United Way of York Region surpassed its campaign target

United Way of York Region (UNYR) set an ambition goal for its fundraising campaign, and met it with points to spare.

The target was announced at the annual Dragon Boat Festival in King in August, and was set at $9 million. United Way announced last week the final tally came to $9,004,321.

"I am thrilled to say we exceeded a very bold $9 million fund-raising goal this year," declared Michael Hortie, president of Motorola Canada, and volunteer chair of the 2007 Campaign Cabinet. "From the outset, we were determined to do our absolute best to make sure people in need have an opportunity to access services close to home."

"We put some serious social realities on the table this year, putting a face on priorities like mental health, domestic violence and poverty," commented UWYR CEO Daniele Zanotti. "We've also shown how stretched our social service network is across a sprawling region. Our volunteers, donors and residents across York Region heard the message and responded. This achievement will increase our investment in neighbourhood services."

"We all have reason to be proud of York Region's geographic, economic and demographic diversity," Hortie added. "But across the Region's nine thriving municipalities there are some harsh realities; families are turned away from overcrowded emergency shelters; children who need mental health support are put on waiting lists; and issues facing the working poor continue to mount."

United Way of York Region supports a network of 40 agencies, funding 100 vital social service programs. The UWYR Community Fund focuses on five priority areas: Supporting those who have mental health challenges; Providing services for newcomers and immigrants; Addressing domestic violence and abuse; Tackling issues of affordable housing and homelessness; and Promoting literacy.

More than 400 dedicated volunteers and donors joined to celebrate their accomplishments at the 2007 Campaign Achievement Celebration at Angus Glen Golf Club Jan. 31. At that time, UWYR presented 27 York Region organizations with Spirit Awards for outstanding campaign accomplishments.

Mary Haffey was named Volunteer of the Year and presented with the Douglas E. Lear Award. The award is sponsored by UWYR in association with Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. A long-time volunteer in York Region, Haffey has held senior volunteer posts with UWYR and Pathways for Children, Youth and Families of York Region, a United Way member agency.

Plans for 2008 are already underway.

Hortie announced Cabinet Vice-Chair Court Carruthers, president of Acklands-Grainger Inc., will be the 2008 Campaign Cabinet Chair. Ian Proudfoot, vice-president and regional publisher of York Region Media Group and a member of the 2007 Cabinet, will assume the role of vice-chair.

UWYR also extended thanks to its sponsors for the year, including the title sponsor Motorola Canada Limited; gold sponsors Acklands-Grainger Inc., Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, IBM Canada and State Farm.