United Way Labour Award of Distinction Goes to International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), Local 963

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - March 29, 2012) - United Way of the Lower Mainland has presented its annual Labour Award of Distinction to the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), Local 963. The Union represents members employed by the Vancouver School Board in the areas of facilities and student support.

The award recognises about 1000 IUOE members for their active support of the United Way Campaign over many years. Contributions and participation in the Union's campaign have steadily increased over the past few years.

The Labour Award of Distinction is presented to a union and its members that have demonstrated a commitment to community and to furthering the values shared by United Way and the Labour Movement.

At the same event, it was announced that more than $28.6 million has been raised by United Way of the Lower Mainland's 2011 campaign, which will go towards supporting partnerships and prevention-based programs to address key social issues such as child poverty, bullying and seniors' social isolation.

The announcements were made at the annual Scotiabank and United Way Community Spirit Awards, where donors and organizations who helped United Way reach this goal, were honoured. The Scotiabank and United Way Community Spirit Awards, sponsored by Scotiabank, were held in Vancouver, on Thursday, March 29.

In his tribute to the United Way's partnership with the Labour Movement, United Way President & CEO Michael McKnight said this year's winner of the Labour Award of Distinction was a perfect example of how unions and the United Way come together to strengthen lives and build stronger communities.

United Way of the Lower Mainland prevents social problems. Working with 160 community partners, the organization funds almost 500 prevention-based programs each year to create a better future for children and seniors.