December 6, 2016
The City of Toronto announced another record fundraising total of $1.65 million in support of United Way Toronto & York Region at an event held today at The 519 community centre. City employees surpassed their annual campaign fundraising goal, set at $1.35 million for 2016, for the 16th consecutive year. This year's total represents the highest amount ever raised by the Toronto Public Service and is a four percent increase over the previous record total of $1.58 million established in 2015.
"On behalf of City Council, congratulations to the Toronto Public Service on another extraordinary 2016 campaign," said Mayor John Tory. "Every year, our employees’ work for the United Way contributes to building stronger communities and a better Toronto. The money raised during the campaign will help hundreds of thousands of people by creating opportunity for young people and helping newcomers get settled in Toronto. Thank you for your support for the United Way."
City Manager Peter Wallace, who serves as a member of the United Way Toronto & York Region Campaign Cabinet, remarked, "We have achieved another outstanding fundraising total through the generosity of our staff, unions and associations. Many Toronto residents rely on the good work and the outstanding services the United Way provides, and I am proud of The Toronto Public Service for its overwhelming support for this initiative."
"Through the work of countless volunteers and City staff, we have again exceeded our fundraising target and, for the sixteenth straight time, raised more than one million dollars for the campaign," said campaign co-patron, Deputy City Manager John Livey.
Campaign co-patron Maureen O'Reilly, President of Toronto Public Library Workers Union CUPE Local 4948, noted, "The United Way invests in the communities in which City employees live and work. By continuing to raise funds and awareness, United Way agencies are better able to offer hope and possibilities to those who are most vulnerable."
This year's employee campaign saw record-breaking staff participation rates in events such as the civic run (a 5 km and 2 km walk/run), the civic gala and various workplace-based fundraising efforts. With formal support from City unions and associations (CUPE Local 79, CUPE Local 416, the Toronto Professional Fire Fighter's Association, Toronto Public Library Workers Union CUPE Local 4948 and COTAPSA), staff held about 250 special events across work locations to help raise funds.
The Toronto Public Service was joined in its campaign by the many agencies, boards and corporations including Toronto Public Library, Toronto Zoo, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Toronto Parking Authority and Exhibition Place.
Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit
http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.
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Media contact: Eric Holmes, Strategic Communications, 416-392-2708, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
