For immediate release
April 16, 2012

Pratt and Whitney employees take the (cup)cake during National Volunteer Week

REGION OF PEEL — United Way of Peel Region believes all of their 1,500 volunteers are the “icing on the cupcake.”

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, is providing United Way volunteers with an email voucher that can be exchanged 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 responsiblity 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 has volunteered with the company’s United Way campaign for over 10 years. He currently holds the past-chair position. Stastny has been volunteering for the past 12 years and will chair the 2012 United Way Employee Campaign this fall.

“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, inspiring 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.”

Click here for more pictures.

Contact information for The Social Cupcake:
129 Lakeshore Rd. East
Mississauga, ON L5G 4T6
905-271-7612
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For More Information Contact:
Doris Mohrhardt
Vice President, Communications & Marketing
Office: 905-602-3624 | Cell: 416-420-9975
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For immediate release
February 29, 2012

United Way and Region of Peel distribute $191,420 in grants to support neighbourhood development

REGION OF PEEL — 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 will receive $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 and 7435 Goreway Drive; 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.”

In addition to the Knightsbridge and Rexwood Breakfast Club, the following projects are receiving Neighbourhood Development grants for the first time:

Queen/Kennedy Breakfast and Homework Club will receive $14,560 to fund a resident led breakfast and afterschool homework club for children, aged 6-12. The grant will be administered through the Brampton Safe City and will assist the club to provide nutritious snacks and a safe place for children to go after school.

Albion Hills Community Farm and Learning Centre in Caledon will receive $15,000 to educate local youth and other residents on nutrition, hunger and obesity. The Albion Hills Community Farm is a new model demonstration farm that includes community gardens and provides opportunities for residents to learn about food production and healthy eating.

Friends of St. Andrew’s Stone Church located in Caledon will receive $1,310 to aide in promoting a former church as a community resource and venue. St. Andrew’s Stone Church was built in 1853 and has been a local heritage site since 1983.  

Be Set Be Safe in Mississauga will receive $11,140. The grant, administered through the Afghan Women’s Organization, will fund initiatives to promote resident safety, sessions with Peel Police and community events where residents can socialize and get to know one another.

Malton Community Crisis Response will receive $14,700. The grant will be administered through Bramalea Community Health Centre and will support community crisis response training, the development of a protocol; community engagement events and resident-led programs and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents.  

Malton Moms an advocacy group operated by moms living in or originally from Malton will receive $5,320 for a Civic Association and Capacity Building project to revitalize membership of the group, feature speakers at monthly meets and and host two community events. A second grant of $15,000 will fund a Creative Cafe to support a women’s writing group and a community spoken word forum for youth.

Meadowvale Neighbours will receive $7,950 administered through the Battleford location of the Eden Community Food Bank to create a community drop-in to reduce isolation among residents. The drop-in will be operated during food bank hours and hosted by residents and volunteers.

The Mississauga Fruit Tree: Growing Youth and Trees in Malton will receive $11,550 administered through the Social Planning Council of Peel. The grant will fund workshops that bring residents together and focus on sharing local grown, nutritious food, preservation, canning, healthy food preparation and fruit tree planting and maintenance.

Neighbourhood Links in Mississauga will receive $10,000 to do research and host neighbourhood activities including a BBQs and an end of summer festival. The neighbourhood activities aim to will strengthen relationships and build trust among residents while providing opportunities for volunteerism and youth leadership.

The following projects are receiving a renewal of their Neighbourhood Development grant:

Clarkson Community at Peace (CCAP) will receive a grant of $15,000, administered through The Peel District School Board. Located in south Mississauga, CCAP is a diverse group of individuals and organizations working together for a safe and peaceful community. The grant will provide funding for community activities that promote a safe, nurturing and inclusive community.

The Boys and Girls Club of Peel will receive $40,000 in grants to continue building on programs that enhance community life in four Peel neighbourhoods: McHardy Court and Fair Oaks in central Brampton, Acorn Place, the Sheridan apartment complex, and Glenway in Mississauga. Projects are focused on fostering youth leadership and creating opportunities for residents to connect with each other.

The Multicultural Inter-Agency Group of Peel (MIAG) is receiving $14,890 to assist residents of the West Wood apartment building in the Bloor St./Runningbrook/Tomken neighbourhood of Mississauga, to continue Neighbourhood Council and several committees. The Council and committees engage and unite the diverse tenant population and create a collective voice to address resident concerns, promote community safety and improve the quality of life for tenants.

For More Information Contact:
Doris Mohrhardt
Vice President, Communications & Marketing
Office: 905-602-3624 | Cell: 416-420-9975
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For immediate release
February 9, 2012

United Way of Peel Region’s 2011 campaign raises $13,160,152

REGION OF PEEL — 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. The campaign goal was $13.93-million.

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.”

United Way supports thousands of people across the Region of Peel through its funded agencies and many partnerships that are focused on addressing universal issues over the long term, such as poverty, hunger and isolation.

“We should all be very proud of this achievement,” says Shelley White, United Way president and 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. We are very grateful for their support.”

“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. The following companies generously sponsored the event: RBC Insurance (presenting sponsor); Edward Jones; Grant Thornton; Rogers Communications; and HomeWell Senior Care.

