Youth encouraged to volunteer close to home 0 Comments | Comment Now
By John Bkila
The Mississauga News
February 22, 2009
Students learned about Volunteer MBC (Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon), that connects young people with other not-for-profit organizations that meet the volunteer's particular interests.
"Through volunteering, we can direct the individual to their passion," said director, Carine Strong, who was also the keynote speaker at the event.
"If they're doing something they love, it won't feel like work," she added.
During the day an awards presentation was held to recognize the achievements of some of Peel's volunteers, including Daniel Francavilla, 18.
"I wasn't expecting it," said Francavilla, a first-year university student at the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD). "I think it's great to be recognized, but it's not without a team effort."
While in grade 10, he founded a not-for-profit charity organization called ACCESS, which gives children in developing worlds a chance at an education.
Telling others it's never very difficult to get involved, Francavilla had this advice for new volunteers.
"Start locally. Volunteer at your school or church and with your friends," he said. "Youth doing something good always gets attention, but starting small that's the key."
The event was funded by Ontario Trillium Foundation and Rapport Youth & Family Services, a not-for-profit community agency providing counseling and support services to youth in Peel.
Published article available at www.mississauganews.com/article/24288''
February 22, 2009
More than 200 young people from across Peel were inspired to change the world yesterday at an event encouraging them to volunteer in their communities.
The third annual Youth Can Move the World Symposium, held at Mississauga Secondary School, taught young people the biggest changes start by working within their own neighbourhoods.
"I think it's important for our youth to think and act locally - changing the focus from across borders, to down the street from our house," said Louroz Mercader, event coordinator. "Youth have so much potential. We need to harness their ideas and energies."
The day included seminars explaining the importance of social, environmental and economic sustainability and a luncheon where participants had the chance to sit down and talk with close to 25 community leaders, from politicians to executive directors of organizations in Peel.
"We also have a fair with 38 agencies from around Peel who are offering meaningful volunteer opportunities to our youth," said Mercader. "This is another chance for participants to introduce themselves and get to be a part of agencies that help their communities."
The third annual Youth Can Move the World Symposium, held at Mississauga Secondary School, taught young people the biggest changes start by working within their own neighbourhoods.
"I think it's important for our youth to think and act locally - changing the focus from across borders, to down the street from our house," said Louroz Mercader, event coordinator. "Youth have so much potential. We need to harness their ideas and energies."
The day included seminars explaining the importance of social, environmental and economic sustainability and a luncheon where participants had the chance to sit down and talk with close to 25 community leaders, from politicians to executive directors of organizations in Peel.
"We also have a fair with 38 agencies from around Peel who are offering meaningful volunteer opportunities to our youth," said Mercader. "This is another chance for participants to introduce themselves and get to be a part of agencies that help their communities."
Louroz Mercader with Mayor Hazel McCallion
Photo by Andrew Ly
"Through volunteering, we can direct the individual to their passion," said director, Carine Strong, who was also the keynote speaker at the event.
"If they're doing something they love, it won't feel like work," she added.
During the day an awards presentation was held to recognize the achievements of some of Peel's volunteers, including Daniel Francavilla, 18.
"I wasn't expecting it," said Francavilla, a first-year university student at the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD). "I think it's great to be recognized, but it's not without a team effort."
While in grade 10, he founded a not-for-profit charity organization called ACCESS, which gives children in developing worlds a chance at an education.
Telling others it's never very difficult to get involved, Francavilla had this advice for new volunteers.
"Start locally. Volunteer at your school or church and with your friends," he said. "Youth doing something good always gets attention, but starting small that's the key."
The event was funded by Ontario Trillium Foundation and Rapport Youth & Family Services, a not-for-profit community agency providing counseling and support services to youth in Peel.
Louroz Thanks Community for Supporting 2008 United Way Campaign 0 Comments | Comment Now
"In a difficult year, your compassion gives hope. Thank you for your generosity. Without you, there would be no way." - Louroz MercaderFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2009
United Way campaign reaches its second-highest achievement
MISSISSAUGA — Despite some of the worst economic news in years, organizations and individuals from across Peel came together in an outpouring of generosity, helping United Way raise $12,517,812 in its 2008 campaign, United Way CEO Shelley White said today at the campaign wrap-up celebration at the Pearson Convention Center.
