United Way Campaign Totals $27 Million to Help Children and Seniors Across Metro Vancouver

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - March 11, 2014) -

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

United Way of the Lower Mainland will put $27 million to work in the community to help children and seniors across Metro Vancouver. Considering that one in four seniors live alone in Metro Vancouver putting them at risk of isolation, that one third of children in Grades 4-7 are bullied or bully others, and that one in five children in BC live in poverty (most right here in the Lower Mainland), the money raised through the generosity of donors will truly be put to good use.

The campaign total was announced at the Scotiabank & United Way Community Spirit Awards. Rudy Kerklaan, Vice-Chairman, Connor, Clark & Lunn Private Capital Ltd., and Scott Wilson, Vice President & Treasurer, Teck Resources Limited, co-chaired the 2013/2014 campaign.

"Through the generosity and support of our donors, and hard work of thousands of volunteers, United Way is able to put dollars to work throughout the Lower Mainland to build stronger communities and to tackle key social issues facing our communities, like child poverty, bullying and senior isolation. We are all working together to change people's lives for the better," said Michael McKnight, President & CEO of United Way of the Lower Mainland.

United Way of the Lower Mainland funds 150 agencies throughout the Lower Mainland in 26 communities delivering almost 450 programs and touching the lives of 300,000 people.

The 13^th annual gala recognized top donors, volunteers and organizations that support United Way and that have made exceptional impacts on the lives of children and seniors in the Lower Mainland. Scotiabank has been the title sponsor of the recognition event since its inception.

2014 Scotiabank & United Way Community Spirit Awards: 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.

• Professor Stephen Toope. The President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of British Columbia is a significant contributor and generous donor to United Way. He embodies UBC's vision of advancing a civil and sustainable society by generously donating his time, resources, and expertise to help United Way build stronger communities.

Celebration of Community Awards. Presented to a group or individual for the impact they have made in helping children and seniors within the Lower Mainland:

• Aunt Leah's Place - Cooking Club and Fresh Food Program. Aunt Leah's Place helps at-risk moms on their journey to self-sufficiency. The Cooking Club and Fresh Food Program, funded by United Way, ensures moms can access and learn how to cook healthy food for themselves and their children so that children can get the best possible start in life.

• Canadian Red Cross - Beyond the Hurt Program. The Beyond the Hurt program, funded by United Way, trains adults and youth to deliver effective anti-bullying workshops in schools throughout the Lower Mainland. The program has received a BC's Ministry of Justice, Crime Prevention and Community Safety Award. By investing in programs like this, United Way helps children grow up to be happy, healthy and resilient young people.

• Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry - Supporting Seniors' Independence Through Personal Planning Program. This program funded by United Way helps seniors plan for a time when they may not be able to take care of themselves, especially if they're alone. The non-profit organization provides personal planning information specializing in Representation Agreements. Nidus is the only community-based resource in Canada devoted to personal planning. By investing in programs like this, United Way helps seniors age with dignity.

Spirit Awards

• Labour Award of Distinction: Recognizes a union and its members that demonstrate a commitment to community and to furthering the values shared by United Way and the Labour Movement.

• Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).
  
  

• Community Champions Award. The award goes to workplace campaign teams that maximize giving potential.

• Connor, Clark & Lunn Financial Group (small organization);
• Bull, Housser & Tupper LLP (medium organization);
• BMO Financial Group (large organization).
  
  

• Greatest Impact Award. The award is presented to organizations that achieve extraordinary percentage increases in employee participation and in dollars raised for United Way.

• Western Stevedoring, Coast2000 Terminals (a subsidiary of Western and ILWU) (small & medium organization)
• British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) and COPE Local 378 (large organization)
• Canadian Border Services Agency (public sector)
  
  

Leading the Way Award. Presented to the team that motivates their peers to contribute personal gifts of $1,000 or more.

• McCarthy Tétrault LLP
  
  

About United Way of the Lower Mainland

United Way is a charitable organization established over 80 years ago to support those in need in Metro Vancouver. United Way of the Lower Mainland is dedicated to creating healthy, caring and inclusive communities by breaking the cycle of poverty, helping school-age children make the right life choices, and supporting seniors to age with dignity.

To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20140311-UnitedWay0311.jpg.