August 18, 2008: Markham, ON: York Region’s rapid growth is the drive behind United Way of York Region’s aggressive 2008 community goal of $9.5 million, a 5.5% increase over last year’s record achievement.

Court Carruthers, President of Acklands Grainger Inc. and volunteer Chair of the 2008 Campaign Cabinet, states that, “For the last six months, our volunteer Cabinet of 22 business leaders from the region’s leading companies have met at United Way funded programs across the region: a classroom at the Welcome Centre in Vaughan, to a Markham drop-in program for homeless youth. We have seen the impact every donation to United Way of York Region makes. We have analyzed the statistics of unprecedented growth in municipalities across York Region. We are committed to keeping our region vital with a strong social service network … for all residents.”

Cabinet Vice Chair, Ian Proudfoot, Publisher, York Region Media Group, observes that “The United Way campaign is like no other. No other annual drive inspires thousands of volunteers and tens of thousands of donors across our sprawling region, connecting residents, industry leaders, and people on the front line in a common cause. No other annual drive shows, so visibly and intensely, what York Region residents already know. We are remarkable - together.”

UWYR CEO Daniele Zanotti affirms “For every person involved in reaching this $9.5 million target, the goal is something more than a number. It’s counselling for a family in crisis. It’s employment training for a laid-off father. It’s a day program for a son with developmental and intellectual challenges or food and shelter for a newcomer family unable to make ends meet. Our commitment to raise more each year is always and only to ensure that we are able to invest more in local services and keep apace with the rapid growth and constantly changing face of our communities.”

In 2007, UWYR distributed nearly $6.6 million to charitable organizations, with a record $5 million invested in close to 100 vital community programs addressing local priorities. The remainder was distributed to United Ways in other communities and other charities as directed by individual donors. UWYR’s cost effectiveness ensures that 83 cents of every dollar is invested directly into programs, a much improved ratio over the standard Canadian benchmark of 74 cents per dollar.

United Way of York Region focuses resources where the need is highest and will have the greatest impact. They fund programs offered through member agencies targeting the region’s five identified priority issues: helping people struggling with mental health problems; providing services for newcomers and immigrants; giving safe refuge and healing to victims of abuse; helping address issues of affordable housing and homelessness; and promoting literacy through training and support.

The 2008 Campaign was launched at the Toromont CAT Dragon Boat Festival in support of United Way of York Region on August 16th at Seneca College King Campus. A record 39 teams vied for the coveted Toromont CAT Cup, and raised $166,000, a 50% increase over last year.

David Wetherald, Vice President of Human Resources and Legal at Toromont CAT declared “What a remarkable way to kick off this region-wide campaign. We are honoured to be here today and thankful that we are able to support an organization that makes our communities a better place for all of us.”

A special thank you to the Dragon Boat Festival sponsors:
Title: Toromont CAT
Founding: AMD Inc.
Silver: Rogers Communications
Bronze: Rubicon Food Products Ltd.