Environmental Youth Alliance's "Kill Your Bill" Program, Slice, The Fish Project and Youth Productions.

$104 supports a person with an intellectual disability to try an activity for the first time.

$260 allows two children to participate in a 10 week social skills training program to help in the development of appropriate social skills.

$260 provides 20 families with a Family Resource Tool Kit with valuable tools on how to navigate the mental health system, manage crisis, stay organized in helping their family member cope with a serious mental illness and become familiar with local resources.

$390 provides 10 children with a backpack filled with items such as personal hygiene products, a coping & crisis kit and art supplies to help them cope as a family member struggles with mental illness.

$520 provides 75 family members/ caregivers with a much needed break by covering the cost of one regional holiday party to give them respite and enable them to get together with other families outside of the support group atmosphere to share in community life.

$1,170 provides one educational speaker event for 100 family members and caregivers so they can gain relevant information on the Ontario Disability Support Program, Drug Interaction, Crisis Management, Navigating the Court System to enable them to make informed decisions and increase their coping abilities.

$1,800 provides special supplies and activities to one child that has been recently diagnosed as autistic.

$5,000 allows 15 couples or families to attend counselling so that they can improve their relationships.

Feb. 9 - Community Achievement Celebration

2011 Campaign raises $13,160,152 for community

Give. Volunteer. Act. That’s what more than 1,539 volunteers, employees at 323 workplaces and hundreds of community members did to raise $13,160,152 in support of United Way of Peel Region’s 2011 campaign.

“We should all be very proud of this achievement,” says Shelley White, United Way CEO. “In this year of great uncertainty and tough economic times, raising this amount in four months is a testament to our community’s generosity.”

Over 600 people came together at the International Centre on Thursday, February 9 to celebrate the end of the campaign and their collective efforts that support the people of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga who need a helping hand.

“It has been an honour to work with the incredibly passionate people of our community who champion the United Way cause and work tirelessly for change, every single day,” said Tim Bzowey, vice-president of home and auto at RBC Insurance and 2011 Campaign Chair as he addressed the audience.

“It was a tough campaign for our staff and our volunteers. I am so grateful for everyone’s persistence and determination in doing everything possible to raise funds on behalf of those depending on our support. Our volunteers kept asking right up to the last minute, encouraging those that could to dig a little deeper. Many did. And for that I offer my sincere gratitude.”

“The pressure on our community is great,” added White. “People are counting on us and, united, we will continue to advocate on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of men, women and children who are struggling in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga.”

The celebration was hosted by 1972 Grey Cup champion and MVP Chuck Ealey. Entertainment provided by comedian Jay Martin and Youth in Action grant recipients, hip-hop dance group R.H.Y.T.H.M. The following companies generously sponsored the event: RBC Insurance (presenting sponsor); Edward Jones; Grant Thornton; Rogers Communications; and HomeWell Senior Care.

Glen Harvey’s honesty and conviction earns him Speakers’ Bureau Award

Glen Harvey, 49, has struggled with drug addiction since his early teens but several years ago when he lost both his parents, the unbearable grief sent him reeling out of control.

“I just gave up on life,” he says. “I lost my business, my house and my fiancée. I was a homeless addict who didn’t care about anything but getting my next fix.”

During a visit to the Knights Table, a United Way-funded agency, Glen met a group of student volunteers who encouraged him to get his life back on track. The Knights Table in Brampton provides food, resources and social supports, such as counselling and budgeting workshops, to families and individuals who are homeless or in need of program services.

The students inspired Glen to make a promise that he would live drug free for one year. Now 14 months later, Glen continues to be clean and sober.

“The Knights Table truly saved my soul," he says. “The counselling and resources that was provided, as well as the caring volunteers and students, helped me get my life back.”

Glen is a member of United Way’s Speakers’ Bureau and received a 2011 Spirit Award for sharing his inspirational story. After a recent speaking engagement, a student who was involved with drugs reached out to Glen for help.

“I feel blessed that I am able to connect with people and educate them about poverty and addiction,” he says. “I can’t change my past but thanks to United Way and the Knights Table, I can make a better future for myself and others.”

Gary and Joanne Reamey honoured as Community Builders

Long-time United Way supporters, Gary Reamey, Senior Partner with Edward Jones, and his wife Joanne were recognized with a Community Builder Award at the February 9th Community Achievement Celebration. The Reamey family have been involved with United Way for almost two decades and have donated more than half a million dollars to support its vital work. This year, they generously matched dollar for dollar all Edward Jones’ employee gifts to United Way of Peel Region over $1,000 (up to a maximum of $50,000).

Gary has also taken on several United Way volunteer leadership roles over the years including the Campaign Cabinet, Board of Directors and, most recently, chairing the Major Individual Giving Cabinet.

“Gary and Joanne have demonstrated their commitment to our community time after time through their financial support and volunteerism,” said United Way CEO Shelley White. “Their dedication to our community is inspiring and we are pleased to acknowledge their ongoing support with the Community Builder Award.”

The Community Builder Award was created by United Way of Peel Region in 2010. It is presented to a company, organization or individual that has demonstrated leadership and outstanding levels of innovation and impact in support of United Way’s work.

Congratulations to the 2011 Spirit Award winners

United Way of Peel Region announced the 2011 Campaign Spirit Award recipients at its recent Community Achievement Celebration.

Spirit Awards honour inspirational and creative volunteers and organizations who demonstrate team spirit while raising funds to improve the lives of the people who are struggling in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga

The following organizations received Spirit Awards:

Best First-Time Campaign
Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.

Outstanding Agency Campaign Award
Spectra Community Support Services
Canadian Mental Health Association – Peel Branch

Outstanding Corporate Campaign Award
Edward Jones
PepsiCo Beverages Canada

Best National Employee Campaign
Hershey Canada Inc.

Outstanding Leadership Giving Campaign Award
General Mills Canada Corporation

Speakers’ Bureau Award
Glen Harvey, in partnership with Knights Table

Outstanding Public Sector Joint Union-Management Award
Regional Municipality of Peel in partnership with:
Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 966
Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 277
Ontario Nurses’ Association
Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 280
United Food and Commercial Workers Local 175

Outstanding Private Sector Joint Union-Management Award
ESAB Canada in partnership with:
United Steelworkers Local 9042

Excellence in Community Fund Giving
Vale Canada Limited

Employee Campaign Chair of the Year Award
Eric Sweezey and Andrew Pendlebury, Co-Chairs, Hershey Canada Inc.
Cara Keating and Alejandro Jaume, Co-Chairs, PepsiCo Foods Canada
Alexander Benedet and Charlene Sedgewick, Co-Chairs, General Mills Canada Corporation

Outstanding Employee Campaign Award
Hershey Canada Inc.
PepsiCo Foods Canada
Chubb Edwards

Congratulations to the Fernforest Falcons Spirit Squad of Fernforest Elementary School in Brampton, winners of the United Way Helping Hands Youth Spirit Award. The students raised an amazing $1,300 through a variety of events including lollipop sales and pajama day.

Youth Spirit Awards honour children and youth who demonstrate fun and creativity while raising funds for United Way. The Falcons were presented with the award during a school pride assembly on February 23.

Other Youth Spirit Award winners were:
Biggest Bucks – Elementary
White Oaks Outreach Club at White Oaks Public School, Peel District School Board, Mississauga

Helping Hands – Post-Secondary
University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Geography and Office of Student Life, Mississauga

$260 provides 45 youth between the ages of 13 and 24 with eight sessions of leadership development workshop to help them develop leadership skills.

$130 provides 10 children with two weeks of summer camp activities for one year.

$208 provides arts and crafts resources to 15 children for one year.

$1,000 provides counselling and support for one person to attend an Adult Survivor of Childhood Abuse program.

$1,040 will safely match and support a child with a carefully screened adult mentor to provide friendship and guidance for one year in a one-o-one mentoring program.

$1,300 enables 400 newcomers to participate in a Job Search Program to assist them in obtaining gainful employment.

General Mills employees faceoff for United Way

General Mills Canada takes the United Way campaign very seriously. As an incentive to increase engagement and participation among employees while sparking some friendly rivalry between business units, General Mills International created the Foundation Faceoff Award. The Judging criteria for the award includes: achieving campaign target; a minimum 90 per cent pledge form participation; and community involvement. Recipients of the award receive a $1,000 donation to a United Way of their choice.

The winner of this year’s Foundation Faceoff Award is General Mills Canada, Mississauga division. The Mississauga division really stepped up to the challenge. With a 94 per cent contribution rate, they exceeded their target goal and raised $474,180, which is a 23 per cent increase over last year. To further strengthen their campaign, employees participated in a Stuff the Bus with Warmth event and participated in a community dinner at Acorn Place, where the donated clothing was distributed. Due to the outstanding efforts of General Mills, Mississauga employees, United Way of Peel Region received an additional $1,000 donation towards its 2011 campaign.

Overall, the General Mills 2011 corporate campaign raised a total of $14.1 million for United Way. This achievement is an increase of 3.9 per cent over the 2010 total.

Join the United Way Board of Directors or a Standing Committee

United Way of Peel Region is a leading non-profit organization that inspires people to come together to make a lasting difference in our community. We are always seeking qualified candidates to join the Board of Directors and the following standing committees of the Board on a volunteer basis:

• Campaign Cabinet
• Major Individual Giving Cabinet
• Community Investment Cabinet
• Public Policy Committee

Click here to read about the qualifications and experience we are looking for and to download an information package. The deadline for receiving completed applications is Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 4:30 p.m.

