Media Advisory: United Way Awards, 2010 Fundraising Results Presented Wednesday, March 9, 2011

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - March 8, 2011) -

WHAT: Scotiabank & United Way Community Spirit Awards

WHEN: 7:15 a.m. to 9 a.m., Wednesday, March 9

WHERE: Grand Ballroom, Westin Bayshore Vancouver, 1601 Bayshore Drive

WHY: United Way of the Lower Mainland reveals 2010 fundraising results; presents campaign awards, innovative community program awards

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: 8:20 a.m. announcement of total 2010 campaign dollars raised.

Approximately 800 people will gather for breakfast on Wednesday, March 9 at the Westin Bayshore Vancouver to honour the thousands of volunteers and donors from many lower mainland workplaces who supported the 2010 United Way Campaign. United Way 2010 Campaign cabinet co-chairs, Professor Stephen J. Toope, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of British Columbia and Kevin Layden, President and CEO of Wesbild Holdings Ltd. will announce this year's campaign total. Dollars raised improve lives and strengthen communities throughout the region.

Meanwhile, three Lower Mainland social service agencies will be recognized with a Celebration of Community Award presented by Scotiabank. The Celebration of Community Award recognizes community supports that respond in innovative ways to changing social conditions.

• The South Asian Seniors Outreach Project run through DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society provides support to newcomer South Asian seniors in Surrey and the surrounding area. The program offers a safe and friendly way for local seniors to become connected through educational workshops and recreational programs, such as swimming and fitness.
• Simon Fraser University's Friends of Simon recruits, prepares and assigns Simon Fraser University students as literacy tutors in the Lower Mainland, particularly with newcomer students. Working with community agencies and schools, Friends of Simon offers tutoring support during after-school, Saturday and summer programs. Children increase their literacy skills through a range of activities, such as writing, drama, poetry, songs and creative movement.
• The Society for Children and Youth of BC's Child Rights Public Awareness Campaign was launched to educate parents, teachers, policy makers and others on what child rights really mean and why it is important to uphold them. The belief is that greater public awareness of child rights will lead to increased advocacy for children and adults, increased funding and services, and ultimately improved well-being for children and their families.