2011 Campaign Update

United Way of Peel Region’s 2011 Campaign is at 41 per cent of the $13.93-million goal – 10 per cent below last year’s revenue at this time.

With just weeks to go in its annual fundraising campaign, United Way is asking the residents of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga to come together and generously support the people of our community who are struggling.

“Never has there been a greater need in our community for the services and programs supported by United Way,” says Tim Bzowey, 2011 Campaign Chair and Vice-President, Property and Casualty, RBC Insurance. “Thousands of people rely on this network of support every day. We’re asking everyone who can possibly help to be as generous as possible — your community needs you!”

Every dollar donated to United Way’s Community Fund supports programs that will make it possible for more children to grow up to be the best they can be, for more seniors, people with disabilities and newcomers to experience a sense of belonging and value within our community, and for people suffering from addiction, mental health issues, homelessness and other serious challenges to turn their lives around.

United Way is the largest funder of social services in Peel after government. We are committed to being ethical, honest, transparent and responsible. For every dollar we receive 84 cents is invested wisely into programs, services and initiatives that will make a maximum impact and will improve quality of life in our community.

“People from all walks of life and in many different circumstances count on the lifeline of support provided through United Way,” says Shelley White, CEO of United Way of Peel Region. “We must do everything we can to make sure the support is available for our residents when they need it.”

Every gift makes a difference. Please give generously today.
How you can help:

1. Make a personal or corporate gift; call 905-602-3650 or go to www.unitedwaypeel.org
2. Make a gift of stocks or marketable securities, call Karen at 905-602-3634
   
3. Run an employee campaign in your workplace, call at 905-602-3650
4. Host a fundraiser for United Way, call 905-602-3650 or visit www.unitedwaypeel.org.

All donations received (or postmarked) by December 31 are eligible for a 2011 tax receipt.

Community Impact: Seniors need our help

Did you know...

• Peel’s senior population is increasing at almost three times the rate of the provincial and national senior’s population?
• Nearly 40 per cent of seniors living alone in Peel, live in poverty? The rate jumps to 43 per cent for single female seniors.
• 10 to 25 per cent of seniors experience mental health disorders?
• 10 percent of seniors are victims of abuse? In most cases the abuser is someone close to them.
• 70 per cent of Peel’s seniors are immigrants?

United Way’s Community Fund supports a network of vital services for seniors from many walks of life and circumstances. United Way is committed to ensuring seniors are included, helping inclusion and reducing isolation among our diverse senior population by funding social, recreational and wellness programs such as:

• Exercise classes to keep seniors active and physically fit
• Workshops to provide education on maintaining a healthy lifestyle
• Group dining experiences, outing and recreational activities to keep seniors social
• A variety of ethnic and cultural groups to support newcomer seniors
• Volunteer visitors who provide companionship and reduce loneliness and isolation

Your donations assist seniors to be healthy and live independently. United, we are creating communities where everyone is cared for, connected and included. Please give today.

Community Impact: Bev has reasons to SMILE

Five years ago, Bev Turner-Emmons, 79, had her right leg amputated above the knee. She was in the hospital for more than six months. When she came home she was in a wheelchair and felt weak and fragile. A widow, Bev received some help from her son, but longed to be more independent.

"After lying in a hospital bed for all those months, I found I had lost muscle tone and strength," she says.

SMILE (Simple Movement to Enhance Independent living for the Elderly) is an in-home program is offered through Caledon Meals on Wheels and funded by United Way. It supports seniors like Bev who have physical limitations and are homebound. Once a week a SMILE instructor visits Bev and leads her through an exercise routine designed to fit her needs and abilities.

"Since starting my home exercise program I am regaining my strength and muscle tone. I can pull myself up to stand, reach the cupboards and do a lot more things I couldn't do when I first came home," says Bev. "Exercising keeps my blood moving and makes me feel alive!"

United Way is committed to assisting seniors like Bev to live healthy and independent lives by funding programs like SMILE. In addition to exercise programs, United Way also funds dining programs where seniors get together to socialize while enjoying a nutritious meal. This month Bev is looking forward to the Congregate Dining annual Christmas dinner.

"Good friends, good food and good health," she says. "This year it really is a Merry Christmas."

Donating securities is a win win

In late 2006 the federal government removed the capital gains tax owed on donations of publicly traded securities to registered charities. This tax advantage substantially reduces the after-tax cost of giving. Individuals able to donate shares can make a significant gift and receive a tax receipt for the value of the shares.

All donations, including gifts of securities, help United Way of Peel Region ensure the vulnerable residents of our community are cared for, connected and included.