Day of Caring: Thursday, May 24, 2012

This one-day event, held on May 24, 2012, is an opportunity for employees to play a direct role in community building and experience first-hand how their contributions support local United Way funded agencies.

Some of the projects you can get involved in include:

• Painting
• Gardening
• Computer training
• Condom pack-a-thon
• Gift wrapping for Father’s Day
• Helping seniors
• And much more!

The impact of Day of Caring is immediate, while providing an experience that will last for a lifetime! Day of Caring brings everyone closer to community initiatives in a very real way and lets everyone see their donation “in action”.

To ensure that opportunities are available to all United Way supporters, a maximum of 20 participants from one company may be registered, unless unfilled opportunities exist following the registration deadline. Participants will receive a free t-shirt.

Registration opens on April 10 at www.unitedwaypeel.org.

For further information, please contact Lin Ferguson, Manager, Events at
905-602-3625 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

On March 28th, a group of young professionals had the opportunity to come together as members of United Way of Peel Region’s Young Leaders Council hosted “Managing your Personal Brand.” This session was part of a professional development series for students and professionals ages 20-35 years of age. Led by guest speaker Jodi-Ann Brown, Creative Director of AnnRoche Branding, participants took part in exercises that allowed them to discuss their values, expertise and what their “brand” says about them. Proceeds of this event supported the United Way’s Community Fund.

To learn more about the Young Leaders Council click here. You can also contact Jennifer Davis, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at 905-602-3622 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

A community breakfast program that brings residents together, teaches nutrition and ensures children have a healthy start to their day is one of 17 projects receiving a Neighbourhood Development grant funded jointly by United Way of Peel Region and Region of Peel. The grants, totalling $191,420, will fund resident-led projects across Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga.

“Research shows that when residents are invested in where they live, communities are safer and more productive,” says United Way President and CEO Shelley White. “The Neighbourhood Development grants are part of United Way’s Neighbourhood Development strategy which launched in 2007. The grants fund projects that empower residents to take leadership roles in developing programs and activities that enhance the quality of life in their neighbourhoods.”

Knightsbridge and Rexwood Breakfast Club in Brampton and Malton received $15,000 to expand a resident-led breakfast club that teaches healthy eating to children in grades one to 12, and provides resident volunteers with grocery vouchers. The grant will support the start-up of 4 new breakfast program locations in Brampton (7820 McLaughlin Road) and Malton (7340 Goreway Drive, 7435 Goreway Drive and 7095 Rexwood Road) as well an annual brunch celebration for Knightsbridge residents.

“It’s more than just a free breakfast,” explains Doris Nana Nketia, coordinator of the Knightsbridge Breakfast program. “In addition to ensuring neighbourhood children have a healthy snack before school and learn about healthy choices, we are promoting volunteerism among our residents and bringing families together to socialize and get know to each other. When residents know each other, they look out for each other and neighbourhoods are safer and healthier.”

Click here to see what other organizations received Neighbourhood Development Grants

United Way Centraide Canada welcomes new President

United Way is pleased to announce the appointment of Jacline Abray-Nyman as President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way Centraide Canada. Jacline is an accomplished leader in the public sector with 20 years of demonstrated success in senior roles within Canadian universities. She joins United Way from Queen’s University, where she held the position of Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations. As Assistant Professor at Queen’s School of Business, she focused on the areas of marketing and social responsibility. Jacline has led fundraising activities at a series of universities across Canada, and brings to our Movement strong leadership and relationship building skills, deep strategic insights and passion for change. She has recently completed her Doctorate focusing in the area of the linkages between strategic philanthropy and social change. Jacline will formally assume her new role on April 10, 2012.

On February 23, Rapport Youth & Family Services officially launched the opening of its new expansion, Eclypse Youth Centre, at 83 Kennedy Road South in Brampton. In partnership with United Way of Peel Region, and many other agencies, this new location will assist youth in Brampton's highest-needs communities.

Click here to read more about programs provided by Rapport Youth Services.

Day of Caring - May 24, 2012

Annual General Meeting - June 22, 2012

Mississauga Marathon - May 4-6, 2012

Is running one of your passions?
You can run for change in the 2012 Mississauga Marathon by pledging your support to United Way of Peel Region

The Mississauga Marathon is a third-party event for United Way of Peel Region. We thank the Mississauga Marathon organizing team for giving United Way this chance to raise much-needed funds for the people of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga who are struggling.

The 2012 Mississauga Marathon race weekend will take place from Friday, May 4th to Sunday, May 6th. It includes a full marathon, half marathon, relay and 10k run/walk. To register and raise money for United Way of Peel Region visit their website.

Sweetening Up National Volunteer Week

Shelley White, CEO, United Way (center) presents cupcakes to Eugenio Galizia and Honza Stastny, long-time United Way volunteers who work at Pratt& Whitney Canada. The cupcakes were a gift in honour of National Volunteer Week (April 15-21, 2012)

In honour of National Volunteer Week (April 15-21), the United Way team partnered with The Social Cupcake, Port Credit’s premier gourmet cupcake and specialty cake shop, to thank the ambassadors who logged more than 17,000 hours with the organization last year.

The Social Cupcake, which opened in March 2012, provided United Way volunteers with an email voucher for a complimentary cupcake. Owners Dina Barker and Jennifer Waring are committed to being an active part of the community where they live and work, mandating social responsibility in all aspects of their business.

United Way’s CEO Shelley White made a special visit to Pratt & Whitney Canada to deliver a few cupcakes personally to Eugenio Galizia and Honza Stastny. Galizia and Stastny have volunteered with the company’s United Way campaign for 10 and 12 years respectively.

“Not many people can commit all of their time to help out someone in need,” says Galizia. “Alone in this world a person can just simply fade away but with the support of family, friends and a caring community they will always have a face and a name.”

“There are tens of thousands of people living in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga who are struggling and need United Way’s support,” says White. “Our dedicated volunteers go the extra mile to give, volunteer or act, and inspire others to do the same. From helping people create lives full of possibility, to building strong communities where people thrive, and helping kids be all they can be, we appreciate their dedication to creating opportunities for a better life for everyone in our region.”

United Way Volunteers honoured with Ontario Volunteer Service Awards

Pictured from left to right: Anthony Wensley, Sarah Russell, Michelle Cole, Steve Hall, Shelley White, Louroz Mercader, Joseph Palumbo.

The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards were handed out on April 5, 2012 and six United Way of Peel Region volunteers were honoured. The awards recognize those who have shown outstanding commitment to an organization for continuous years of service.

All six received Ontario Volunteer Service Awards for their commitment to United Way of Peel Region and to the community.

Sarah Russell, a principal at Dufferin-Peel District School Board received the 25-year award for her work planning the school board’s campaign kick offs each year.

“It was a great honour to be the recipient of the 2012 Volunteer Service Award for 25 years,” said Russell. “I would like to thank United Way of Peel Region for nominating me for the award and demonstrating their appreciation for volunteers in the agency. As a member of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, I have been able to see the beneficial enhancements that United Way of Peel Region has contributed to the members of our school communities – the students, parents and staff. As one of the volunteers, I believe that I have gained so much more than I have given.”

The other United Way honorees included:

Steve Hall, Director of Real Property Asset Management at Region of Peel, received the 20-year award for his Campaign Cabinet initiatives.

Anthony Wensley, Professor at University of Toronto Mississauga, received the 15-year award for his position as chair of their Leadership Campaign.

Michelle Cole, Senior Vice President of Sales at GE Capital, received the 5-year award for her efforts as Board Chair in 2009, and her vital contributions to the creation of the Community Door.

Joseph Palumbo, Executive Director of Career Development Centre at The Schulich School of Business, received the 5-year award for his time on the Board of Directors and as a Campaign Cabinet Member.

Louroz Mercader, President for Mississauga Youth Games, received the 5-year award for his work with the Young Leaders Council, the Board of Directors, and for his current involvement as Chair of the United Way Public Policy Committee.

Click here, to find out how you can become a United Way volunteer.

“I volunteer because...”

That was the statement United Way of Peel Region asked volunteers to complete in anticipation of National Volunteer Week. Wanting to know what drives its 1,500 volunteers to Give. Volunteer. Act. in 2011. The numerous return emails and Twitters shed light on why people enjoy volunteering and how it enhances their lives. Here’s what some of them said:

“I volunteer because... it continuously teaches me something new about people, about cooperation, about compassion and about myself. In helping others, I am reminded that we are all in this together and we need to remember to support each other.” – Alex Benedet, General Mills Inc.

“I volunteer because... I want people to see there’s a path from point-A to point-B, no matter how big of an object is in the way!,” tweeted a member of RHYTHM, a youth-led hip-hop dance program supported through the Youth in Action grants.

“I volunteer because I can make a real difference in the community where I work and play,” tweeted GavCom Media Productions Inc.

“I feel like I’m helping a charity that I believe in their cause and because it’s a fun and rewarding experience,” tweeted Paige Muirhead, a local volunteer.

There are many reasons volunteers have for giving their time to enhance the community and achieve a rich sense of fulfillment that they expressed by responding to our query.

Charles Sousa, MPP Mississauga South, presents a June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award to local activist Winston Meyer. Photo supplied

United Way nominated Winston for his ongoing leadership as a volunteer and his dedication to improving the quality of life for the vulnerable citizens of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga through his vision for, and the creation of, the Community Door.

