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United Way extends campaign to reach $3.6-M goal By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF 3 · Thursday, December 10, 2009 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com In recessionary times not seen since the Great Depression, the United Way of Oakville (UWO) has achieved 95 per cent of its 2009 campaign goal of $3.6 million. And with just $180,000 left to raise, the UWO will extend its campaign until the end of January 2010. "We will not give up on our 2009 campaign just as the United Way-funded services do not give up on people," said the UWO Campaign Cabinet Chair Ann Mulvale. The campaign extension was announced as the UWO celebrated its campaign success -- and the efforts of the volunteers, donors and companies that contribute -- at a Community Achievement Celebration breakfast Wednesday morning at the International Union of Operating Engineers banquet hall. While numerous worthy recipients were recognized for their efforts, dedication, contributions and more, Mulvale herself was handed the Lloyd Duncan Memorial Award for Outstanding Volunteerism. Campaign Chair Tim Johnston noted the former United Way of Oakville executive director, former Oakville mayor and outgoing campaign chair truly exemplified this year's UWO campaign motto, one heart, one town, one way. "The campaign is a success for achieving 95 per cent of goal in the worse economy since the Great Depression, but together we will get to goal," said Mulvale. To date, the UWO 2009 campaign has raised $3,416,000 -- $180,000 short of its goal. It was the only United Way in the GTA to meet its campaign goal in 2008 -- and UWO CEO Barbara Burton admitted it just managed to do so, coming in $123,000 over. Mattamy Homes employee Victoria Hayes offered a personal testimonial to the work of the 31 United Way-funded social service agencies. With her eight-year-old son Spencer, a local Grade 4 student, at her side, Hayes NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER UNITED: Ann Mulvale, recipient of the United Way of Oakville's Lloyd Duncan Memorial Award for Outstanding Volunteerism, poses for a picture with guest speaker Victoria Hayes, and her eight-yearold son Spencer at the United Way's Community Achievement Celebration at the International Union of Operating Engineers Banquet Hall Wednesday morning. recounted a personal story of escape from an abusive relationship and the extensive counselling and rebuilding of her life she experienced with assistance from Halton Family Services. "I remember looking at my counsellor one day and asking, `Will I ever feel better again?' She said, "One day you will be better than you ever were.'" As Hayes stood at the podium microphone sharing her story before a crowd of 150 people, she said that day had come -- and received a round of resounding applause from those in attendance. "I put myself out there because I truly, truly believe the United Way gave me and my son a second chance at life," said Hayes. The UWO funds 31 local agencies that work to support the people of Oakville in need. That need may surface through a job loss, marital breakdown, illness or other unforeseen circumstance. The UWO-funded agencies are often the places people must turn when life takes a detour. The UWO campaign -- which raises the funds to support the agencies -- often comes from the efforts and donations of those who are not in a position to need the services -- employees, workplaces, those who are grateful their life is good. Wednesday's celebration not only officially announced the results of the 2009 campaign, but tipped a hat to those who made it possible. Picking up a Spirit Award for the Winston Park Challenge was AMEC, while Mattamy won the challenge. The UWO Agency Division Award went to Community Living Oakville, which realized a 34 per cent increase in donations this year. Best Buy won the Business Division Award, while Glenburnie School won the Education Division Award and Mattamy Homes won the Manufacturing Division Award. Mattamy matches its employee donations and when the fundraising fell a little short of its goal, company president Peter Gilgan topped it up to achieve the $100,000. The Region of Halton picked up the Public Service Award and O'Connor MacLeod Hanna won the Service Division Award. Halton Region employee Helen Choat won Outstanding Employee Campaign, while the Outstanding Campaign Volunteer Award was given to Gerry Popp, former president of the Oakville Chamber of Commerce, who has diligently pitched the UWO fundraising need to local companies, said Mulvale. Pethealth Inc. was recog- "I truly, truly believe the United Way gave me and my son a second chance at life." Victoria Hayes nized for Best New Employee Campaign and Mattamy was recognized for Best Campaign, while loaned representatives Anita Fabac from Halton Region and Robin Garell from Community Impact were also recognized. "Many people in Oakville will be touched by your generosity and for that we are truly grateful," said Johnston. Mulvale said the UWO and the agencies to which it contributes are a way of saying to local people, "I will walk with you until you feel better." "It's not about the United Way, it's about the community," said Mulvale. While many may have less to contribute, or nothing at all if they or their spouse has lost a job, and companies may have fewer employees and reduced profits to draw on, Mulvale said the UWO has decided it will continue to push to reach its goal. If it doesn't, waiting lists for services could grow, others may not access a service and that is not acceptable to the UWO or the community. Mulvale likened the UWO to the backing on a tapestry. She said if it gives up so close to reaching its campaign goal, the picture will be incomplete. "Together, we will get to goal," she said. For more information about UWO, the agencies it funds, or how to make a donation, visit www.uwoakville.org or call 905-845-5571. Inside Opinion............................................6 Auto...............................................13 Kids................................................16 Travel.............................................17 Sports.............................................18 Classified........................................21 For home delivery & customer service call (905) 845-9742 Mon., Tues. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed., Thu., and Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (open for calls only after 5 p.m.) Closed Sat. and Sun. 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