Region receives award from United Way

For the second year straight, York Region has been awarded the Community Fund Spirit Award at the recent 2008 United Way Campaign Celebration Ceremony.

This honour is awarded to the organization that raises the most money for the United Way of York Region Community Fund, which funds 100 social service programs, delivered by 40 member agencies.

The Region and York Regional Police concluded their most successful United Way staff campaigns ever, surpassing a $225,000 goal and raising more than $238,000 for 2008.

"This is a tremendous honour for The Regional Municipality of York," said Regional Chairman Bill Fisch. "York Region staff can be truly proud of this accomplishment and our role in helping people in need across our nine area municipalities."

York Region's staff campaign committee encouraged their peers to give to the United Way through payroll donations and by participating in many fund-raising events, including a three-pitch softball tournament and an online silent auction and barbecue.

"York Region employees take great pride in their involvement and success of our annual United Way staff campaign," said Regional CAO Bruce Macgregor. "Staff are to be commended for achieving this accolade and for stepping up efforts to respond to the needs of others."

"The Regional Municipality of York fosters an environment of giving back to the community through volunteer service and employee financial giving," said York Regional Police Chief Armand La Barge. "The annual United Way Campaign is an important and integral part of our staff culture."

The United Way of York Region surpassed its 2008 goal of $9.5 million, raising $9,537,000.

"Once again York Region employees have responded in a big way to people and communities in need," said United Way of York Region CEO Daniele Zanotti. "York Region employees are to be applauded for their efforts and commitment to the success of our annual campaign."

The United Way of York Region is the largest source of non-profit funding in York Region. Each year, this foundation assists more than 270,000 people overcome difficulties through the support of more than 100 community programs.