As Founder and President of the Community Door, Winston’s voluntarism will leave a lasting legacy of a better community.

The Community Door houses a variety of social service agencies together under one roof to share space, equipment and administrative support to reduce operating costs for agencies, allowing them to maximize funding of vital programs and services that Peel residents depend on. Today there is a Community Door operating in Brampton and another in Mississauga. A third location is scheduled to open in Caledon this year.

For more information on the Community Door visit www.communitydoor.ca

The June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism is named for the former journalist, author and social activist and recognizes individuals and groups for superlative volunteer contributions to their communities and to the province of Ontario. June Callwood committed her life to action on social justice issues, particularly those related to woman and children. She founded, or co-founded, more than 50 Canadian social action organizations.

United Way of Peel Region registered more than 1,500 volunteers in 2011? Their commitment to United Way’s mission contributed more than 17,000 hours and helped to create opportunities for a better life for everyone.

During this year’s National Volunteer Week his Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston was extremely busy advocating voluntarism by participating in a wide variety of activities which included a live Twitter chat on volunteerism on Monday, April 16.
In his New Year’s Message, December 28, 2011, he advocates volunteering for the better of the country. United Way of Peel Region believes that strong communities build a strong country. Start by volunteering within your community to improve the lives all over.

Good Movement one-day workshop - May 3, 2012
Led by The Fish Project, Youth In Action grant recipient for youth action and philanthropy project

Mississauga Marathon - May 4-6, 2012

United Way of Peel Region’s Community Consultation - May 14, 2012

Day of Caring - May 24, 2012

Come Together Golf Tournament in support of United Way - May 25, 2012

Annual General Meeting - June 22, 2012

United Way of Peel Region Welcomes New Campaign Cabinet Chair, Neil Fraser

Neil Fraser, President of Medtronic of Canada Ltd., is the new Campaign Cabinet Chair of the United Way of Peel Region. His appointment was announced at the 2011 Community Achievement Celebration held in February of this year. Fraser will be replacing Tim Bzowey, the Campaign Cabinet Chair of 2011.

The Campaign Cabinet consists of volunteers from local businesses, unions, and organizations throughout Peel Region who are intended to bridge the gap between decision makers in these organizations and staff of United Way of Peel Region. As Campaign Chair, Fraser will be responsible for leveraging relationships, maintaining support, and providing market-based perspective for the United Way 2012 Campaign.

“I have seen personally the significant impact that United Way of Peel Region has on the lives of so many deserving people in our community of Peel,” he says. “I am honoured and humbled by this appointment and look forward to bringing my ideas to the table to positively benefit our community and support United Way of Peel Region."

At Medtronic, headquartered in Brampton, Fraser is passionately committed to improving healthcare for Canadians through advancement in medical technology and stakeholder engagement. He and Medtronic of Canada have received numerous awards including Top Employer in the GTA.

Fraser was appointed President of Medtronic in 2004, and has led many significant business initiatives previously, including the introduction of curbside recycling with Alcan, which coincided with the introduction of aluminum beverage cans.

Community paricipates in United Way 2012 Day of Caring™

Over 220 corporate volunteers from 19 different corporations across Peel left the office and roller up their sleeves to participate in the United Way 2012 Spring Day of Caring™.

Day of Caring™ volunteers visited 34 United Way funded agencies in Mississauga, Caledon, and Brampton and helped out with a variety of activities ranging from yard work to gardening projects, from computer training to grocery shopping for seniors, from spring clean-up to fence and wall painting, and even condom packing.

“It was a great day, we had a lot of fun!” , said one of the volunteers from RSA Group helping out at the Peel HIV/AIDS Network’s Condom Pack-a-thon.

The participating agencies noticed that the presence and actions of the volunteers boosted the happiness of the clients these agencies are so dedicated to helping. “The volunteers have created such a buzz. All the seniors are talking about them and they are so happy. I wish we could do Day of Caring ™ at least once a month,”said Tiziana Pelusi, Supervisor Client Services at Peel Senior Link.

Generously sponsored by TD Canada Trust, the biannual event is designed to create an opportunity for donors and supporters of the United Way to see firsthand the immense different their contributions are making in the Peel Region.

Shelley White, CEO United Way of Peel Region, expressed her deepest gratitude for all those participating in the significant event. “On Behalf of the United Way of Peel Region I’d like to thank all of our donors and volunteers for participating in this year’s Day of Caring™. We couldn’t do our work without your tremendous involvement. Thanks to you change starts here.”

Click here, to see additional Day of Caring videos.

United Way Youth in Action grant supports “Fish Project”

Thanks to United Way of Peel Region and Region of Peel’s 2011/2012 Youth in Action grants, the youth of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga will not only be ‘given a fish’, but will be ‘taught how to fish’. This was the philosophy behind The Fish Project, a youth initiative which took place on May 3rd at Cassie Campbell Community Centre in Brampton.

The Fish Project was an event designed to educate youth on their capacity and potential to create their own youth initiatives and have their voice heard in the community. It was put on by Good Movement, a youth-run, non-profit organization founded by Phil Manzano.

“We wanted to teach the fish metaphor, and give all the kids that were at the workshop today the tools that they needed to sustain their own projects. So we’re just paying it forward,” says Manzano. The idea for the Good Movement was born out of an experience Manzano and his peers had while attending another Youth in Action funded event, the Youth Making a Difference workshop, run by the youth-led organization, Access Charity.

The event featured two workshops, on Social Media and Youth Philanthropy, tailored towards teaching youth how they can turn their own initiatives into a reality. The students were also divided into two teams for a competition to see who could be the first to get the Fish Project trending on twitter.

“I think the idea of spreading messages to so many people so quickly was really exercised today by these youth,” said Andrew Williams, Good Movement’s Director of Operations.

Lisa Huynh, Canada’s Top Young Philanthropist and guest speaker, said, “I was so excited to be a part of this because a lot of times young people aren’t really exposed to the idea that they can start making a change right now. The United Way is really a catalyst for change in the community.”
“Through the support of the United Way we’ve realized that you can sustain projects and you can, given the right tools, do something great in your community” says Manzano. “United Way is the reason Good Movement is where it is today, and they’re the reason this entire project is here, so, thank you United Way.”

To learn more about Good Movement visit good-movement.com.

Click here, for information on United Way’s Young Leaders Council.

United Way thanks Peel’s Everyday Heroes

The generosity and selflessness of Megan Koch, of Acorn Place, Mississauga, make it easy for us to call her one of United Way of Peel Region’s Everyday Heroes.

Every week day by 6:30 a.m., Koch is at The Breakfast Club, a Boys and Girls Club initiative at Acorn Place. The program is funded by United Way. Acorn Place is one of six at-risk communities identified by United Way and part of the Neighbourhood Development Strategy.

Koch helps to provide a healthy breakfast and packed lunch to around 50 children each morning. She understands the challenges these children face every day. Without Koch and The Breakfast Club, these children would go to school on an empty stomach and definitely not ready to learn.

Koch volunteers with the kind of program that works to meet enormous need in the community, and requires the support of the United Way to continue to provide nourishment to these hungry children.

“I don’t feel like I’m a hero. I feel like I’m just a normal person who enjoys working with children and I just want to see them succeed,” says Koch.

“There’s so many youth that get into trouble. They’re so talented and smart, and with a little bit of guidance they can shoot for the stars… Without the United Way they won’t get that care and guidance.”

Your donation can help kids be all they can be. Please give generously by donating online at www.unitedwaypeel.org or call 905-602-3650.

Click here, to find out more about the Neighbourhood Development Strategy

Concern about the growing concentration of neighbourhood poverty in Peel Region is very real. In 2006, 15% of Peel’s population was living below the low-income cut-off. This was up significantly from 11.5% in 2001.

Poverty is hitting our most vulnerable citizens hardest: single parents, racialized communities, recent immigrants, unattached seniors (especially women), and families with young children.

With poverty on the rise, United Way is working on a neighbourhood development initiative to bring the issues front and centre, and to engage the people and agencies to fight back.

Yogapalooza - June 16, 2012

Annual General Meeting - June 22, 2012

United Way of Peel Regions Says Thanks a Million to GE Canada and PepsiCo Canada

It seems to have become a tradition, and a very good one at that.

At its annual general meeting, United Way said thanks a million to two national campaign supporters with head offices in our region. GE Canada and PepsiCo Canada each raised more than $1-million in 2011 for the United Way movement across the country.

Thanks a Million is an honour United Way Centraide Canada bestows on Canada’s leading organizations that, together with their employees or members, have raised $1-million or more in support of United Way Centraide in a campaign year.

Fifty-eight additional Thanks a Million honorees with locations in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga, but head offices elsewhere, were also acknowledged.*

“United Way inspires people from all walks of life to come together to raise funds, volunteer and stimulate policy and attitude changes. That’s how change will happen,” says United Way of Peel Region CEO Shelley White. “Strong partners, like GE Canada and PepsiCo Canada, helping to move our mission forward will improve lives and build community.”

Thanks a Million GE Canada
GE Canada was celebrated for receiving the award for the fifth consecutive year.

United Way’s Chief Development Officer Marilyn Friedmann told 200 guests at the meeting, “When it comes to their United Way campaign, GE Canada is dedicated to ‘Living Healthy. Living United’. She continued by saying, “Every GE business across the country had a United Way champion whose job was to build spirit and enthusiasm for the campaign. Their efforts resulted in a 33% increase in donors over the previous year.”

