Building community – one neighbourhood at a time

United Way’s Neighbourhood Development strategy supports resident-led initiatives and activities that address neighbourhood issues such as feeling safe, and a sense of belonging. Such projects include the annual Malton Neighbourhood Fesitival and the Mural project which encourages volunteerism, positive interaction and neighbourhood pride among residents. By bringing together residents, agencies and community partners, Peel becomes a better place for all of us.

“United Way invests in empowering residents to work together with a collective voice,” says Community Investment Manager Areeta Bridgemohan. “Once you give people the tools and opportunities to organize and advocate for themselves, they can apply those skills in any situation – and that’s sustainable change.”

When you support United Way, you provide opportunities for residents to connect and be involved in their neighbourhoods, making Peel a safer, better place to live, work and play.

Tremaine has a positive future

Tremaine Garrison and his family moved to McHardy Court when he was 12. At the time, he had few friends, little interest in school and poor grades.

A flyer that came in the mail led Tremaine to a United Way funded agency that provides social and recreational programs for neighbourhood youth. At the agency, Tremaine made friends, received guidance from youth mentors and was able to improve his grades. He soon became a volunteer at the agency and was later hired as a youth leader to mentor others.

“Without United Way funded programs, I may have fallen into the wrong crowd and ended up with a police record which would have limited my career options,” he explains. “The agency opened my eyes to so many opportunities and helped direct me towards a positive future.”

Today, Tremaine, 20, is a college graduate who works as a teacher’s assistant with the Peel District School Board and continues to volunteer as a youth mentor in his community.

Tim Bzowey: Showing support for our community

Tim Bzowey, Vice President, Property & Casualty - RBC Insurance, is delighted to serve as United Way’s 2011 Campaign Cabinet Chair. He has been a member of United Way’s Campaign Cabinet since 2009 and has a strong belief in volunteerism. He not only believes in supporting our community through dollars, he personally rolls up his sleeves and gives his time.

“I strongly believe companies and individuals have a genuine interest in doing their part,” he says.

Tim has served three consecutive terms as chair of the RBC Insurance workplace campaign while concurrently participating as an active member of the Ontario-wide RBC Charity Trust Campaign Cabinet.

Congratulations Jackie!

On April 5, 2011, Jacqueline Pereira was presented with the Citizenship & Immigration Canada Ontario Volunteer Service Award for 5 years of volunteer service with Spectra Community Support Services. Jackie has been the Receptionist and Office Assistant at United Way of Peel Region for seven years.

The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards honour the thousands of people who generously contribute their time as volunteers across Ontario.

We have moved

United Way of Peel Region is now located in the Sussex Centre in Mississauga At our new location, United Way will be part of an innovative concept in human care services — The Community Door. With locations in Brampton and Mississauga currently under development, the Community Door will provide shared space for local agencies to provide accessible, centralized services to individuals and families in Peel.

Our email and phone numbers remain the same. Our new address is 90 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Suite 408, PO Box 58 Mississauga, ON L5B 3C3

Here are some examples of the difference your donation to the Community Fund makes in neighbourhoods in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga:

$5 per pay ($260 per year) provides one child with a safe place to go after school for an entire year.

$5 per pay ($260 per year) provides support for 35 seniors to attend a gentle exercise program that enables them to stay physically able to remain living and aging in their own homes.

$10 per pay($520.00 per year) provides a friendly in-home visit or a daily telephone call offering companionship, friendly conversation and a vital safety check to 40 isolated seniors.

$15 per pay ($390 a year) provides breakfast for a student who needs nourishment to maintain concentration, improve social behaviour and ability to learn.

$15 per pay ($390 a year) funds a homework club that provides access to computers, peer support and mentors for children and youth in their community.

$15 per pay ($390 a year) provides weekly leadership opportunities for one youth in a high risk neighbourhood.

$20 per pay ($520 per year) provides 50 hygiene kits to clients living in poverty.

$24 per pay ($624 per year) provides 6 people with an intellectual disability the opportunity to participate in a weekly activity in the community.

$40 per pay ($1,040 per year) matchs a child with a carefully screened adult mentor to provide friendship and guidance for 1 year.

$40 per pay ($1,040 per year) provides one-time assistance to 100 immigrant families so that they can settle and begin productive lives in Canada.

$50 per pay ($1,300 per year) enables 400 unemployed newcomers to participate in a Job Search Program.

$56 per pay ($1,456 per year) provides information sessions once a month for one year to newcomers on important topics that will help them make informed decisions about their settlement.

$60 per pay ($1,560 per year) enables 15 women who were victims of abuse and domestic violence to participate in an 8-week support group with their children to enhance their life skills and learn about a wide range of community services.

April 28, 2011 - Free Legal Clinic

May 14-15 - Mississauga Marathon

June 2 - Day of Caring