PowerStream Donates More Than $156,000 to United Way

VAUGHAN, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 4, 2012) -

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

An outstanding 2011 employee campaign was acknowledged as being a key factor in PowerStream donating a record-setting amount of $156,852 to the United Way as officials from both organizations gathered today for a cheque presentation ceremony at the electricity distribution company's head office.

Participating in the cheque presentation ceremony were Frank Scarpitti, PowerStream's Board Chair and Mayor of the Town of Markham; Dennis Nolan, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services, PowerStream and co-Chair of company's 2011 United Way Campaign; Daniele Zanotti, CEO, United Way of York Region; Tammy Lowe, Campaign Manager, United Way of York Region and Rosslyn Junke, Campaign Manager, United Way of Greater Simcoe County.

This latest donation to the United Way, an increase of almost 27 percent from the $123,726 the company contributed following its 2010 campaign, easily surpassed the previous PowerStream campaign record total of $130,904 set in 2009.

"PowerStream employees through their efforts during the 2011 United Way campaign demonstrated a tremendous understanding of what it truly means to give back to the communities in which they live, work and play," noted Mayor Scarpitti. "Their contribution to the success of this year's campaign is a testament to the quality of people that we have working in the organization."

As in previous years, PowerStream's 2011 United Way campaign fundraising got underway with the company's annual golf tournament. The 2011 tournament, held in September, generated more than $75,000. An additional $80,000 was raised through payroll deductions, weekly "Jeans Days", internal silent auction, 50/50 draws and corporate matching.

"PowerStream strives to be a leader in corporate social responsibility," added Nolan. "Through initiatives like our United Way campaign we are able to provide a helping hand to those who are less fortunate, improving their quality of life and giving them hope for the future."

PowerStream is a proud supporter of United Way organizations in both York Region and Simcoe County. Since 2004, annual employee campaigns at PowerStream and its predecessor utilities collectively have raised more than $750,000 for the United Way.

About PowerStream

PowerStream is the second largest municipally-owned electricity distribution company in Ontario, providing service to more than 335,000 customers residing or owning a business in communities located immediately north of Toronto and in Central Ontario. The communities served include Alliston, Aurora, Barrie, Beeton, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Markham, Penetanguishene, Richmond Hill, Thornton, Tottenham and Vaughan. PowerStream is jointly owned by the City of Barrie, the City of Vaughan and the Town of Markham.

About the United Way of York Region

Established in 1976, United Way of York Region is a registered charity uniting people and resources to improve our communities. United Way identifies community priorities and works with partners to take action, supporting a network of 100 critical programs across the region's nine municipalities.

About the United Way of Greater Simcoe County

United Way is one of the largest non-government sources of social service funding in Simcoe County. Over 80% of funds donated to United Way of Greater Simcoe County are raised in the workplace, most through payroll deduction programs. More than 150 employers in Simcoe County support their community through United Way.

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