Thanks a Million PepsiCo Canada
This is the third time PepsiCo Canada has been honoured with the Thanks a Million Award.

“PepsiCo Canada’s vision is one of Performance with Purpose,” said Friedmann. “It is committed to improving all aspects of the communities in which they operate. We are inspired by their like-minded dedication to creating a better tomorrow.”

For the second consecutive year, PepsiCo initiated a $100,000 Leadership Challenge Grant for pledges of $1,000 or more; $50,000 came from PepsiCo Foods and $50,000 from PepsiCo Beverages. United Way was able to leverage this challenge beyond their company.

* United Way Centraide Canada Thanks a Million Award Recipients with locations in Peel Region

• Bell Canada, its employees and retirees
• Best Buy & Future Shop
• BMO Financial Group
• Canada Border Services Agency
• Canada Post and its employees across Canada
• Canada Revenue Agency
• CGI Group and its employees
• Chrysler Canada Inc.
• CIBC
• CN and its employees
• Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd.
• Deloitte
• Department of National Defence
• Esso Imperial Oil, and their Employees and
• Annuitants/ExxonMobil Canada, and their employees and annuitants
• Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited and its employees
• GE Canada
• Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign
• Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life
• Human Resources and Skills Development
• IBM Canada Ltd., its employees and retirees
• Intact Financial Corporation
• Kraft Canada
• LCBO
• Manulife Financial
• National Bank, its employees and retirees
• Ontario Government employees and retirees
• PCL family of companies
• PepsiCo Canada: PepsiCo Beverages Canada; PepsiCoFoods Canada
• Pratt & Whitney Canada, and its employees
• Public Works and Government Services Canada
• Procter & Gamble Inc.
• PwC
• RBC
• Rogers Communications Inc.
• Scotiabank Group
• Sun Life Financial
• Suncor Energy Inc.
• TD Bank Financial Group
• TransAlta Corporation
• UPS Canada/UPS SCS Canada
• WorleyParsons Canada Services

Labour & Union Organizations

• Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU)
• Canadian Federation of Nurses Union and its member organizations (CFNU)
• Canadian Labour Congress (CLC)
• Canadian Office and Professional Employees’ Union (COPE)
• Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW)
• Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)
• CAW-Canada
• Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP)
• International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
• Internal Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM&AW)
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
• National Union of Public and General Employees and its component unions (NUPGE)
• Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)
• Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC)
• Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
• Teamsters Canada (TC)
• UNITE HERE
• United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW)
• United Steelworkers (USW)

Region of Peel Golf Tournament benefits United Way of Peel Region

Pictured from left to right: Emil Kolb, Regional Chair, Region of Peel; Shaila Mehta, Board Chair, United Way of Peel Region;Janette Smith, Commissioner of Health Services, Region of Peel; Shelley White, CEO, United Way of Peel Region; David Szwarc, CAO, Region of Peel.

On May 25, 2012, the Region of Peel held their 2012 United Way Golf Tournament at Lionhead Golf and Country Club in Brampton.

Change starts with some fancy footwork

“They told me I was a liability – a fire hazard.” Ten years ago, Damon Pfaff was kicked out of local community centres for spinning on his head. But now, 24-year-old Pfaff is back in those same centres teaching kids how to express themselves through breakdance. Pfaff and Marcel DaCosta run RHYTHM – a 12-week hip-hop dance program supported by a Youth in Action grant funded jointly by United Way and the Region of Peel.

Thanks to Pfaff and DaCosta, 16-year-old Shazad Omarali, is not skipping class or on the streets.

“I think the most important part about RHYTHM is that it helped me focus. I was into basketball and volleyball but couldn’t find time for anything. School suffered,” said Omarali. “Now through RHYTHM I’ve learned how to manage dance, volleyball, basketball and school. I don’t have time to waste on the computer or on violent activities on the street. It’s a way to escape from bad things that I could get involved in. Now, I focus all my energy on school, dance and sports.”

RHYTHM isn’t just about learning how to dance. It’s about giving youth the accessibility to foster their interests and professionally develop, not only as artists, but also as people.

“Participants learned about dance as a positive outlet for emotions (both negative and positive), as a method of conflict resolution and as a framework to express and understand their own cultures and the cultures of others,” said Pfaff.

Rapport Youth and Family Services is RHYTHM’s community sponsor.

“I think most of the kids come here expecting to learn a few dance moves. We don’t just do one thing. We engage them in various activities to develop them physically, emotionally fit and to make them more culturally sensitive,” says Pfaff. “We show them videos and ask them for their opinions. We discuss problems in the community. We’re training them to be leaders through dance.”

RHYTHM program graduates mentor youth new to the program. It’s their way of breaking down age barriers and really providing youth with a positive environment to be all that they can be.

United Way Annual Meeting inspired by elementary students who want to change the world

Worthington Public School grade two and three students showed the 200 guests at United Way of Peel Region’s annual general meeting today that, like United Way, they are committed to making change happen.

On the heels of their school’s talent show, the nine Brampton students inspired the audience by singing and dancing to "We Can Change the World." They chose the song because they liked the positive message. These students believe that with one step at a time they can change the world.

There are many social issues that impact the communities within Peel Region. At United Way of Peel Region, we’re proud of our role as leaders, conveners and participants in changing situations for the better in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga.”

“Change can start with two people, at a town meeting, in a union meeting or in a classroom. And once it starts, it grows, as we engage more people and rally together in collective action,” said Board Chair Shaila Mehta. “As change happens, new things are possible.”

“United Way cannot address every challenge facing our community. But we do know there are several critical areas where we can effect real and positive change,” says CEO Shelley White. “By working together – by being United – we will improve lives, we will strengthen neighbourhoods and we will make our community great for everyone.”

Over the last 12 months, United Way’s Board led the assessment, review, planning and commitment to the roadmap that will guide United Way over the next five years. The 2012-17 strategic plan will help United Way focus its energy, to ensure that members of our organization are working toward the same goals, and to assess and adjust the organization's direction in response to our changing environment. This roadmap will enable the organization to make informed decisions in how we complete our work – leading to unprecedented growth and stronger community impact.

United Way of Peel Region is focused on improving lives by investing in solutions locally to:

• Help kids be all that they can be
• Build healthy people and strong communities
• Move people from poverty to possibility.

To review a copy of United Way of Peel Region’s 2011/12 annual report and 2012-17 strategic plan visit, http://www.unitedwaypeel.org/annualreport/ and http://www.unitedwaypeel.org/strategicplan/.

Reports concerning potential abuse and neglect of children to the Peel Children’s Aid Society continue to rise:11,264 reports led to 6,919 investigations in 2010/11.

The 2010 Early Development Instrument (EDI) results show that 30.7% of children surveyed in Peel were vulnerable in terms of school readiness and are more likely to be limited in their ability to meet the demands of school.

The youth unemployment rate in Peel in 2010 was 18.8% (14.8% for Ontario).

15% to 21% of children and youth in Ontario have at least one mental health issue. That’s equivalent to between 54,000 - 76,000 children and youth in Peel.

Recent teen suicides have created even more concern about the supports in place for our vulnerable youth.

Employee Campaign Chair training - July 10, 2012

Arts for Change Showcase - July 14, 2012

Employee Campaign Chair training - September 13, 2012

Employee Campaign Chair training for agencies - September 25, 2012

5K Run, Walk and Roll Region of Peel's 5K for United Way - October 27, 2012

Edward Jones’ team readies for their 2012 campaign

United Way of Peel Region’s 2012 Campaign kicks off on September 6 and organizations across our community – and the country – are gearing up. Edward Jones, a financial-services industry leader, is one of those companies.

Edward Jones has been in Canada since 1994 and has been a United Way partner ever since. It holds a two week campaign annually that includes a variety of fun and engaging events that are focused on the impact of United Way’s work in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga.

By including community speakers in its activities, Edward Jones pumps up their employees while ensuring they fully understand the needs of our community, how United Way puts their contributions to work and how those contributions change lives.

Last year Edward Jones matched dollar-for-dollar the $125,000 contributed to United Way by its employees. The company also sponsors the Loaned Representative Program and participates in the annual Day of Caring.

Click here to hear from David Lane, principal of Edward Jones, on why his team supports United Way.

Thank you to the entire Edward Jones team for giving, volunteering and acting in support of United Way’s Community Fund and helping to move people from poverty to possibility, making kids all that they can be, and building healthy people and strong communities.

Are you looking for information, ideas and tools as you plan your campaign? Visit the Campaign Toolkit at www.unitedwaypeel.org.

Target cares about Peel

From left to right: Derek Jenkins, Senior Vice President, External Relations; Tony Fisher, President, Target Canada; Shelley White, CEO, United Way of Peel Region

On Thursday, July 12, over 400 Target team members joined forces with United Way of Peel Region to volunteer 1,350 hours of time to seven different volunteer activities throughout Mississauga. The events included clean-ups in local parks, the planting of gardens to provide fresh food to local food banks, and packaging over 13,000 loads of laundry detergent for families in need in Peel Region.

United Way of Peel Region is also the proud recipient of a $125,000 donation from Target, which will help fund programs to create opportunities for a better life for everyone in our communities.

Change starts with youth.

