Vaughan raises record amount for United Way

Dec. 13, 2016 12:00 a.m.

​City staff contribute more than $100,000 to the annual campaign

Each year, the City of Vaughan runs an employee campaign to support the United Way. This year’s theme was Together Vaughan Cares and for the first time, a committee was set up to encourage staff to make a difference in the community and beyond by donating to the program. This year, the City has set a new record raising $80,700.40 to support the agency that provides vital resources to Vaughan residents.  

In a special presentation at Council today, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council presented a cheque to United Way Toronto and York Region president and CEO Daniele Zanotti. Supporting the mission to move this city forward without leaving anyone behind, the Mayor committed an additional $25,000 from the money raised at the Mayor’s Gala and the Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua Annual Charity Golf Classic to bring the total donated to $105,700.40.

The majority of the money came from staff donations. Also, a number of innovative and educational fundraising events were held in October and November to boost fundraising efforts. Some of this year’s activities included:
  • An art mosaic wall created by City staff
  • The I’m Thankful campaign where employees expressed their gratitude to each other with thank you cards and treats
  • A speaker series featuring inspirational stories from people who receive support from the United

In 2017, City staff will be starting a United Way GenNext campaign – this is a program for young professionals in their 20s and 30s to engage them with the United Way and build life-long support. 

QUOTE
 
“This donation is a testament to the generosity of our employees who truly understand the power of giving back. There are social needs in our growing community that have to be addressed and we are all contributing to making Vaughan a better place for everyone by supporting United Way Toronto and York Region. I am immensely proud of our staff and their commitment to an organization that is dedicated to making a positive difference by helping those who need it most. By working together, we are building a more inclusive and just society.”
-Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
 
QUICK FACTS
 
  • The City of Vaughan United Way committee set three goals for 2016 – 20 per cent increase in participation, 20 per cent increase in total giving and 20 per cent increase in Leadership Level giving – and achieved all three.
  • Payroll donations accounted for $61,278.40 and staff-led events raised $19,422.
  • Events included a Halloween costume competition, porchetta lunch, holiday basket sales and a pool tournament.
  • United Way Toronto and York Region support last year had a profound impact in our community:
    • More than 5,800 children and their families took part in programs geared at helping to raise healthy kids – physically, mentally, socially and emotionally
    • More than 8,000 education and job training sessions were provided to newcomers, helping them settle into their new home
    • More than 664,000 meals were served to people who are homeless and 92,000 nights of shelter that provided a safe place to sleep

LEARN MORE  

  • United Way Toronto and York Region webpage
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