United Way Campaign Totals $26.5 Million to Help Children, Families and Seniors Across Metro Vancouver

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Feb. 25, 2015) - United Way of the Lower Mainland will put $26.5 million to work in the community to help 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 Scotiabank & United Way Community Spirit Awards. Grant McTaggart, a community leader, and Kathryn Young, Partner, Boyden, co-chaired the 2014/15 campaign.

"None of the critical work that we fund could happen without the hard work of our volunteers and the generosity and support of our donors. When you give to United Way, your dollars go to work right here in the community to help vulnerable children, families and seniors. 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.

The 14^th annual 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 the recognition event since its inception.

Burnaby's Byrne Creek Community School was featured at the event. Principal David Starr and student Margaret Anteros spoke about the importance of Burnaby's community schools in providing safe, caring after-school places for children. United Way funds community school initiatives in Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Surrey, and Vancouver.

About United Way of the Lower Mainland

United Way is a charitable organization established over 80 years ago to support families, children and seniors in need. We are leaders in our field developing partnerships, tracking progress, and bringing the right people together to make change. UWLM funds 150 agencies throughout the Lower Mainland to deliver more than 450 programs and services. Last year, we helped 400,000 people in the Lower Mainland. For more information, visit www.uwlm.ca.

2015 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.

• Scott Wilson, Vice President and Treasurer, Teck Resources. As Canada's largest base metals mining company, Scott embodies Teck's commitment to building healthy, vibrant communities where they operate. For 20 years, Scott has generously volunteered his time and expertise to help United Way make a difference for others including serving as 2013 Campaign Cabinet Co-Chair.

Teamwork Award. Recognizes the workplace campaign team that best includes management and union leaders resulting in increased donors or dollars. Winners:

• Spectra Energy
• TD Bank Group

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:

• Best Buy & Future Shop

Engage Award. Presented to the workplace campaign team that best engages employees throughout the organization resulting in increased donors or dollars. Winner:

• The City of Burnaby and its union, Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 23 (CUPE Local 23)

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:

• UPS and its union Teamsters Local 31

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. Winner:

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car

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:

• The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 402, representing the workers of the City of Surrey.