On Saturday, July 14, members of United Way of Peel Region’s Young Leaders Council attended Arts for Change Showcase: Celebrate Community, a youth-led event funded by United Way and the Region of Peel joint funding program, Youth in Action Grants. Over 200 community members, youth and organizations in attendance were entertained by positive and inspiring youth performances throughout the evening, encouraging youth to make an impact in their communities. Arts for Change was put on by ACCESS, a youth-run, non-profit organization providing education opportunities to youth in developing countries, while raising awareness and inspiring youth locally to become leaders.

Youth in Action Grants are a one-time grant opportunity focused on youth-led projects that offer creative youth-initiated ideas to address community issues in Peel Region. Youth and/or groups of youth between the ages of 14 and 24 are eligible to apply for this grant. Requests can be made for up to $2,000 per project.

For more information about Youth in Action Grants, please contact Jen Davis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 905-602-3622

United Way CEO receives Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

Congratulations to President and CEO Shelley White on receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the 2012 Leading Women, Building Communities Recognition Certificate on July 23.  The medal and certificate were presented on July 23 by Amrit Mangat, MPP for Mississauga-Brampton South, to acknowledge the exceptional contributions made by White to the province and country. 

“I am proud to have been given this opportunity to recognize local recipients as outstanding citizens.  Their spirit of contribution is fittingly recognized with this Diamond Jubilee medal, and we are blessed to have them in our community,” said Mangat.

“I share this honour with the individuals and organizations I have worked with who are committed to improving people’s lives and to building a stronger community,” said White. “It is so fulfilling to help people reach their potential.”

1 in 7 people living in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga live in poverty. They are friends, neighbours and co-workers struggling just to make ends meet. (Peel Data Centre)

The individuals and families most vulnerable to poverty are also among the fastest-growing in Peel — single parents, young families with children, seniors living alone and recent immigrants.
(Strategic Review of Poverty, Region of Peel, 2005)

The number of unemployed persons in Peel continues to grow beyond pre-recession levels. Many of the working poor are self-employed, part-time and contract workers — they are working hard, but still living in poverty.
Nearly 40% of seniors living alone live in poverty. (Portraits of Peel 2011)

18% of people living with disabilities live in low income situations.
(Portraits of Peel 2011)

2012 Kick-off - September 6, 2012

Employee Campaign Chair training - September 13, 2012

Employee Campaign Chair training for agencies - September 25, 2012

2nd annual Unity in Diversity Fundraiser Gala - September 29, 2012

5K Run, Walk and Roll Region of Peel's 5K for United Way - October 27, 2012

Three cheers for United Way’s newest team members!
Three more cheers for the companies supporting their work with us!

Pictured from left to right. Front row: Judy Rivard, Ella Basic, Margareta Zorica and Diane Wilson. Back row: Edgar Solon, Dan Imitroff and Philip Manzano. Stacie Irwin is not pictured.

In late August, United Way welcomed eight talented, enthusiastic and energetic members to the campaign team.

Each year individuals are either loaned by their employer or sponsored by an organization to United Way for a 14-week period.

We sincerely thank the following companies for their support of this unique and vital program:

• City of Mississauga
• Edward Jones
• GE Canada
• Peel Region Police Service
• Region of Peel
• UPS Canada

Please join us in welcoming our loaned and sponsored representatives and wishing them great success in their 2012 Campaign work.

Campaign Cabinet leads the way

The remarkable individuals listed below are not only making a difference in their respective fields, they’re making a lasting difference across the Greater Toronto Area by committing themselves to helping others.

By giving their time, talent and experience, they are taking the lead in helping United Way create opportunities for a better life for everyone in our communities.

We thank them for mobilizing the power of caring Peel citizens in order to make a positive impact on the social issues our communities are facing.

• 2012 Campaign Chair
  Neil Fraser, President, Medtronic of Canada Limited
• Susan Amring, Manager, Economic Development, City of Mississauga
• Kevin Birch, Principal, Eastern Canada Leader, Edward Jones
• Elizabeth Buller, Executive Vice President & Chief Nurse Executive, William Osler Health System
• David Champagne, President, CAW 584
• Lauren Cihosky, Community Volunteer
• David Clement, Executive Director, Rapport Youth & Family Services
• Tom Day, Finance Director, Canada, GlaxoSmithKline
• Lisa Gallacher, Regional Vice President, RBC Royal Bank
• Henry Glowacki, Vice President of Customer Development & Consumer Sales, Kimberly-Clark Inc.
• Steve Hall, Director, Real Property Asset Management, Regional Municipality of Peel
• Kevin Hayes, Plant Manager, Chrysler Canada Inc.
• Edward Hoskin, Vice President Mississauga and Turbofan Programs, Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
• Bob Martz, Vice President & District Manager, PCL Constructors Canada Inc.
• Brian McDonald, President and CEO, Montship Inc.
• Shaila Mehta, Partner, Deloitte
• Anne-Marie Renaud, Vice President of Operations, PepsiCo Foods Canada
• Dero Sabatini, District Vice President, TD Commercial Banking
• Mary Ann Sayers, Office of The President Cultural Integration & Customer Experience, Ricoh Canada Inc.
• Ken Signoretti, Retired Executive Vice President, Ontario Federation of Labour
• Peter Simmons, Commissioner, Corporate Services Department, City of Brampton
• Michael Smith, Sr. Vice President - Business Development, EllisDon
• Dale Storey, Vice President, Marketing, General Mills Canada Corporation
• Pamela Winsor, Director Health Systems Strategies & Chief Marketing Officer, Medtronic of Canada Limited

Do you have a banana costume in the closet you can’t wait to wear again? Here’s your chance.

The Region of Peel’s 2012 United Way Employee Campaign will be hosting its 3rd annual 5 km Run, Walk and Roll Event and 1 km Kid’s Course on Saturday, October 27. This one-of-a-kind community run boasts professional chip tracking and great prizes, including best costume.

It’s a great opportunity for your staff, family and friends to come together for a bit of fitness and a whole lot of fun.

There are many ways to get involved. See how by visiting http://www.peelregion.ca/uw/peel5k/.

Because you give, United Way is able to help people move from poverty to possibility. Because you volunteer your time to fundraise and gather pledges, we are able to build healthy people and strong communities. Because you are taking action, we are helping kids be all they can be. We can’t do this vital work without you — by coming together at the Region of Peel’s Run, Walk and Roll Event for United Way we’re able to build a better city for everyone.

Banana costume or not, let’s come together on Saturday, October 27. Sign up your team today.

Call for Applications

Are you between the ages of 14-24 and want to make a positive impact in Peel? We want to hear from you!

For the fourth consecutive year, United Way and the Region of Peel are collaborating on Youth in Action grants. Granting opportunities of up to $2,000 focus on youth-led projects that offer creative youth-initiated ideas to address community issues across Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga.

Interested in starting change? Click here for more information.

1 in 5 persons will experience diagnosable mental health problems or illnesses in their lifetime; in Peel that represents 259,362 residents. (Mental Health Commission of Canada)

The number of domestic violence cases in 2010 (14,113) rose from 2009 (13,319) or 6% (Peel Regional Police Services Annual Performance Report, 2010)

There is a 6 to 8 month waitlist for counselling and 12 to 15 months for specialized sexual abuse treatment. (Peel Counts 2011)

About 1 in 10 seniors (12,000) in Peel has experienced abuse;
and 3 of 4 cases are never reported. (Portraits of Peel 2011)

There are long wait lists for mental health services, addiction treatment, and counselling for victims of abuse.

Over 20,000 new immigrants settle in Peel (Brampton, Caledon, Mississauga) each year; 48.6% of the Region’s residents are newcomers. (Portraits of Peel 2011)

2012 Kick-off - September 6, 2012Sponsored by

Employee Campaign Chair training - September 13, 2012

Employee Campaign Chair training for agencies - September 25, 2012

2nd annual Unity in Diversity Fundraiser Gala - September 29, 2012
Sponsored by

5K Run, Walk and Roll Region of Peel's 5K for United Way - October 27, 2012

Changing Lives

How does your support of United Way of Peel Region make a difference? Meet Audley and his daughter, Jahleesa.

2012 Campaign goal is $12.8-million

On September 6th United Way of Peel Region kicked off its 2012 Campaign. United Way of Peel Region’s CEO Shelley White and Medtronic of Canada’s Neil Fraser, Chair of United Way’s 2012 Campaign Cabinet, announced United Way’s fundraising goal of $12.8-million.

The funds raised will provide steadiness in an uncertain time to local social-service agencies and support long-term efforts to build stronger Peel communities.

White and Fraser encouraged everyone across Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga to join United Way by giving, volunteering and acting at a time when many families, friends, neighbours and colleagues are feeling the effects of the fragile economy.

The event featured a series of short digital videos that shed light on the critical challenges facing so many Peel residents and on United Way’s collective efforts to move people from poverty to possibility, build healthy people and strong communities, and help kids be all they can be. The event featured the initial screening of “The Door”, a short film directed and produced by Sheridan College graduates Anand Chandy and Amanda Secord.

Click here to see “The Door”.

City of Brampton hits $1-million milestone

The City of Brampton has organized a United Way Employee Campaign every year since 1999. This year the City employees’ contributions reached $1-million in support of United Way of Peel Region.

The City’s 2012 United Way Employee Campaign officially kicked off on September 6 with a BBQ in Gage Park. While the official campaign lasts from September until December, City staff has already been busy coordinating a number of fundraising initiatives throughout the year. The campaign is off to a fantastic start with more than $40,000 raised to date!