“We were faced with tremendously challenging economic conditions in 2008,” White said. “I’m so proud of everyone in our community. They dug deep, driving United Way to the second-highest campaign achievement in our history.”
Last September, United Way announced an aggressive campaign goal of $13.5-million, aware of the rapidly growing needs in Peel region. However, the economic turbulence of the past weeks and months sent many individuals and companies reeling.
“We knew we were going to face challenges in the 2008 campaign, but no one expected them to be of the magnitude we experienced,” said Campaign Chair Sean Smith, President of IKON Office Solutions. “Given these extraordinary economic times, we are calling this campaign a tremendous success.”
The money raised in the 2008 campaign support a wide variety of services, programs and initiatives in Peel. This includes a network of 118 programs in more than 50 local social service agencies, community partnerships such as Success By 6 Peel, and grants to support neighbourhood development and social purpose enterprise.
“We know that there is still much work to be done and we expect 2009 to be even more challenging,” said United Way Board Chair Joseph Palumbo. “As the economy continues to worsen, we know that more and more people will turn to agencies supported by United Way. Our first commitment is to provide stable funding for these agencies. It’s in hard times such as these that we show what we’re made of. I am convinced that by working together we can face the tough times ahead.”
United Way of Peel Region was established in 1967 and serves the communities of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga. Through its Community Fund, United Way invests in services, programs and initiatives that develop resilient people, grow strong families, and build vibrant neighbourhoods and communities. The mission of United Way of Peel Region is to engage with our community, through partnerships, to ensure people are cared for, connected and included.
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Media Contact:
Liz Leake
Director, Communications & Marketing
(905) 602-3624
Louroz Helps select 2008 Spirit Awards winners for United Way 0 Comments | Comment Now
February 5, 2009
United Way of Peel Region announces 2008 Spirit Award winners
MISSISSAUGA — United Way of Peel Region today announced the recipients of the 2008 Campaign Spirit Awards at its 2008 Community Achievement Celebration held at the Pearson Convention Center in Brampton.
“The Spirit Awards honour outstanding and inspirational campaigns that demonstrate team spirit while raising funds for United Way,” said United Way CEO Shelley White. “Despite difficult economic times, our community came together and helped us raise a total of $12,517,812, the second highest achievement in our history.”
The following organizations received Spirit Awards:
Best First-Time Campaign:
Presented to first-time workplace campaigns that demonstrate outstanding participation.
Winners: Daimler Trucks North America, Mississauga; Teradata Canada, Mississauga; and Citi Cards, Mississauga
Outstanding Joint Union-Management Campaign:
Winners: Daimler Trucks North America, Mississauga; Teradata Canada, Mississauga; and Citi Cards, Mississauga
Outstanding Joint Union-Management Campaign:
Presented to both public and private sector joint union and management campaigns that best exemplify teamwork and leadership.
Public SectorWinner: Peel Regional Police and Peel Regional Police Association
Private Sector Winners:
Public SectorWinner: Peel Regional Police and Peel Regional Police Association
Private Sector Winners:
ESAB Group Canada Inc., Mississauga and United Steelworkers Local 9042;
Samuel, Son & Co., Mississauga and the United Steelworkers Local 6398; and
Canada Post Corporation, Mississauga and Canadian Union of Postal Workers, Public Services Alliance of Canada, Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association, Association of Postal Officials of Canada.
Outstanding Agency Campaign Award:
Samuel, Son & Co., Mississauga and the United Steelworkers Local 6398; and
Canada Post Corporation, Mississauga and Canadian Union of Postal Workers, Public Services Alliance of Canada, Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association, Association of Postal Officials of Canada.
Outstanding Agency Campaign Award:
Presented to a United Way-funded agency that has exceptional participation in its employee United Way campaign.
Winners: Canadian Mental Health Association/Peel Branch (locations in Brampton and Mississauga); Caledon Community Services, Caledon; and Catholic Cross-cultural Services (locations in Brampton and Mississauga).
