September 19, 2014
The Toronto Public Service today announced its United Way fundraising goal of $1.25 million at an event held at David Pecaut Square. The event also featured a talent show by civic employees. City officials were joined by representatives of City unions and associations. The Toronto Public Service United Way campaign is jointly led by union and management. Leaders from four other large municipal sector organizations – Toronto Hydro, Toronto Community Housing, Toronto Police Service and Toronto Transit Commission – also attended in support of the United Way effort.
The launch of the City's United Way Employee Campaign was held on the final day of Toronto Public Service Week, which recognizes and celebrates the value of the services City employees provide to the businesses and residents of Toronto.
"We are grateful to United Way Toronto for the collaboration they provide in meeting the needs of our vulnerable residents," said City Manager Joseph Pennachetti. "The work we do together results in residents being better served and urgent needs being met."
An example of a collaborative initiative is Foodshare, a United Way Member agency, which worked with Toronto Public Health, Municipal Licensing & Standards, City Planning and Tower Renewal to develop the Mobile Good Food Market, providing residents of eight low-income Toronto neighbourhoods with access to affordable and healthy food. City divisions also worked closely with United Way agencies to create the Rexdale Community Hub, which provides health, legal, social and employment services under one roof.
"Our support of this campaign demonstrates the core values of the Toronto Public Service: service, stewardship and commitment," said Deputy City Manager and Campaign Co-Patron John Livey. "Our employees are engaged with the local community – not only by providing outstanding service to Toronto residents as part of their job, but by giving back to the broader community."
"Many City employees work directly with United Way agencies to serve those in need in our communities," said CUPE 79 President and Campaign Co-Patron Tim Maguire. "Our staff see the positive impact of United Way's work."
Contributions to United Way Toronto can provide shelter for abused women, provide a newcomer with pre-employment training opportunities, enable at-risk youth to participate in educational and recreational school programs or counselling sessions, or provide adults with physical or mental disabilities a chance to participate in programs to help them to live independently and stay engaged in the community.
The Toronto Public Service is joined in its campaign by the following agencies and corporations: 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. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. 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.
- 30 -
Media contact: David Clark, Strategic Communications, 416-392-7542, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