This year’s campaign theme is “Community spirit at work” and lines up with the City’s vision of being a municipality that offers a high quality of life for its residents.

“By exhibiting our community spirit at work, our continued support of United Way is making a difference in the lives of residents in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga,” says Peter Fay, City of Brampton 2012 United Way Employee Campaign Chair.

Packaging with purpose

How fast can you make a change? In less than 30 minutes, volunteers from ConAgra Foods filled 1,000 lunch bags filled with food to support the 1 in 5 children in Peel Region who live in poverty. The lunch bags filled with product generously donated from ConAgra Foods, were handed out to children in need through several elementary schools in the Malton community.

Celebrating a milestone by giving

On September 21, Samsung Canada celebrated its 25th anniversary in Canada with its first ever "Day of Giving." It was an initiative that was spread across the country where Samsung employees live and work. In our community, Neighbourhood Development grant recipient Mississauga Fruit Tree and funded-agency Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel benefited from the gift of time and effort. When asked where does change start, employees raised their hands and shouted, “Change starts here!"

Volunteer Centre opening in Caledon

United Way congratulates Volunteer MBC – one of its funded agencies – on the September 19th launch of Volunteer MBC-Caledon Centre at the Albion Bolton Branch of Caledon Public Library.

Deloitte Charity Impact Day Think Tank

On September 28, Deloitte held their annual Charity Impact Day. Ten Deloitte teams partnered with United Ways across Canada. The Deloitte team that visited our office was made up of 20 individuals from different parts of the organization. This team was given information about United Way along with questions addressing three organizational challenges. All teams had the same questions. The Deloitte Think Tank then spent the day brainstorming possible solutions and action plans to address the challenges. The findings from across Canada will be collected, evaluated and incorporated into United Way’s national corporate strategy going forward.

Thank you to the participants of the Deloitte Think Tank for volunteering your time and expertise with us.

Sign up today to Run, Walk and Roll

The Region of Peel’s 2012 United Way Employee Campaign will be hosting its 3rd annual 5 km Run, Walk and Roll Event and 1 km Kid’s Course on Saturday, October 27. This one-of-a-kind community run boasts professional chip tracking and great prizes, including best costume.

It’s a great opportunity for your staff, family and friends to come together for a bit of fitness and a whole lot of fun.

There are many ways to get involved. See how by visiting http://www.peelregion.ca/uw/peel5k/.

Sign up today.

Grants of up to $2,000 available for youth aged 14-24

Are you between the ages of 14-24 and want to make a positive impact in Peel? We want to hear from you!

For the fourth consecutive year, United Way and the Region of Peel are collaborating on Youth in Action grants. Granting opportunities of up to $2,000 focus on youth-led projects that offer creative youth-initiated ideas to address community issues across Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga.

Interested in starting change? Click here for more information.

Make your neighbourhood better with a grant

If you are a resident or work in Peel region and have ideas on how to make the neighbourhood a better place for everyone, we want to hear from you!

United Way of Peel Region and the Region of Peel are jointly offering grants of up to $15,000 to resident groups and charities interested in improving the quality of neighbourhood life in Peel. The Neighbourhood Development grants totaling $300,000 aim to give Peel residents an opportunity to partner with local agencies and businesses to create resident-led projects that enhance the quality of neighbourhood life.

Previous grant recipients include a park beautification project that brought together volunteers, youth andseniors to revitalize a community park; a community kitchen that brought the community together with a number of different activities; a resident council comprised of concerned residents hoping to improve the neighbourhood conditions for their families; and a neighbourhood festival that brings residents together and promotes community pride and unity.

Click here for more information.

$2 a pay ($52) provides a warm winter jacket for a child or a month’s supply of baby formula for a family struggling financially.

$10 per pay ($260 a year) provides one child with a safe place to go after school for an entire year.

$12 per pay ($312 a year) enrolls three women who were victims of abuse and domestic violence in an 8-week support group with their children to enhance their life skills and learn about a wide range of community services.

$16 per pay ($416 a year) provides multilingual crisis and mental health support to two individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, anxiety or having difficulties coping in life.

$40 per pay ($1,040 per year) assists a senior with purchasing a walker which allows them to be mobile and enhances their independence.

$40 per pay ($1,040 per year) provides a nutritious breakfast before school for 5 children for the entire school year, boosting their ability to learn and grow.

2nd annual Unity in Diversity Fundraiser Gala - September 29, 2012
Sponsored by

Home Sweet Home Fashion Show - October 7, 2012

5K Run, Walk and Roll Region of Peel's 5K for United Way - October 27, 2012

Changing Lives

How does your support of United Way of Peel Region make a difference? Meet Gina.

What else is new?

In the campaign toolkit – Myths and Facts about United Way executive compensation

On TV – “United We’re Strong” TV series on Rogers Cable 10 in Peel

• Tuesday, November 6 at 6 p.m. – Child poverty
  
• Tuesday, November 13 at 6 p.m. – Mental health issues faced by youths
  
• Tuesday, November 20 at 6 p.m. – Women’s abuse
  
• Tuesday, November 20 at 6 p.m. – The caring power of community
  

Double your impact with Pepsi Leadership Challenge grant

Thanks to a $100,000 matching grant sponsored jointly by PepsiCo Beverages Canada and PepsiCo Foods Canada, your gift can go twice as far in 2012!

The 2012 PepsiCo Canada Leadership Challenge Grant will provide matching funds for new or increased gifts of $1,000 or more to United Way of Peel Region’s Community Fund. A total of $100,000 in matching funds is available through this grant opportunity.

Thank you PepsiCo Canada! Click here to find out how the challenge works...

Campaign Kudos

• …to TransAlta-Mississauga’s team for reaching 100% participation and surpassing their goal!
  
• …to WorleyParsons for exceeding their original participation and monetary goals in their second campaign ever!
  
• …to Pratt & Whitney Canada for their successful leadership campaign!
  
• …to Ingram Micro Canada for their October 31st campaign kickoff that featured their signature Halloween costume and song contest!
  
• …to CEP Local 26 for their generous first-time gift!
  
• …to Chrysler Canada Inc. and Canadian Auto Workers Local 1285 who after a tough round of negotiations, is gearing up to run one of their best campaigns ever!
  
• …to Community Living – Mississauga for surpassing their goal and raising more than $12,000!
  
• …to Toromont in Brampton for surpassing their goal and raising over $17,000!
  
• …to Contract Pharmaceuticals for surpassing their goal by $9,000…and they are still running their campaign.
  
• …to Staples on Aimco Blvd. and Hershey Canada for doing supply drives and donating more than 100 backpacks filled with tools for school for children and youth in need.
  
• …to Region of Peel’s Run, Walk & Roll organizing committee and 450 participants for braving the rain on October 27 and raising $25,000!

Oh what a night!

The September 29th Unity in Diversity Gala, organized by the United Way’s Black Community Advisory Council, brought together over 250 community-minded individuals to celebrate the Peel’s Black community. The evening, sponsored by Medtronic of Canada, featured the announcement of a new youth initiative and honoured individuals with “Best in Community” awards.

Click here to read the full media release.
Click here for more information about the mentoring program.

New Investment Strategy Released

In 2011, United Way of Peel Region undertook a community engagement and consultation process to develop impact strategies to guide United Way’s fund distribution beginning in April 2013. You can find the executive summary of Investment Strategy Review Report here.

United Way of Peel Region will focus on:

• Investing in children and youth to prevent poverty.
• Investing in individuals vulnerable to falling into poverty.
  
• Investing in individuals experiencing poverty.

United, we will:

• Move people from poverty to possibility.
  
• Help kids be all they can be.
  
• Build healthy people and strong communities.

Applications for 2013/2014 Funding are now. The Community Priorities Fund submission deadline is Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 4:30 PM. Click here for more information.

Poverty reduction plan launched

One of United Way’s nine collaborations for long-term change is the Peel Poverty Reduction Strategy Committee. At the Poverty, Health and Homelessness Conference held October 24th at Sheridan College in Brampton, the committee released its three-year poverty reduction strategy. The plan includes heightening public awareness about poverty and bringing together government and community stakeholders to achieve measurable results in helping Peel's underprivileged.

A stronger regional economy, food and income security, affordable housing and transportation are the strategy’s key targets.

To learn more about the strategy visit www.povertyinpeel.ca.

$2 a pay ($52) provides a warm winter jacket for a child or a month’s supply of baby formula for a family struggling financially.

$10 per pay ($260 a year) provides one child with a safe place to go after school for an entire year.

$12 per pay ($312 a year) enrolls three women who were victims of abuse and domestic violence in an 8-week support group with their children to enhance their life skills and learn about a wide range of community services.

$16 per pay ($416 a year) provides multilingual crisis and mental health support to two individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, anxiety or having difficulties coping in life.

$40 per pay ($1,040 per year) assists a senior with purchasing a walker which allows them to be mobile and enhances their independence.

$40 per pay ($1,040 per year) provides a nutritious breakfast before school for 5 children for the entire school year, boosting their ability to learn and grow.

Changing Lives

How does your support of United Way of Peel Region make a difference? Meet Phil.

What else is new?

Canada is the first country to recognize November 15th as National Philanthropy Day. Parliament has approved a new bill that recognizes the work done by charities, donors, volunteers, and corporations. In honour of this day, the United Way would like to thank those who have contributed to improving the lives of others and helping build a stronger community. Way to go!

