December 8, 2015
The City of Toronto announced a record fundraising total of $1,580,000 in support of United Way Toronto & York Region at an event held today at the St. Lawrence Hall. Having set a goal of $1,300,000, this is the fifteenth year in a row that City of Toronto employees have exceeded their fundraising goal. This year's total represents an eight per cent increase over last year's fundraising total of $1.466 million.
"On behalf of City Council, I commend the Toronto Public Service on an outstanding campaign," said Mayor John Tory. "You are great examples of a city that cares."
City Manager Peter Wallace added, "Our campaign could only have reached this record amount with the support of our staff, unions and associations. The Toronto Public Service has shown true dedication to helping those who are less fortunate in our community."
"Staff have once again exceeded expectations with an increase of 10 per cent in new donors over last year, made possible by the work of countless volunteers," said Campaign co-patron, Deputy City Manager John Livey.
Campaign co-patron and Toronto Public Library Workers Union CUPE Local 4948 President Maureen O'Reilly added, "This tremendous result is because many City employees work directly with United Way agencies to serve those in need in our communities and they see the importance in supporting the great work United Way does."
This year's employee campaign had record-breaking staff participation rates in events such as the Civic Run a 5km walk and 2km run, the Civic Gala, and various staff workplace fundraising efforts. With formal support from all 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 organized 250 special events across work locations.
The Toronto Public Service was 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. 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: Chris Fernandes, Strategic Communications, 416-397-5211, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
