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December 2009

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United Way asks for “radical generosity”

With just weeks to go in its 2009 fundraising campaign, United Way of Peel Region is facing the possibility of falling short of its $12.75-million goal. To help close the gap and preserve the vital network of more than 100 services it supports, United Way is asking Peel residents to demonstrate “radical generosity”. As of December 14, United Way has raised $7,517,025.
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Hanging on in tough times

“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I’d ever have to use a food bank,” says Dawson Reid, 56. But when the plant where he worked stopped production, Dawson lost his job.

“I know it’s the season to be jolly, but I’m not feeling very cheerful,” he says. “It’s going to be a tough Christmas this year.”

Dawson takes part-time jobs cleaning and painting and his wife Patricia travels four hours a day by public transit to her factory job. Despite their efforts, they struggle to pay for the bare necessities.
more...

United Way and Region invest in Peel’s youngest leaders

Eleven projects led and organized by youth in Peel are receiving $20,000 in Youth in Action grants jointly funded by United Way and the Region of Peel. The projects include community events that bring residents together, and workshops, day camps and retreats to educate youth or develop leadership skills. All projects aim to have a positive impact on local residents and improve the quality of community life. This is the first year of this grant opportunity for youth between the ages of 14 and 24.
more...

Get connected online

Join United Way in our online conversation about our community and what we’re doing to address social issues. Sign up on Facebook and Twitter, and then become a fan of our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn, see our photos on Flickr and watch our videos on YouTube.
more...

Vote for United Way to receive $10,000 from Best Buy

Looking to make a difference this holiday season? Click here or visit http://www.bestbuy.ca/vote/ to vote for United Way to receive a $10,000 donation from the Best Buy for Kids Program. Your vote helps improve the quality of life for children in our community.
more...

Enersource employees raise over $27,000 for United Way

Congratulations to employees at Enersource Corporation for their outstanding United Way campaign which raised more than $27,000.
more...

Wyeth Consumer Healthcare has its best campaign ever

This year employees from Wyeth Consumer Healthcare (a Pfizer Company) had their most successful United Way campaign ever, raising a whopping $45,965. In addition to a corporate gift of $20,000, employees raised an amazing $25,965 through various events and activities including raffles, jean days, a silent auction, and the best beard and mustache challenge.
more...

Come celebrate campaign success

Join us in honouring our volunteers and supporters as we celebrate the end of the 2009 fundraising campaign at United Way’s annual Community Achievement Celebration on February 4, 2010 at the International Centre in Mississauga.
more...

Wizard of Oz proceeds to support United Way

Enjoy a magical evening experiencing one of the greatest family musicals of all time while supporting our community. Take a trip down the yellow brick road this holiday season by purchasing tickets to see The Wizard of Oz, Broadway National Tour at the Living Arts Centre from January 1 to 3. 
more...

Last call for Spirit Award nominations

Time is running out as the deadline for Spirit Award nominations is fast approaching. Please click here to download a nomination form today. All nominations must be forwarded to Sue Mortimer at United Way of Peel Region by 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2010. Winners will be announced at United Way’s annual Community Achievement Celebration, taking place Thursday, February 4, 2010 at the International Centre in Mississauga.
more...

Dixie Outlet Mall donates to United Way

Stephen Gascoine, General Manager, Dixie Outlet Mall, presents a cheque for $1,500 to Edie MacEachern of United Way.
more...

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United Way asks for “radical generosity”


With just weeks to go in its 2009 fundraising campaign, United Way of Peel Region is facing the possibility of falling short of its $12.75-million goal. To help close the gap and preserve the vital network of more than 100 services it supports, United Way is asking Peel residents to demonstrate “radical generosity”. As of December 14, United Way has raised $7,517,025.

“Never has there been a greater need in our community for the services, programs and initiatives supported by United Way,” explains 2009 Campaign Chair Bob Johnson, President of Purolator. “Hundreds of thousands of people rely on this network of support every day. We’re asking everyone who possibly can to be radically generous — our community needs you!”

Through the Community Fund, United Way supports 104 different programs, services and initiatives in Peel that improve lives, strengthen families and children, and build vibrant neighbourhoods. Agencies funded by United Way provide vital services such as food for impoverished families, shelter for abused women and children, meals and social activities for isolated seniors, settlement services for newcomers, shelter and counselling for youth involved in family conflict, and assistance to individuals with disabilities.

This year, due to the economic crisis, more people than ever are turning to United Way-funded services. People from all walks of life and in many different circumstances count on the lifeline of support provided through United Way. For some it will be their first time. Donate today and help us ensure the support they need continues to be there for them.

How you can help:
Individuals and organizations interested in supporting United Way can do so through a variety of methods:

All donations received (or postmarked) by December 31 are eligible for a 2009 tax receipt.

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Hanging on in tough times


“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I’d ever have to use a food bank,” says Dawson Reid, 56. But when the plant where he worked stopped production, Dawson lost his job.

“I know it’s the season to be jolly, but I’m not feeling very cheerful,” he says. “It’s going to be a tough Christmas this year.”

Dawson takes part-time jobs cleaning and painting and his wife Patricia travels four hours a day by public transit to her factory job. Despite their efforts, they struggle to pay for the bare necessities. After rent and utilities, there isn’t much left. They turn to the Mississauga Food Bank, a United Way-funded agency, to help make ends meet.

“I don’t want our daughter to suffer,” says Dawson as he explains having to choose between either buying groceries or paying for a school trip for 9-year-old Natasha. It’s a grim decision.

“It gets so frustrating working and living from paycheque to paycheque,” says Patricia. “You get so tired but you just have to find a way to go on.”