Best National Employee Campaign:
Winners: Canadian Mental Health Association/Peel Branch (locations in Brampton and Mississauga); Caledon Community Services, Caledon; and Catholic Cross-cultural Services (locations in Brampton and Mississauga).
Best National Employee Campaign:
Presented to an organization that runs an exceptional national campaign and has the greatest increase in participation and/or dollars raised. To be eligible, organizations must be headquartered in Peel and have locations across the country that run a coordinated campaign.
Winners: Baxter Corporation, Mississauga; and Wells Fargo Financial Corporation Canada, Mississauga.
Outstanding Corporate Campaign Award:
Winners: Baxter Corporation, Mississauga; and Wells Fargo Financial Corporation Canada, Mississauga.
Outstanding Corporate Campaign Award:
Presented to a corporation that excels in many areas of corporate support.
Winners: The Pepsi Bottling Group (Canada) Co., Mississauga; GE Canada, Mississauga
Speakers’ Bureau Award:
Winners: The Pepsi Bottling Group (Canada) Co., Mississauga; GE Canada, Mississauga
Speakers’ Bureau Award:
Presented to a member of the United Way Speakers’ Bureau who is an outstanding ambassador and public speaker.
Winner: Bill Bates, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel volunteer.
Outstanding Leadership Giving Campaign Award:
Winner: Bill Bates, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel volunteer.
Outstanding Leadership Giving Campaign Award:
Given to organizations that conduct an exemplary Leadership Giving Campaign. A leadership donor gives more than $1,000 annually to United Way.
Winners: City of Mississauga; IKON Office Solutions Inc., Mississauga
Outstanding Employee Campaign Award: Presented to the workplace campaigns that show an outstanding increase in employee participation and achieve excellent results.
Winners: Whirlpool Canada LP, Mississauga; General Mills Canada Corp., Mississauga; and GlaxoSmithKline Inc., Mississauga.
‘It’s Your Say’ Spirit Award for Youth:
Winners: City of Mississauga; IKON Office Solutions Inc., Mississauga
Outstanding Employee Campaign Award: Presented to the workplace campaigns that show an outstanding increase in employee participation and achieve excellent results.
Winners: Whirlpool Canada LP, Mississauga; General Mills Canada Corp., Mississauga; and GlaxoSmithKline Inc., Mississauga.
‘It’s Your Say’ Spirit Award for Youth:
This award recognizes the vital importance of involving young people in United Way’s work of building a strong and vibrant community for everyone. It is presented to both a secondary school and an elementary or middle school that raises awareness of United Way in its campaign and engages the local community.
Winners: Kindree Public School, Mississauga; and Bramalea Secondary School, Brampton.
Pacesetter Award:
Winners: Kindree Public School, Mississauga; and Bramalea Secondary School, Brampton.
Pacesetter Award:
Presented to an organization that takes the lead by making a written commitment to support United Way prior to the public launch of the campaign.
Winner: General Mills Canada Corp., Mississauga.
Chair’s Award of Merit:
Winner: General Mills Canada Corp., Mississauga.
Chair’s Award of Merit:
This award honours an organization that has gone above and beyond their traditional support for United Way.
Winner: The Pepsi Bottling Group (Canada) Co., Mississauga.
Spirit Award winners were selected by the following panel of judges: United Way Board member Louroz Mercader; CEO Shelley White; Resource Development Director Ted Fauteux; Labour Community Services of Peel Labour Director Susan Mortimer; Sandy Milakovic, Executive Director, Canadian Mental Health Association/Peel Branch; Angela Stevens, Canada Post and member of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers; and Sharon Whelan, Bantrel.
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Media contact:
Liz Leake, Director, Communications & Marketing
(905) 602-3624
Winner: The Pepsi Bottling Group (Canada) Co., Mississauga.
Spirit Award winners were selected by the following panel of judges: United Way Board member Louroz Mercader; CEO Shelley White; Resource Development Director Ted Fauteux; Labour Community Services of Peel Labour Director Susan Mortimer; Sandy Milakovic, Executive Director, Canadian Mental Health Association/Peel Branch; Angela Stevens, Canada Post and member of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers; and Sharon Whelan, Bantrel.
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Media contact:
Liz Leake, Director, Communications & Marketing
(905) 602-3624
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