For More Information Contact:
Doris Mohrhardt
Vice President, Communications & Marketing
Office: 905-602-3624 | Cell: 416-420-9975
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For immediate release
February 9, 2012

United Way of Peel Region announces 2011 Spirit Award winners

REGION OF PEEL — United Way of Peel Region announced the recipients of the 2011 Campaign Spirit Awards at its 2011 Community Achievement Celebration held at the International Centre in Mississauga.

“The Spirit Awards honour inspirational and creative volunteer teams who demonstrate team spirit while raising funds to improve the lives of others in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga,” said United Way President and CEO Shelley White. “Congratulations to all of our award nominees and winners. Their support helped us raise a total of $13,160,152 to ensure the programs and services that support the residents of these communities are there when they need them.

The following organizations received Spirit Awards:

Best First-Time Campaign
Samsung Electronics Canada Inc., Mississauga

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

Outstanding Corporate Campaign Award
Edward Jones, Mississauga
PepsiCo Beverages Canada, Mississauga

Best National Employee Campaign
Hershey Canada Inc., Mississauga

Outstanding Leadership Giving Campaign Award
General Mills Canada Corporation, Mississauga

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

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, Mississauga, in partnership with:
United Steelworkers Local 9042

Excellence in Community Fund Giving
Vale Canada Limited, Mississauga

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

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

Youth Spirit Awards
Biggest Bucks – Elementary
White Oaks Outreach Club at White Oaks Public School, Peel District School Board, Mississauga
Helping Hands – Elementary
Fernforest Falcons at Fernforest Public School, Peel District School Board, Brampton
Helping Hands – Post-Secondary
University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Geography and Office of Student Life, Mississauga

The following organizations were also nominated for Spirit Awards: Aimia, Canada Post and Canadian Union of Postal Workers Toronto, Public Services Alliance of Canada, Catholic Cross Cultural Services, Chrysler Canada and Canadian Auto Workers 1285, City of Brampton, ConAgra Foods Canada, Express Scripts Canada, Family Services of Peel, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Social Planning Council of Peel, Tri-Hospital United Way Campaign (The Credit Valley Hospital, Trillium Health Centre and William Osler Health System) and Victim Services of Peel.

Award winners, excluding the Speakers’ Bureau award, were selected by the following judges: Nancy Cole, Manager, Facility & Administration, IMAX Corporation; Nancy Johnston, Manager, Business Development and Marketing, City of Brampton; Shari Lynn Ladanchuk, Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel; Kimberley Souliere, Director, Annual Giving; Doris Mohrhardt, Vice President, Communication & Marketing; Marilyn Friedmann, Chief Development Officer.

For More Information Contact:
Doris Mohrhardt
Vice President, Communications & Marketing
Office: 905-602-3624 | Cell: 416-420-9975
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For immediate release
February 9, 2012

United Way honours Gary and Joanne Reamey as Community Builders

REGION OF PEEL — Long-time United Way supporters, Gary Reamey, Senior Partner with Edward Jones, and his wife Joanne were recognized with a Community Builder Award at United Way of Peel Region’s annual Community Achievement Celebration held at the International Centre in Mississauga on February 9.

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 gifts to United Way of Peel Region over $1,000 (up to a total of $50,000) made by employees of Edward Jones.

In addition to financial support, Gary has taken on several senior 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 President and 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.

For More Information Contact:
Doris Mohrhardt
Vice President, Communications & Marketing
Office: 905-602-3624 | Cell: 416-420-9975
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For immediate release
January 11, 2012

UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN UPDATE

REGION OF PEEL — In mid-December United Way of Peel Region shared with the community that it was at 49 per cent of the $13.93-million fundraising target necessary to sustain critical social services. Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga residents and companies responded quickly and generously.

In these early days of 2012, we are making progress in closing the gap and now stand at 79% of our goal. We are aware of additional workplace campaign dollars and individual contributions that are on their way but we are anticipating a shortfall of $500,000 (4%) based on current information. We have until close of business February 7th to find the $500,000 that is essential to continue to support existing services that improve lives in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga.

“Our community has a history of uniting to help one another and what we have raised so far is an excellent achievement,” says Tim Bzowey, 2011 Campaign Chair and Vice-President, Property and Casualty, RBC Insurance. “I want to thank all of those who have recognized our local needs and given their support. With a bit more help from the community we can close the gap. Please support the United Way and help to address the critical needs of our friends, neighbours and co-workers. They are counting on us.”

United Way’s annual campaign provides stability for an essential network of social programs provided by 56 agencies, through 99 programs and 12 collaborations that are already being challenged by current economic conditions.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel provides life-changing mentoring programs to children and youth in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga. We proudly partner with the United Way of Peel Region to change the course of young lives therefore changing the course of our community’s future,” says Shari Lynn Ladanchuk, President and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel. “As the need for our programs continues to grow, so does our need for the financial support of the United Way. Donations to the United Way help Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel start something incredible – a life changing relationship built on friendship, trust and empowerment.”

“At United Way of Peel Region, we are committed to reaching our $13.93-million goal. It represents hope for thousands of people who are vulnerable and in need of support,” says Shelley White, CEO of United Way of Peel Region. “Donations today will close the gap so United Way of Peel Region can continue to help children and youth reach their potential, help reduce poverty and hunger, and help people who are vulnerable to abuse or living with disabilities. Every dollar makes a difference. Please give today.”

To make a donation to United Way visit unitedwaypeel.org and click on Donate Now or call (905) 602-3650, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

For More Information Contact:
Doris Mohrhardt
Vice President, Communications & Marketing
905-602-3624
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