Spirit of compassion and generosity drives record achievement

A sold-out crowd of donors and volunteers burst into applause as United Way of York Region (UWYR) announced a record $9,537,000 achievement for its 2008 campaign.

The announcement, unveiled at the 2008 Campaign Celebration Jan. 29, represents a 5.9 per cent increase over last year's achievement.

"This is a testament to the resolve of our volunteers and donors," Court Carruthers, president of Acklands-Grainger and volunteer chair of the 2008 Campaign Cabinet declared. "We set an aggressive goal of $9.5 million in August, and then a global economic storm hit. But every single volunteer on the cabinet and the hundreds of volunteers in our accounts were determined to meet that goal to ensure that people in need can access the services they need. On behalf of the 2008 Cabinet, thank you."

"Simple, powerful and affirming," UWYR CEO Daniele Zanotti commented. "People want to help. People want to be sure their help is making a difference. People want to be part of a greater good. And in times when we will all need each other even more, residents, employees and companies across York Region gave even more."

"The record achievement is really the sub-heading," Zanotti added. "The headline, the real story, is York Region's spirit of generosity and its impact on people in our neighbourhoods. On behalf of the father in Maple now able to access employment support after being laid off, the family in Markham now able to manage the depths of their daughter's depression, the senior in Aurora now able to live independently, thank you. "

"There is a feeling of community spirit and optimism in this remarkable achievement," Mark Foerster, chair of the UWYR 2008/2009 Board of Directors and vice-president of group operations and claims for Munich Reinsurance Company, stated. "York Region's compassion delivers hope to the one in three residents who rely on United Way funded programs. On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you; to our volunteers, donors, corporate and community leaders and staff."

United Way of York Region presented 25 local organizations with Spirit Awards for outstanding campaign accomplishments.

John McLean 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 strong advocate for literacy skills enhancement, McLean has served and worked to improve the community for more than 24 years and is past-president of the board of directors for the Learning Centre for Georgina, as well as Jericho Youth Services, both United Way member agencies.

UWYR supports a network of 40 agencies, funding close to 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.