On TV – “United We’re Strong” TV series on Rogers Cable 10 in Peel

• Watch the episode on Mental health issues faced by youth
• Tuesday, November 20 at 6 p.m. – Women’s abuse
  
• Tuesday, November 27 at 6 p.m. – The caring power of community
  

Peel Police Campaign Kick-Off

On November 1, the Peel Regional Police kicked off their 2012 United Way of Peel Region Campaign. Peel Police set a fundraising goal of $130,000 for the United Way.

The Peel Police force consists of 2,777 members, all of whom will be encouraged to make donations. Shelley White, CEO of the United Way of Peel Region, joined Police Chief Jennifer Evens to launch the campaign at the Emil V. Kolb Centre for Police Excellence in Mississauga.

Campaign Kudos

• …to Cushman & Wakefield for collecting $15,778.11, surpassing their goal!
• …to Nestle Purina PetCare for exceeding their goal and raising more than $22,000!
• …to William Osler for their November 12th campaign kickoff, with employees paying $5 to cut off a piece of their senior leadership's tie!
• …to Syncreon for running their first United Way campaign!
• …to CAW Local 584 for their donation of $500!

Are you proud of your campaign? Share it with us. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Experiencing the challenges of making ends meet

As many as 167,000 residents of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga live below the low-income cut-off and find themselves struggling every day to make ends meet.

On November 8, employees from Medtronic of Canada took part in Living on the Edge, a unique interactive poverty simulation that allowed them to gain insight into the complexity of what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from day-to-day.

During the exercise, participants were divided into family units. Their backgrounds are based on real people and real experiences. Participants were assigned a role as a family member required to complete daily activities using resources set up around the room, such as the bank, pawn shop, community services, and many more. They were given a list of their personal assets, liabilities, and their employment status (or lack thereof). The simulation consists of four 15-minute weeks (one month).

As the exercise progressed, participants encountered a number of challenges – from debt, illness, unemployment, to homelessness.

After “the month” was over, a facilitator conducted a debrief session, inviting the Medtronic employees and the simulation volunteers who took on various roles as community resource staff, to discuss their experience.

Here’s what members of the Medtronic team said:

“Truly going into character with my team family during this simulation was emotionally draining. Living through the eyes of a child, I discovered that each day became an obsession with survival NOW, there was very little time or focus on the future or especially my future – I had to grow up fast! It was a humbling experience.” ~ Pamela W.

“It really blew me away how in such a short period of time, a simulation like this can really convey the sense of urgency, frustration, stress that could go along in living that close to poverty. Where every decision is critical, every decision seems stressful, where the system doesn’t seem to be trying to work to make it easier.” ~ Alison M.

United Way of Peel Region was able to establish this experience with sponsorship dollars from Medtronic of Canada. Thank you Medtronic for your generous support of this valuable initiative.

Spirit Awards: Celebrating your spirit and generosity

Hundreds of organizations and thousands of volunteers like you make the annual United Way campaign possible.

United Way Spirit Awards recognize exceptional commitment, leadership and creativity. Your team may be eligible for a Spirit Award.

Celebrate your success – nominate your United Way Campaign Team for a Spirit Award by January 9, 2013.

Click here to learn more about the Spirit Awards and to download a nomination form today.

All nominations must be delivered to United Way of Peel Region by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 9, 2013. Winners will be announced at United Way’s annual Community Achievement Celebration, taking place February 9, 2013.

The Spirit Awards are presented annually at the Community Achievement Celebration. It will take place on February 7. Watch for event information coming soon.

$10 per pay ($260 a year) provides one child with a safe place to go after school for an entire year.

$12 per pay ($312 a year) enrolls three women who were victims of abuse and domestic violence in an 8-week support group with their children to enhance their life skills and learn about a wide range of community services.

$16 per pay ($416 a year) provides multilingual crisis and mental health support to two individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, anxiety or having difficulties coping in life.

$40 per pay ($1,040 per year) provides a nutritious breakfast before school for 5 children for the entire school year, boosting their ability to learn and grow.

Changing Lives

How does your support of United Way of Peel Region make a difference? Meet Antoinette.

Campaign Kudos

• …to Glenforest Secondary School’s student activity council for their successful “Mane event” that raised over $2,100! Go Gryphons Go!
• ...to Whirlpool to achieving 57.9% employee participation and raising over $100,000 – so far!
• …to Contract Pharmaceuticals for exceeding their campaign goal by $10,000!
• …to E. I. Du Pont Canada for reaching their goal of $100,000!
• …to Canada Dry Mott’s for exceeding their goal and raising $69,175.58!
• …to Worley Parsons for their raising over $24,000 (compared to $2,000 in 2011) through employee pledges, special events and a corporate match!
• …to Peel Children’s Centre for increasing their contributions by 50%!
• …to ESI Canada for growing their campaign by 25% to raise over $44,000!
• …to Canadian Union of Public Employees on increasing their donation by 15% over last year!
• ….to Costco stores in Peel for raising over $72,000!
• …to Primerica for exceeding their goal by 18% and raising over $5,000!
• … to Grant Thornton LLP for raising over $13,000 at their Mississauga location!
• …to City of Brampton for a successful Fashion Show last Friday at the Pearson Convention Centre.
• …to Enersource employees for raising over $25,000 in 2012!
• …to Heart House Hospice for a successful internal campaign for United Way!
• …to Kimberly-Clark for exceeding their goal of $60,000 to raise more than $77,300!

Are you proud of your campaign? Share it with us. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or tweet us @unitedwaypeel.

Canada Dry Mott’s winning through action

Canada Dry Mott's is this year’s winner of their company’s global United Way President’s Cup. The President’s Cup is awarded to an organization within the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group that has the highest total points based on total donations, per capita and percentage of participation (throughout North America). Their global president came in from Texas to celebrate Canada Dry Mott's employees and their campaign, which resulted in more than US$640 in per-capita giving and almost 80 per cent employee participation.

Three cheer-ios for General Mills Canada!!

On November 20, General Mills Canada announced its 2012 United Way campaign raised $583,303 at an employee celebration event, General Mills revealed the donation exceeded the target by 21%, making it the largest contribution the company has made to date. Ninety-five percent of General Mills employees participated in this year’s campaign, with an average contribution per donor of $636, up 7.5 per cent from last year.

In addition to the monetary donation, General Mills employees held a supply drive to “Stuff the Bus, Refuel”. More than 100 bags of clothes, 40 boxes of non-perishable food items, 10 boxes of toys and sporting goods were collected. They were then distributed over two evenings to the residents of Colonial Terrace, helping to refuel the Mississauga community.

Here’s what one appreciative resident said:
“I just really want to extend my gratitude for the donation that I received from United Way on November 20, 2012 at my Colonial Drive building…They were very helpful, friendly and made me feel comfortable. It was great to get healthy food for myself and my daughter. Thank you once again.”

United Way believes in our community

That message was shared at the Santa Claus parades recently held in Brampton and Mississauga.

United Way thanks the following sponsors for their support: Medtronic of Canada Ltd., Family Honda of Brampton, Team Chrysler of Mississauga, UPS, Living Arts Centre, First Book Canada, Kids Can Press, Dreamworks, Regal Confections and Mondelez International.

The celebrations continue. United Way is giving away four tickets to see Shrek the Musical, live at the Living Arts Centre Mississauga. If you would like to enter, visit www.unitedwaypeel.org/shrek.

Rocking the Karaoke

The Chinese Advisory Council of United Way of Peel Region Rocked the Karaoke on November 16. It was an evening of food, entertainment, dancing and karaoke! The event had 150 supporters in attendance.

One of the evening’s highlights was the Chinese Advisory Council’s performance of a welcome song, with parts in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. The welcome song is a trans-cultural piece that highlights the values of United Way – uniting together to build stronger communities and making the world a better place to live.

Mayor Hazel McCallion was in attendance, along with Councillor Chris Fonseca, Mississauga Ward 3; Shelley White, president and CEO of United Way of Peel Region; and Josephine Bau, Chair, Chinese Advisory Council.

The Chinese Advisory Council (CAC) was established in 2006. It assists United Way in understanding the needs and challenges of Peel’s Chinese community and in building strong community relationships. Find out more about this council and others at unitedwaypeel.org.

Newcomer Champion Awards presented to two United Way partners

On November 26, the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration celebrated 14 remarkable organizations and individuals with Newcomer Champion Awards. The Award recognizes people and groups who have made a difference in their community and the province through active citizenship and engagement.

Congratulations to the Peel Newcomer Strategy Group on receiving this honour. United Way of Peel Region is the host of this community collaborative and co-led the implementation with the Region of Peel over five years ago. The Peel Newcomer Strategy Group works to coordinate the efforts of local organizations for the successful inclusion of newcomers in the economy and the community. To learn more, visit www.peelnewcomer.org.

Congratulations to Carlton Allen, founder and executive director of Mississauga Fruit Tree for also receiving this honour for his community work. Mississauga Fruit Tree harvests fruit from local backyards and shares it between homeowners, volunteers and food banks and is a recipient of a United Way Neighbourhood Development Grant.

Virtual Learning Institute offers opportunities to get involved

The Peel Institute for Collective Impact is a virtual institute that was launched by United Way of Peel Region and the Region of Peel as a follow-up to the release of the Peel Counts 2011 report. It is intended to address the increasing shift towards improving sector capacity around measurement and accountability and the ongoing needs for associated training, support and knowledge sharing. In order to ensure the local relevance and usefulness of the Institute, a small community advisory was formed and consulted on the initial development and will continue to inform the work as it proceeds.