Donating securities to United Way of Peel Region is easy, convenient and the most tax efficient method of giving. It is as simple as completing a transfer form. By transferring appreciated securities to United Way, donors can benefit from savings while ensuring the maximum impact of their gift.

“It’s a win-win,” says Karen Seunarine, director of major gifts. “When donating shares instead of cashing them, donors get a tax receipt for the fair market value of the shares. You don’t pay capital gains tax, and in most cases, brokerage houses reduce or waive brokerage fees.”

The following exchangeable shares are eligible:
• Shares, rights, bonds or debentures listed on a designated stock exchange
• Shares of a Canadian public mutual fund corporation
• Units of a widely held Canadian mutual fund trust
• An interest in a segregated (insurance) fund trust
• A bond or debenture issued or guaranteed by the Government of Canada or one of the provinces

If you are thinking about donating appreciated securities, please seek expert advice from a tax specialist or your broker to ensure that your financial goals are considered, your tax situation reviewed, and that your gift is tailored to your circumstances.

Click here to download stock and security transfer forms.

All donations to United Way’s Community Fund support essential programs, services and initiatives that hundreds of men, women and children across Peel depend on every day. Last year more than 400-thousand Peel residents turned to United Way-funded agencies for help.

If you would like to learn more about transferring securities or making a gift to United Way, please contact Karen Seunarine, Director, Major Gifts and Planned Giving at 905-602-3634 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Community Achievement Celebration tickets on sale now

Because of you, United Way is tackling important issues in our community. Because of you, there are new possibilities for our community. Please join us in celebrating the difference you make.

On behalf of United Way of Peel Region, we invite you to join us at our Community Achievement Celebration on Thursday, February 9, 2012.

We will be marking the conclusion of the 2011 campaign and highlighting United Way’s important work in the community. This event is our opportunity to thank and celebrate the many individuals and organizations that have partnered with us in the 2011 United Way Campaign.

Please don’t miss out on this exciting night of fun, celebration and amazing prizes!

Thursday, February 9, 2012
5:30 p.m. - Cocktail reception
6:30 p.m. - Dinner, Entertainment and Awards
International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd., Mississauga

Click here for event details and to register today.

Spirit Award nominations deadline is January 11

Do you know of an innovative and creative workplace campaign that inspired employee participation while promoting team spirit and raising funds for our community? If so, nominate it for a United Way Spirit Award!

All nominations must be delivered to United Way of Peel Region by 5 p.m. on January 11, 2012. Winners will be announced at United Way’s annual Community Achievement Celebration on Thursday, February 9, 2012.

Click here to see the list of Spirit Awards and to download a nomination form.

Vale Canada’s campaign sees 54% increase

Employees at Vale Canada Limited in Mississauga raised a whopping $19,187 during their 2011 workplace campaign. This achievement is a 54 per cent increase over last year’s campaign total. The campaign ran from October 24 to 31. Fundraising events included a 50/50 draw, silent auction and a pumpkin carving contest.

Vale is proud to support United Way of Peel Region in its efforts to develop long-term, lasting solutions to challenging social issues affecting the people living in Peel. Congratulations to the Vale Canada Limited team!

Chubb Edwards support United Way

Congratulations to Chubb Edwards, A Division of UTC Fire & Security, in Mississauga, for raising $19,574 during their 2011 United Way workplace campaign. The one-month campaign kicked off in October with a BBQ. Other fundraising events included a pancake breakfast, raffles and incentives to promote payroll deduction participation. Way to go Chubb Edwards

Special Ticket Offer!

Support the Buffalo Bills and United Way of Peel Region by purchasing discounted ticketes to the December 18 game againest the Miami Dolphins.

Tickets are reguarily $75. Through this special offer you pay only $30. And the Buffalo Bills will donate $10 per ticket to United Way of Peel Region.

To purchase tickets, click this link and enter the code GPUW.

Click here to view the promotional flyer.

A $26 donation provides a health education workshop for 30 seniors to assist them in making healthy choices that will enhance their quality of life.

A $130 donation provides a Tai Chi class for 20 seniors to keep them active and engaged with the community or allows 18 seniors to attend a gentle exercise program that enables them to stay physically able to remain living and aging in their own homes.

A $260 donation provides a friendly in-home visit offering companionship, friendly conversation and a vital safety check for 20 isolated seniors.

A $416 donation provides support, options and relief for a vulnerable senior experiencing abuse.

A $520 donation enables 100 seniors living rurally and isolated to attend a social lunch, so that they have companionship and an opportunity to re-new relationships with friends and neighbours.

$1,040 donation supplies a vulnerable senior with a walker allowing them to be mobile and enhances their independence.

Feb. 9 - Community Achievement Celebration