Barb Leavitt, president of Baxter Corporation and a leader in the healthcare products industry, is taking on a new healthcare challenge. As United Way of Peel Region’s 2010 Campaign Chair, she will help improve long-term health in the community where we live and work.

“I believe that by working together we can make a real difference in our community,” says Leavitt. “United, we can affect long-lasting change. That’s why I’m so proud and excited to be chairing the 2010 campaign.”

As Chair of the 2010 campaign, Leavitt will lead United Way’s Campaign Cabinet, a team of high profile volunteers who are leaders in our community’s corporate and public sectors, organized labour, and funded agencies.

“Barb’s extensive business and leadership experience combined with her dedication to improving the health of our community make her an excellent choice for the 2010 Campaign Chair,” says United Way CEO Shelley White. “It is a pleasure and a privilege to have her on board.”

Click here to read our full news release.

In honour of National Volunteer Week (April 18 to 24), United Way thanks the thousands of dedicated volunteers who help keep our organization running all year-round.

As a volunteer-led organization, United Way promotes and supports voluntarism and helps mobilize the caring power of our community. When people volunteer their time, energy and skills, they help our community thrive.

In 2006 United Way of Peel Region Board of Directors adopted the Canadian Code for Volunteer involvement as an integral part of operational practice for all staff and volunteers at UWPR. The code provides a philosophical framework for involving volunteers at the governance, leadership and direct service levels. It outlines the values, principles, and standards for effective volunteer practices.

Last year 2,128 people volunteered a total of 11,523 hours to United Way. Click here to read United Way’s thank you card to our volunteers.

Like most girls in her grade five class, 10-year-old Aaliyah Parks enjoys going to parties and having fun with friends. However, making and keeping friends is often difficult for her and party invitations are rare.

Aaliyah has Autism Spectrum Disorder, a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain. It is also a developmental disability where individuals have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and relating to others. Autism has a broad range or “spectrum” of symptoms that vary in severity and affect everyone differently. Those mildly affected are said to be high-functioning and on the high end of the spectrum. Those more severely affected are said to be on the low end of the spectrum. In Peel there are an estimated 10,000 people on the Autism Spectrum.

No one knows what causes autism, although there are several theories, and there is no cure. Aaliyah is high-functioning and verbal, but must work hard to learn the social skills that come naturally to most of her peers.

“It has been a real struggle and it takes a toll on the entire family” says Aaliyah’s dad, Torence Parks. “That’s why we really appreciate the programs and services offered at Brampton Caledon Community Living.”

Brampton Caledon Community Living (BCCL), an agency funded in part by United Way, supports individuals with developmental disabilities, in partnership with their families and the community, to lead enriched and meaningful lives. BCCL provides respite care for Aaliyah which allows the Parks family a few hours a week where they can focus on each other or other things in their lives. In addition, the agency also provides resources and programs that allow Aaliyah to learn and practice social skills in a safe environment, and enhance her confidence and community participation.

For now the Parks family take things one day at a time but they are relieved to know BCCL is there to help.

“Brampton Caledon Community Living just makes life a little bit easier,” says Torence.

Your donation to United Way’s Community Fund supports agencies such as Brampton Caledon Community Living that help Aaliyah and others who struggle with developmental disabilities, to become participating members of our community.

With a grant from Ontario Trillium Foundation, United Way of Peel Region is undertaking a community mapping process to get a better understanding of the strengths and gaps in services within Peel’s largest ethnic communities. The mapping process will be completed by United Way’s three advisory councils, Chinese, South Asian and the Black Community and will engage residents in interviews and focus groups. The information collected is intended as a valuable planning tool to help indentify where programs and services are most needed.

“Community mapping is a development tool that aims to tap into and expand the breadth of knowledge and experience in our community,” explains United Way CEO Shelley White. “It is also an opportunity for residents to work together to create a common vision for their community and develop programs and services to address needs, fill gaps and make their vision a reality.”

Community mapping builds on United Way’s ongoing efforts to engage and partner with Peel’s diverse population in building a healthy integrated community where everyone thrives.

Carl Oxholm, Steve Hall, Sue Ritchie, Bonnie Waterfield, Galina Szlapetis

Five United Way of Peel Region volunteers recently received Ontario Volunteer Service Awards in recognition of their ongoing commitment to United Way.

“We deeply appreciate the time, energy, and varied skills and expertise that all our volunteers bring to United Way,” said United Way CEO Shelley White. “They are truly the backbone of our organization.”

Three volunteers received 20-year awards:
Steve Hall, Director, Real Property Asset Management, Region of Peel.
In his long list of volunteer roles, Steve has had a major impact on United Way’s vision and leadership in the community. Currently, Steve is a member of our Campaign Cabinet. Other volunteer roles have included membership on the Board of Directors (including Board Chair in 2004), Leadership Giving Division, and the citizen review process.

Sue Ritchie, Manager Community Programs Unit, Human Services Department, Social Services Department, Region of Peel.
As the past chair and a current member of our Community Investment Cabinet as well as our 2010 Campaign Cabinet, Sue has given her time and energy to helping create a thriving community. In addition to her impressive work on our Community Investment Cabinet, Sue’s volunteer roles have included participation on our Board of Directors, Priorities Review Team and chairing the Policy Review Committee.