Over the summer and fall, a number of opportunities for you to plug into the Institute, through webinars, on-line tutorials, conference calls, newsletter and any other way that will help you connect and learn. Visit www.peelcounts.ca/peel-institute-for-collective-impact to access the resources.

Changing Lives

How does your support of United Way of Peel Region make a difference? Meet Lisa and Tarryl.

Medtronic giving hits $1-million milestone

Medtronic of Canada is focused on changing lives. Through their business, they are changing lives by transforming medical technology. Through their support of United Way, they are changing lives of the people of our community struggling every day for quality of life. Medtronic has supported United Way of Peel Region since 2005 and this year the company reached the $1-million milestone in cumulative giving. Way to go!

Medtronic’s 2012 campaign emphasized what it means to Give, Volunteer and Act. Employees participated in many activities, including the new Living on the Edge poverty simulation. President Neil Fraser is Chair of United Way’s 2012 Campaign Cabinet and the company sponsored the campaign kick-off event, Santa Claus parade and the pilot of the Living on the Edge experience.

On November 30, during their annual pancake breakfast, Medtronic announced that they raised $194,000 for United Way, that’s a 23 per cent increase over their 2011 workplace campaign.

Thank you to Medtronic of Canada employees for your work to improve the lives of those who live and work in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga.

Mondelēz Canada gives joy and hope

Mondelēz International is a new global snack company that already creates delicious moments of joy with treats like Oreo, Ritz crackers, Cadbury products and Caramilk. Right here in our own back yard, Mondelēz Canada has brought joy to Peel Region by giving back through United Way.

Their exciting two-week campaign included fun events like a product sale, auctions and Night of Thanks party. Thanks to a 90% participation rate in pledged giving they raised over $400,000! Congratulations on an exceptional and outstanding, first-time United Way campaign!

Campaign Kudos

• …to ACCES Employment, who raised $1,211 at their sold-out Music Café concert!
• ...to Chubb Edwards, who raised $37,000!
• …to the City of Mississauga, for raising an outstanding $180,142!
• ...to Pratt & Whitney for raising $113,000 and increasing their leadership contribution by 87.5% over two years!
• …to the University of Toronto Mississauga Office of the Registrar for raising $3,000 in their campaign!
• …to Vale Canada for increasing their campaign by 32.2% and raising $43,000!
• …to Volunteer MBC for raising $650 at their open house…and thanks to Scotiabank for matching that amount!
• ...to Pepsi Beverages, who achieved a 4.7% increase of their goal!
• ...to ConAgra Foods, who surpassed their goal of $80,000!

Celebrating your spirit and generosity

United Way Spirit Awards recognize exceptional commitment, leadership and creativity. Your team may be eligible for a Spirit Award. Celebrate your success – nominate your United Way Campaign Team for a Spirit Award.

All nominations must be delivered to United Way of Peel Region by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 9, 2013. Winners will be announced at United Way’s annual Community Achievement Celebration, taking place February 7, 2013.

Click here to download a nomination form today.

Registration opens January 2, 2013

The 2012 Spirit Awards - Community Achievement Celebration will take place on

Thursday, February 7, 2012

5:30 - 9:00 p.m.

The Living Arts Centre
4141 Living Arts Drive
Mississauga, ON

Tickets: $70 each

Registration will open on January 2, 2013.

Volunteers needed for Community Investment team!

Are you thinking about getting more involved in your local community? Do you want to help bring positive change and impact the lives of those around you? Our Community Investment team is looking for volunteers to join the Allocations Committee and the Financial Review team.

Click here to find out more information about these volunteer opportunities.

Well-deserved acknowledgment

We recently learned that two more United Way volunteers have been honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals. Congratulations to:

• Esa Para Esananda, chair of our South Asian Advisory Council
• Philip Manzano, founder of The Good Movement, a recipient of a United Way Youth in Action grant for the Fish Project and a volunteer member of our Young Leaders Council Executive

“Going beyond yourself – that is the biggest reward.”

Loaned Campaign Representative shares her United Way experience

Each year United Way has benefitted from the generosity of organizations who loan or sponsor representatives over a 14-week period during the annual campaign.

Ella Basic was one of this year’s loaned representatives. A City of Mississauga employee, Ella believes that giving back to the community is good for the soul. It gives you a feeling of connectedness with others and the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a difference in someone else’s life.

Working with United Way has given Ella the opportunity to sharpen and gain many new skills including public speaking, strategic development and consultative selling.

“I learned so much from my experience with United Way,” says Ella. “What I will value most are the relationships that I developed with the United Way team, the Employee Campaign Chairs whom I supported, and the incredible individuals that I met at the member agencies.”

While the campaign season can be extremely busy, Ella made sure to appreciate and enjoy her experience.

“Working with the Employee Campaign Chairs to strategize their campaigns or support them at their events was a great opportunity; however, what I found most rewarding was volunteering my skills and time at member agencies with the corporations I supported. Together, we demonstrated that our actions can truly change lives. ”

As Ella’s journey with United Way draws to a close, she will take back to the City of Mississauga new skills, relationships and memories, but most importantly knowing the joy she gives herself by giving to others.

United Way of Peel Region sincerely thanks the 2012 sponsored and loaned campaign representatives of for their tremendous efforts; they were outstanding. We also extend our appreciation to the organizations that sponsored or loaned representatives this year. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Loaned representatives included:

• Ella Basic, City of Mississauga
• Constable Dan Dimitroff, Region of Peel
• Edgar Solon, UPS

The following representatives were sponsored by Region of Peel, Edward Jones, GE Canada:

• Stacie Irwin
• Philip Manzano
• Meaghan Middleton-Firman
• Judy Rivard
• Margareta Zorica

Reminder: December 20th is the deadline for Community Priorities Fund Program applications

For more information visit www.unitedwaypeel.org/proposal

Youth in Action grant recipients announced

Recipients of the 2012/2013 Youth in Action Grants program are celebrating! The grants, totalling $20,000, will fund projects that aim to build leadership skills and confidence in youth ages 14 to 24, and help develop future leaders while improving neighbourhood life.

"Youth in Peel Region have the power to create real change," says Lauren Thompson, chair of the Youth in Action Review Panel and a Young Leaders Council executive member. "They are true leaders in our community and they are eager to tackle issues within their communities and neighbourhoods. We are really excited to provide these youth the opportunity to explore their leadership and activism and to empower youth in Peel Region to be all they can be."

The following projects will receive Youth in Action grants:

• Studio 89: A series of youth-led Empowerment through the Arts workshops for youth, focusing on topics such as life skills, global concerns and action
• Exploration of Dance: A 12-week intensive program where youth, under the direction of peer facilitators, will discover the art of various genres of dance
• Non-Profit Professional Program and Fish Project 2013: A one day workshop that brings students together to learn more about youth action and philanthropy, in addition to a "non-profit professional" program where students can learn more about the non-profit sector
• The Hidden Culture of the World: A series of workshops to address the cultures and traditions from across the world to promote a deeper understanding of different cultures through the arts
• Voice of Kids: Future Journalist Training Program: A young journalist training program for Voice K, a magazine whose stories are written by children
• Indigenous Gifts: A program that will bring together Indigenous youth from across Peel to several sessions, circles and activities that are developed based on their unique interests. They will share their culture with their peers and discuss what issues they encounter as Indigenous youth living in Peel.
• PEYA's Amazing Green Race: Teams of 3-5 students will take part in the AMAZING GREEN RACE across Peel Region to learn about all the different green actions they can take to improve their neighbourhoods
• Theatre Fever!: A drama showcase night including a variety of short plays, entirely led by youth
• Mix it up: A photography project focused on teaching youth in the community about tolerance by exposing injustice. This series will focus on youth homelessness/poverty and ageism
• (You)th Take Charge Presents: Expectations and Changes Youth Symposium: A one-day symposium focusing on youth expectations and change for 100 youth between the ages of 13-19 years of age
• Project One: Operation Inspire: An urban/hip hop dance, mentorship and leadership program for youth
• Kicks for Kids: A program that will provide collect and distribute shoes to children and youth in need in Peel Region
• Girls Club: An after school program for grade four girls to help them build their confidence and discuss topics such as body image, making good choices, bullying and friendship.

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.

Click here for photos.

Click to read a holiday message from United Way of Peel Region.

Take advantage of December 31 tax receipt deadline!

With exactly two weeks left in 2012, United Way of Peel Region’s fund-raising volunteers are pulling out all the stops to bring in the dollars to reach this year’s goal of $12.8 million.

It is still possible to make a donation to United Way and receive a 2012 tax receipt for gifts over $25, if dated and post-marked by December 31, 2012. Donations can be made online, by calling 905-602-3650, by mail to 90 Burnhamthorpe Rd., W., Suite 408, PO Box 58; Mississauga, ON L5B 3C3.

Office Holiday Hours

Mon., Dec. 24 – Closed
Tues., Dec. 25 – Closed
Wed., Dec. 26 – Closed
Thur., Dec. 27 – Open (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Fri., Dec. 28 – Open (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Mon., Dec. 31 – Open (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Tues., Jan. 1 – Closed

The office resumes regular hours on Wednesday, January 2, 2013.