United Way Campaign Totals $25.1 Million to Help 340,000 Children, Families and Seniors Across Metro Vancouver

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Feb. 25, 2016) -

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

United Way of the Lower Mainland will put $25.1 million to work in the community to help 340,000 children, families and seniors across Metro Vancouver. The money raised through the generosity of donors means that United Way can help move families from poverty to possibility, help kids be all they can be, and build stronger communities for all.

The campaign total was announced at the 15^th annual Scotiabank & United Way Community Spirit Awards. Kathryn Young, Partner, Boyden Global Executive Search, chaired the 2015 fundraising campaign. Mauro Manzi, Senior Vice-President, Pacific Region, TD Canada Trust, was the vice-chair.

"I was truly honoured to be asked to lead this year's fundraising efforts. What makes me passionate about United Way is that it takes a holistic, prevention-based approach to strengthening our community. I'm often surprised to learn that people don't realize that, in Canada, United Way is the second largest funder of social services after the government. The impact that United Way has on people's lives is remarkable," said Kathryn Young, Partner, Boyden Global Executive Search.

"We all share in the responsibility of creating neighbourhoods that we are proud to call home. Part of that responsibility is looking after our vulnerable. Thanks to the hard work of our volunteers and the generosity of our donors, United Way is able to help hundreds of thousands of people living right here in the Lower Mainland," said Michael McKnight, President & CEO of United Way of the Lower Mainland.

The gala recognized top donors, volunteers, unions and organizations that support United Way and that have made exceptional impacts on the lives of children, families and seniors in the Lower Mainland. Scotiabank has been the title sponsor of this recognition event since its inception.

Guest speakers were two African refugee families helped by Surrey's Early Years Refugee Settlement Program, funded by United Way of the Lower Mainland. The program helps children and their caregivers adjust and integrate into their new life in Canada.

United Way will be topping up its investment in the Early Years Refugee Settlement Program so that a drop-in program can be developed specifically to help young Syrian refugees. $80,000 has been earmarked for this early childhood program. Late in 2015, United Way launched an urgent fundraising appeal to help Syrian refugee families who are settling in the Lower Mainland.

CTV News at Six Anchor Mike Killeen and 94.5 Virgin Radio On-Air Host Nira Arora emceed the event.

2015 Spirit Award Winners

• President's Award of Distinction. United Way's most prestigious award honours individuals or corporations for their extraordinary service and commitment to helping build stronger communities.
  • Gwenne Farrell, Vice President, MoveUP. As Vice President representing the Utilities Group of MoveUP (formerly known as COPE 378), Gwenne is the primary political and union representative for over 4,000 British Columbia energy sector workers. Gwenne has been actively involved with United Way of the Lower Mainland for over 10 years as a Campaign Cabinet Member, Board Member and co-chair of the Board Labour Committee.

• Engagement Award. Presented to the workplace campaign team that best engages employees throughout the organization resulting in increased donors or dollars. Winner:
  • British Columbia Institute of Technology, B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union Local 703, BCIT Staff and Faculty Association, and United Steelworkers Local 2009

• Gen Next Award. Recognizes the workplace campaign team that most engaged all generations, especially Gen Nexters (people born between 1980s to the 2000s), resulting in increased donors or dollars. Winner:
  • TD Bank Group

• Growth Award. Presented by Spectra Energy, recognizes the workplace campaign team that had the highest percentage increase in the number of donors and dollars given to United Way. Winners:
  • Colligo Networks
  • Pacific Blue Cross and the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1816

• Innovation Award. Presented by Bell to the workplace campaign team that created the most innovative fundraising strategies and maintained or increased dollars given to United Way. Winner:
  • The City of Surrey, the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 402, and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1271.

• Labour United Award. Presented by United Steelworkers Union to a union and its members that exemplify commitment to community and to furthering the values shared by United Way and the labour movement. Presented to:
  • International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) District Lodge 250

• Teamwork Award. Presented by Penfolds Roofing & Solar to the workplace campaign team that best includes management and union leaders resulting in increased donors or dollars. Winners:
  • British Columbia Automobile Association and MoveUP

About United Way of the Lower Mainland

United Way helps families, children and seniors in need. We are leaders in our field developing partnerships, tracking progress, and bringing the right people together to initiate change. UWLM funds 150 agencies throughout the Lower Mainland to deliver more than 300 programs and services. To learn more, visit www.uwlm.ca.

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