Bonnie Waterfield, Administrative Assistant, Family Transition Place.
Bonnie is our Community Investment Cabinet Chair and a member of our Board of Directors. She has been instrumental in solidifying United Way as a key community partner and indentifying the vision for building capacity in the sector. Bonnie’s other volunteer roles have included Chair of the Priorities Review working Group and the Review Committee for the Neighbourhood Development Funding Stream, Community Investment Advisory Group, and participation with the citizen review process.

Galina Szlapetis, Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs, AstraZeneca Canada Inc., received a 15-year award.
Galina joined United Way as a Citizen Review volunteer. Currently she is Chair of the Allocations Committee and a valued member of our Community Investment Cabinet.

Carl Oxholm, Partner PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, received a 10-year award.
Carl is currently the Vice Chair of our Board of Directors, a member of the Major Individual Giving Cabinet, and a member of the Campaign Cabinet. He chaired the campaign in 2006 and has also served as an Account Executive.

Youth in Peel with a passion for making a difference in our community can now apply for funding to help turn their dreams into reality. Through the Youth in Action grants program, offered jointly for the second year by United Way of Peel Region and the Region of Peel, funding of up to $2,000 each is available for youth-led projects. Individuals or groups of young people between the ages of 14 and 24 are encouraged to apply. A total of $20,000 is available.

“We encourage projects that support youth in becoming more involved in their community, empower youth leadership within neighbourhoods, and raise awareness about local issues,” says Nicole Dupuis, United Way’s Volunteer and Youth Engagement Associate. “By leading and implementing their own community projects, youth are empowered as emerging community leaders.”

The deadline for all applications is Monday, June 7th, 2010.

Information sessions will be held in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon during May. To obtain funding guidelines or to receive an application package, interested youth can contact Nicole Dupuis at 905-602-3622 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The guidelines are also available at www.unitedwaypeel.org.

Youth in Action grants are an initiative by United Way’s Young Leaders Council, a group of volunteers aged 20 to 35 who are dedicated to creating a legacy of spirited giving and volunteerism within our community.

Click here to read our full news release and learn eligibility criteria.

Collect pledges or make a donation to support United Way at the Mississauga Marathon taking place from Friday, May 14 to Sunday, May 16.

Make it a family outing by registering for the 2K Family Fun Run/Walk or make it a team effort with the Desjardins General Insurance 10K Student Relay or our Corporate/Team Relay Challenge. The multi-event weekend includes 8 different race or walk events which ensures there is something for every age and level of ability.

Support United Way and help create lasting social change in our community. Pledge forms can be downloaded at www.mississaugamarathon.com.

All proceeds designated to United Way through the Mississauga Marathon support our Community Fund which invests in services, programs and initiatives that develop resilient people, grow strong families, and build vibrant neighbourhoods and communities.

For information on how to register for the Mississauga Marathon or to learn about volunteer opportunities available, please visit www.mississaugamarathon.com or reach event coordinators at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at 905-949-2931.

Mark your calendar for United Way’s Annual General Meeting to be held June 11 at 7:30 a.m. at Lionhead Golf and Country Club in Brampton. The theme of this year’s event is “Building resilient communities.” In addition to a special guest keynote speaker, the meeting will include reports from CEO Shelley White, Board Chair Michelle Cole, and a presentation of financial statements from United Way’s treasurer Norma Trim. New board members will also be elected. More information on this event to come in upcoming issues of Way to Go.

How can you enjoy a relaxing day on the golf course and have a major impact on our community at the same time? Register today for United Way of Peel Region’s 19th annual Leaders on the Links golf tournament at Lionhead Golf and Country club in Brampton on July 5.

“All proceeds from our Leaders on the Links tournament directly support United Way’s Community Fund which invests in programs and services that improve lives and help our community thrive,” said United Way CEO Shelley White. “These programs, services and initiatives work together to provide a circle of care, tackling social issues from many different angles including; prevention, education, counselling and crisis intervention.”

Fees are $500 for a single golfer, $2,000 for a foursome and $2,300 for a combination of a foursome and hole sponsorship. Golf cart, locker, guest gift, on-course lunch, and three-course dinner are included. A silent auction will feature some fabulous items, including two airline tickets to anywhere in North America, donated by RBC Insurance.

Download the registration form at www.unitedwaypeel.org, complete form and fax to 905-602-3651 or mail to 5170 Dixie Rd, Suite 300, Mississauga, ON L4W 1E3.

Title sponsors for this year’s tournament are Deloitte, General Mills Canada Corporation, Purolator, RBC Insurance and Telus. There are still some great sponsorship opportunities available. To learn more, please contact Lesley Allison at 905-602-3629 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For more information on Leaders on the Links, visit www.unitedwaypeel.org or contact events manager Lin Ferguson at 905-602-3625 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We are also seeking additional items for the silent auction.

When he was 22, Robert Ditchburn lost touch with reality. He was consumed with thoughts that his coworkers were talking about him behind his back and that his employer was trying to harm him.

Alarmed by Robert's behaviour, his father took him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and given medication. Robert had joined the ranks of the 1 in 5 people in Canada who will personally experience a mental illness.

Robert returned to work two years later but relapsed when he stopped taking his medication. After a two-month hospitalization, Robert lost his job and feared for his future. He agonized over how he would get his life back on track.
More

May 13:
Day of Caring
May 14-16:
Mississauga Marathon
June 11:
Annual General Meeting
July 5:
Leaders on the Links Golf Tournament