Regional News
October 04, 2008 08:28 PM
Chris Traber
Thursday was United Way of York Region’s 16th semi-annual Day of Caring.
And care they did.
Organized as part of United Way Week, the day links corporate volunteers to non-profit organizations in need of help with projects.
More than 150 volunteers from 12 York Region corporations took part in 15 Day of Caring projects, ranging from preparing meals to painting shelters.
Organizations receiving hands-on help included the York Region Food Network, Yellow Brick House, Sandgate Womens’ and Blue Door shelters, CHATS Richmond Hill, Canadian Red Cross, Pathways and York Centre for Children, Youth and Families and Family Services of York Region.
The declaration of United Way Week by York Region’s municipalities is an invitation to every member of the community to get involved, United Way of York Region community campaign chairperson and York Region Media Group publisher Ian Proudfoot said.
“The employees who have come out to volunteer for Day of Caring today have answered that invitation wholeheartedly and are working together with United Way of York Region to make our communities better places for us all,” Mr. Proudfoot said.
“This day demonstrates better than most how United Way of York Region unites people and resources to improve our communities. We truly can achieve the remarkable together,” United Way community involvement senior director Jim Russell said.
United Way of York Region supports about 100 programs delivered by 40 member agencies in York.
Its community fund focuses on five priority areas, including supporting those who have mental health challenges, providing services for newcomers and immigrants, preventing domestic violence and abuse, addressing issues of affordable housing and homelessness and promoting literacy.
Staff from regional businesses spread across York to lend a helping hand.
Participating enterprises included, Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, CGI Group Inc., FM Global, Johnson & Johnson Medical Products and Vision Care, Lexmark Canada Inc., PowerStream Inc., Southwire Canada, State Farm Insurance, Town of Richmond Hill, Victaulic Company of Canada and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
Acklands-Grainger Inc. donated paint and supplies needed for a number of projects.
The 2008 United Way campaign hopes to collect a record $9.5 million by December.
To learn more about supporting the campaign, call 905-474-9974 or visit
www.unitedwayyorkregion.com