United Way of York Region set fund-raising record in its campaign

United Way of York Region (UWYR) is celebrating a record $8,550,000 campaign.

The 2006 campaign total surpassed the previous year's campaign by 12per cent.

More than 350 supporters gathered at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham Thursday for the 2006 Campaign Celebration Achievement Dinner.

"This has been an incredible year for United Way of York Region thanks to our extremely dedicated volunteers and generous donors," volunteer campaign cabinet chair David Barnes, vice-president of advertising, sponsorship and communications with American Express, commented. "Our 2006 goal was $8 million, and it is incredibly rewarding to surpass that by over half a million dollars!"

Rahul Bhardwaj, UWYR CEO said the key to success in 2006 was an improved understanding of human care needs in York.

"United Way of York Region works with a broad range of stakeholders," he remarked. "We have cultivated strong relationships with all levels of government, business, labour, industry, community groups and residents."

The 2006 campaign results reflected an impressive 46 per cent growth over four years.

"I believe the growth is an indication that York Region residents are gaining a real understanding of the issues our communities face and the solutions that United Way provides," Bhardwaj said. "Agencies providing human service programs are under constant pressure to meet growing demands for services. Population growth and changing demographics make their job extremely challenging."

Amex Canada and its employees organized a record setting campaign in 2006, raising more than $560,000. Barnes observed this was the first campaign in United Way of York Region's history to surpass the half million dollar mark.

"I have been extremely pleased to serve as chair of the United Way campaign cabinet for the past two years, and it is personally rewarding to see my company and my colleagues set an outstanding campaign achievement," he added.

Michael Hortie, president of Motorola Canada Ltd., will serve as campaign cabinet chair in 2007 and 2008.

Bhardwaj is leaving his position as UWYR CEO at the end of January to join The Caldwell Partners International as a Partner.

"Rahul has worked diligently with agencies and stakeholders to enhance the community profile and understanding of United Way," UWYR Board Chair John Rogers, CAO of the Town of Aurora, commented. "We are very sorry to see Rahul move on, but he has built a strong team and a solid platform to enable us to continue our work in uniting people and resources to improve the quality of life in York Region."

"I look forward to my new challenges and opportunities, however I have thoroughly enjoyed my tenure at United Way of York Region," Bhardwaj said. "I look forward to maintaining contact with the many wonderful people that I have worked with throughout York Region."

Volunteer of the Year

United Way's 2006 Volunteer of the Year is Denise Cartier.

Cartier was awarded the Douglas E. Lear Award for demonstrating exemplary service to the community in the human services field.

The Douglas E. Lear Award is sponsored by the Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, which provides a $1,000 award to the recipient's United Way of York Region agency of choice. Cartier identified Victim Services of York Region.

Spirit Awards

United Way of York Region also recognized organizations that demonstrated outstanding support to the community through their 2006 employee campaigns.

United Way of York Region supports 39 human care agencies delivering more than 100 critical programs. Funds are directed to five priority areas: affordable housing and homelessness; domestic violence and abuse; literacy; mental health; and newcomers/immigrants.