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2- The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday September 10, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com United Way aims high for its hometown By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Despite a federal election, economic uncertainty and shortfalls in its last two campaigns, the United Way of Oakville (UWO) kicked off its 2008 campaign yesterday -- aiming not only for an increased goal, but to surpass it. "Let's hit it out of the ballpark," said former mayor Ann Mulvale, who, prior to being mayor, headed up the UWO. Today, Mulvale is back as the UWO's campaign cabinet chair for 2008. Joining Mulvale in announcing the $3.4 million goal for 2008, was new board chair Jill Yousie and Pierre Morrissette, president and CEO of The Weather Network's Pelmorex Media Inc., who loaned The Weather Network's offices for the kickoff event. "It is very important to support the communities in which we do business and in which my employees live and work. I have learned, over the years, that United Way is a very efficient way to do that," said Morrissette, an Oakville resident who moved his company to town in 2005. Increasing efficiency -- as it challenges residents to dig deeper to assist their neighbours in need -- is something the UWO is demonstrating it is doing. The UWO fell short of its 2007 campaign goal by approximately $100,000. It invested $2.1 million into the local community, raising just more than $3 million overall. In 2006, the UWO aimed to raise $2.25 million locally and realized $2.15 million. RON KUZYK / OAKVILLE BEAVER KICKOFF 2008: Umbrellas spelled out the 2008 campaign goal of the United Way of Oakville at the kickoff yesterday at the offices of The Weather Network, attended by a host of dignitaries, agency representatives and business people, including, from left, UWO board chair Jill Yousie, 2008 campaign cabinet chair Ann Mulvale, CEO Barbara Burton and Pelmorex Media Inc. (The Weather Network) president and CEO Pierre Morrissette. It continues providing funds to support more than 30 local social service agencies and 60 different programs. The UWO has been in town for more than 50 years and is the largest funder of social services outside of government. "We are all very optimistic entering into this campaign. Never before have we had this level of community support. With our generous donors, a strong committed board, an enthusiastic group of volunteers and supportive agencies, I know that together we can achieve this goal," said Yousie. With national campaign materials adapted to Oakville's campaign and the changes, as well as printing, covered by SOCS Retail Solutions and Genworth Financial Canada, respectively, the UWO is making good on reducing its own costs. Outside of a decrease in administrative costs -- from 11 to eight percent -- achieved in the last year, the UWO is aiming to reduce its fundraising costs by seeking new sponsorships -- as evidenced in the support it received for its campaign material and Pelmorex's support of the kickoff event. Though the UWO has extended its recent campaigns, in bids to meet its goals, this year's campaign will return to its roots and wrap up by Dec. 9, before the Christmas rush. Mulvale introduced the 2008 campaign slogan as "One town, one heart, one way." "Mayor (Rob) Burton is wearing a button that says `I love Oakville.' I want you to prove it," said Mulvale, at the podium of the kickoff, whose 100 attendees included the mayor, numerous local councillors, business people and social service agency representatives. Outlining her own experiences as a youth with family issues in post-war England and no United Way to look to for help, to the support she and her family received at the time of her late husband Peter's death, in a community that had a United Way, Mulvale challenged the crowd to get on board. Despite economic uncertainty, Mulvale challenged those who do have a secure income to think how easily they could find themselves in the shoes of a senior Oakville resident losing a spouse of many years; a child whose family can't afford extracurricular activities or maybe even breakfast or a good night's sleep; one of the 250 families affected by the recent Polywheels closure; those who had been counting on income from working the now-cancelled third shift at Ford of Canada; or, those dreading when the next retirement/buyout package is coming. FourFloors of Showrooms NOW OPEN. Sales · Service · Leasing End of Summer Savings · Durham · Canadel · Leathercraft · Brunetti View our inventory online at www.pfaffoakville.com 9 Porsche 911's 2 Porsche Boxster's 1 Porsche Cayman S 7 Porsche Cayenne Sport Utilities 4 Mercedes-Benz · B &G Furniture · Vogel · Buhler · Superstyle · Gibbard · and more! Proudly supporting Canadian Manufacturers Pfaff Oakville (905) 469-8854 1-2416 Wyecroft Road Oakville, ON www.pfaffoakville.com 217 Lakeshore Road East Downtown Oakville Since 1953 www.swissinteriors.com 905.844.3530 While the campaign is aiming for $3.4 million, not all of that goes to Oakville agencies. The overall campaign goal also includes donations that come in earmarked for nonUnited Way agencies, and United Ways in other communities. Mulvale said the manufacturing sector, while it often raises much cash for the United Way, can see a good portion of it directed outside the community as many employees who work in town, direct their donation to the United Way of the community in which they live. Countering that, are the donations made by those who work outside of Oakville, who direct their dollars back here. UWO CEO Barbara Burton, admitted it can get complex. What isn't complex is the good the UWO achieves through the agencies it funds. A video from Acclaim Health and its Friendly Visitor Program that was shown at the kickoff, featured a senior. "After 62 years I lost my husband. Life wasn't much fun anymore. The volunteers from Acclaim made it fun," she said. The UWO funds agencies including: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton, Canadian Hearing Society, Halton Multicultural Council, Halton Family Services, Community Living Oakville, Oakville ParentChild Centre, Halton Trauma Centre, The Women's Centre, Transitions for Youth, Oakville Literacy Council and more. Yousie said the UWO now focuses on four priorities: strengthening families with a focus on children and youths, new Canadians and family support; supporting independence and well-being in seniors; supporting those in crisis with a focus on addictions, violence, abuse and mental illness; and, promoting self-sufficiency in individuals with a focus on literacy, hunger relief and mental health. "Poverty, homelessness and mental health issues affect Oakville though they may not be as visible as in other communities," said Yousie, noting the focus on the four priorities "allows us to better serve the greatest need in Oakville." The next major UWO fundraising event will be the Winston Park Challenge on Sept. 24 with significant sponsorship from Levitt-Safety Limited. To learn about the UWO or to how to give, call 905-8455571, ext. 235 or visit www.uwoakville.org.