The Mississauga Food Bank helps people go on. It serves 12,000 people each month through its more than 30 member agencies across Mississauga. It sources, warehouses, and distributes food valued at over $6 million per year. In addition, The Mississauga Food Bank supplies13 school breakfast programs, shelters for abused women and homeless teens, a meal program, two literacy programs and two addiction recovery programs.

Dawson keeps looking for work and copes with life one day at a time. Like so many others, he is hopeful that the economy will bounce back soon. In the meantime, the Mississauga Food Bank makes the struggle bearable.

“You never really appreciate these services until you really need them,” says Dawson. “I’m grateful to United Way and the Mississauga Food Bank for being here in our time of need.”

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United Way and Region invest in Peel’s youngest leaders


Eleven projects led and organized by youth in Peel are receiving $20,000 in Youth in Action grants jointly funded by United Way and the Region of Peel. The projects include community events that bring residents together, and workshops, day camps and retreats to educate youth or develop leadership skills. All projects aim to have a positive impact on local residents and improve the quality of community life. This is the first year of this grant opportunity for youth between the ages of 14 and 24.

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

“Youth leadership and activism is beginning to explode within Peel Region,” said Vanessa Mui, Co-Chair of the Youth in Action Review Panel and Executive Member of United Way’s Young Leaders Council. “They are passionate and ready to act on issues that deeply concern them and impact their community. We are excited to be working with them and harnessing their contagious energy.”

Click here to read our full news release.

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Get connected online


Join United Way in our online conversation about our community and what we’re doing to address social issues. Sign up on Facebook and Twitter, and then become a fan of our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn, see our photos on Flickr and watch our videos on YouTube.

back to index

Vote for United Way to receive $10,000 from Best Buy


Looking to make a difference this holiday season? Click here or visit http://www.bestbuy.ca/vote/ to vote for United Way to receive a $10,000 donation from the Best Buy for Kids Program. Your vote helps improve the quality of life for children in our community. Voting closes on December 22 at midnight. One vote per family is allowed
.
Many thanks to Best Buy for this terrific initiative!

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Enersource employees raise over $27,000 for United Way


Enersource United Way Committee:
Front Row (from left to right): Anne Marie Kurello (red shirt), Judy Pollard, Khorshed Merwan, Karen Ras, Catharine Katic and Nadine Ross
Back Row (from left to right): Sabrina Scott (white shirt), Michelle Pennell, Ravi Chetal, Cory MacMillan and Michael Murphy

Congratulations to employees at Enersource Corporation for their outstanding United Way campaign which raised more than $27,000.

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Wyeth Consumer Healthcare has its best campaign ever


United Way Campaign Chair Anthony Adeleye, Best beard and mustache challenge winner Marty Roche and Wyeth Consumer Healthcare President Suneet Varma.

This year employees from Wyeth Consumer Healthcare (a Pfizer Company) had their most successful United Way campaign ever, raising a whopping $45,965. In addition to a corporate gift of $20,000, employees raised an amazing $25,965 through various events and activities including raffles, jean days, a silent auction, and the best beard and mustache challenge.

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Come celebrate campaign success


Join us in honouring our volunteers and supporters as we celebrate the end of the 2009 fundraising campaign at United Way’s annual Community Achievement Celebration on February 4, 2010 at the International Centre in Mississauga.

Canadian tenor Michael Cuifo will perform at the “James Bond” themed event which is sponsored by Baxter Corporation. The evening will also include a cocktail reception, three-course dinner with Halal entree, and the Spirit Awards ceremony. Early bird tickets ordered by January 7 are $45 a person or $360 for a table of 8. Tickets ordered after January 7 are $50 or $400 for a table of 8.

Click here to download your order form. Fax completed order form to 905-602-3651 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . RSVP deadline is Monday, January 25, 2010

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Wizard of Oz proceeds to support United Way


Enjoy a magical evening experiencing one of the greatest family musicals of all time while supporting our community. Take a trip down the yellow brick road this holiday season by purchasing tickets to see The Wizard of Oz, Broadway National Tour at the Living Arts Centre from January 1 to 3.

Tickets start at $65 for adults and $40 for children under 12. When purchasing tickets use the promo code: UNITED and 20 per cent of the proceeds will be donated to United Way’s Community Fund.

To purchase tickets, visit www.livingartscentre.ca or call 905-306-6000 or 1-888-805-8888. And don’t forget to use the promo code: UNITED.

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Last call for Spirit Award nominations


Time is running out as the deadline for Spirit Award nominations is fast approaching. Please click here to download a nomination form today. All nominations must be forwarded to Sue Mortimer at United Way of Peel Region by 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2010. Winners will be announced at United Way’s annual Community Achievement Celebration, taking place Thursday, February 4, 2010 at the International Centre in Mississauga.

United Way Spirit Awards honour innovative and creative campaigns that promote team spirit and raise funds for our community. If you know of such a campaign, nominate it today.

For more information about the 2009 Spirit Awards you can visit our website at www.unitedwaypeel.org, call Sue Mortimer at 905 602-3644, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or contact your United Way representative.

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Dixie Outlet Mall donates to United Way


Stephen Gascoine, General Manager, Dixie Outlet Mall, presents a cheque for $1,500 to Edie MacEachern of United Way.

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In Summary


Follow United Way onTwitter

Become a fan onFacebook

Watch us onYou Tube

View our pictures onFlickr

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United Way at risk of falling short of its $12.75-million goal. We need your help!

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United Way and Region of Peel announce recipients of Youth in Action grants.

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Upcoming Events

Community Achievement Celebration
- February 5, 2010

Leaders on the Links Golf Tournament - July 5, 2010

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2011 Campaign Video

Check it out!