Campaign Update December 22: We need your help

United Way of Peel Region’s 2011 Campaign is at 57 per cent of the $13.93-million goal. United Way is asking you, the residents of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga, to unite and give generously to support your friends and neighbours, the men, women and children in our community who are struggling.

Every dollar donated to United Way’s Community Fund supports programs and services that hundreds of thousands of people from our community depend on every day. Your donation 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 vital programs, services and initiatives that will make a maximum impact and ensure Peel is a thriving community for everyone.

Every gift makes a difference. Please give generously by donating online at www.unitedwaypeel.org or call 905-602-3650.

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

Community impact: Newcomers

Did you know...

• 33 per cent of Peel’s recent immigrants live in poverty. This is three times the poverty rate of the non-immigrant population.
• 44 per cent of recent immigrants to Peel have a Bachelor Degree or higher.
• On average, 22,000 recent immigrants settle in Peel each year.
• 60 per cent of newcomers do not end up working in the same occupational field as they did before coming to Canada.
• Research indicates the settlement process for newcomers and immigrants can take as long as 10 years.

Peel has the largest and fastest growing immigrant population in Canada. In 2010 your donations to United Way of Peel Region assisted 44,649 newcomers and immigrants by supporting vital settlement and other social programs and services for adults, youth and seniors. United Way invests in agencies that not only help newcomers settle but also provide ongoing programs and services to assist immigrants with issues such as intergenerational conflicts, adjusting to different roles for men and women, as well as maintaining employment and coping with financial difficulties. United Way funds:

• English classes
• Translation and assessment of foreign credentials
• Job training through volunteer opportunities
• Mentorship programs
• Recreational and social activities for seniors, and
• Culturally appropriate counselling and crisis intervention for youth and their families

United Way partners with local agencies and collaboratives such as the Peel Newcomer Strategy Group to ensure newcomers and immigrants of all ages and ethnicities are able to fully participate in our society. United Way believes everyone plays a role in creating resilient individuals, strong families and a thriving community.

To learn more about Peel Newcomer Strategy Group visit www.peelnewcomer.org.

Peel Results Based Accountability Report launched

Over 150 community leaders gathered at St. Paul’s United Church in Brampton on December 12 for the launch of Peel Counts – a community based report that focuses on the importance of
measurement to achieve a better quality of life for Region of Peel residents. Peel is only one of a handful of communities in the province focusing on measurement, also known as Results Based Accountability (RBA). Over the last 12 months, United Way of Peel Region and Region of Peel engaged community agencies, service providers, businesses and residents around the demand for human services and the most impactful data to measure community wide-positive change. The results from those stakeholder sessions helped inform the community data and actions outlined in the Peel Counts report.

The report is intended to be the springboard for community wide conversations and the development of specific measurable actions. It is these actions that will be monitored, measured and will guide the future role of community wide stakeholders in achieving positive social change in Peel. For the United Way of Peel Region and the Region of Peel those action plans will influence the role played individually and collectively as funders who invest millions of dollars within the community.

For more information on Peel's nine priority populations and issues and to read the full report, visit www.peelcounts.ca

Pratt & Whitney reaches new heights with campaign

Senior draftsmen Bryan Bond and Marty Gorospe lead an entertaining  game during a fundraising bake sale.

Congratulations to employees at Pratt & Whitney Canada for running an amazing United Way workplace campaign. In Ontario participation rates were up by almost 40 per cent which helped them raise a total of $100,663! Popular fundraising events included a silent auction and bake sale. The campaign ran from October 11 to the 21. Overall Pratt & Whitney Canada employees and retirees donated over $1.3 million to United Way Centraide's annual campaign. Thank you Pratt & Whitney Canada for your support.

Whirlpool exceeds goal

The “Hamburger Pumpkin” carved by Whirlpool’s Portables/New Business Development department was judged the most creative.

Employees at Whirlpool Canada united and gave generously to support our community by raising more than $105,000 during their 2011 United Way workplace campaign. exceeding their goal by $20,000.

Fundraising events that created great team spirit included a pumpkin carving contest, department snack carts, a slow cooker cook off and raffles. Congratulations to Whirlpool for an outstanding 2011 campaign.

$130 will provide 90 new immigrants with group orientation information on Canadian laws concerning housing, employment and parenting.

$260 provides support counseling to 26 immigrant families to help them overcome barriers to effective integration into Canadian society.

$364 provides a newcomer with job search workshops so that he or she can secure the gainful employment necessary to support their family.

$520 provides 52 families with vital information on community services to help them with their initial settlement in Brampton.

$650 will enable over 200 unemployed newcomers to participate in the in a Job Search Program.

$780 provides materials for a weekly volunteer facilitated English conversation group so that newcomer seniors can practice speaking English in day-to-day situations.

$1,040 will provide one-time assistance to over 100 immigrant families to help them settle and begin productive lives in Canada.

$1,456 provides monthly information sessions for one year to newcomers on important topics that will help them make informed decisions about their settlement.

Feb. 9 - Community Achievement Celebration