Young Woman Who Triumphed Over Bullying Thanks Donors: Community Leaders Honoured at United Way 2012 Pathfinders Dinner

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Oct. 25, 2012) - Fatima, a 2nd year criminology student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, has an easy smile and sunny confidence that belies the tough challenges she faced in high school. She was relentlessly bullied - her possessions thrown in the garbage, her hand clamped in a welding machine, ready to be burned.

Now Fatima helps others develop the skills and courage to counter bullying or to not be bullies themselves. Fatima was able to triumph through the support and guidance offered by the United Way-funded Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC.

At the 2012 Pathfinders Dinner, Fatima thanked donors directly for making a difference in her life. The annual event recognizes donors who contribute $10,000 or more to United Way of the Lower Mainland.

United Way also recognized four exceptional Pathfinders at the dinner. For their contributions to United Way and to our community, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals were presented to:

• Yuri Fulmer: Mr. Fulmer, Chair of the United Way of the Lower Mainland, is a passionate community leader. His dynamic entrepreneurship and committed volunteerism garnered him the Order of British Columbia in 2011, the Province's highest honour.
• Tom Malone: Over 18 consecutive years, including six years on the Board and one as board chair, Mr. Malone has been extremely dedicated and passionate about the work of United Way. He won the United Way Canada/Centraide Chair's Award of Distinction in 2008 and the 2005 CFL Commissioner's Award.
• Dr. Saida Rasul: Dr. Rasul's commitment to volunteerism began at the age of eight in South Africa. She has served on the boards of the BC Children's and Women's Hospitals, Simon Fraser University and United Way where she chaired the board and co-chaired the annual fundraising campaign.

The 2012 Joseph and Rosalie Segal United Way Community Vision Award was presented to:

• Mrs. Mary Jordan: For more than 30 years, Mrs. Jordan fostered critical United Way initiatives that help children between the ages of zero and 12 get the best start in life. Mrs. Jordan is an extremely thoughtful, proactive and generous philanthropist.

The Joseph and Rosalie Segal Award recognizes an individual or family for their outstanding commitment to the betterment of our community through leadership and support of United Way.

The reception at the United Way Pathfinders dinner was sponsored by Odlum Brown Limited. Randene Neill, Global BC Anchor of News Hour Final, generously emceed the event.

About United Way of the Lower Mainland

United Way is a charitable organization established more than eighty years ago to support those in need in Metro Vancouver. Today, we are dedicated to creating healthy, caring and inclusive communities by breaking the cycle of poverty, helping school-aged children make the right life choices, and supporting seniors to age with dignity. By raising millions of dollars each year, mobilizing the commitment of community leaders, investing in innovative research and programs, and raising our voice for progressive social policy, United Way acts as a catalyst for change.