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UWO $4.3M campaign goal can transform local lives by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff 5 | Thursday, September 17, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The CEO of United Way Oakville (UWO) says he believes the local community is "fully capable" of pulling together to help the organization reach this year's $4.3-million fundraising campaign goal. "It's an ambitious goal, but the Oakville community has stepped up for us every year, so we're confident we can achieve it," Brad Park told the Oakville Beaver Tuesday (Sept. 15) afternoon during the UWO campaign kickoff. Despite this year's campaign losing its secondlargest corporate contributor, Mattamy Homes, which recently moved its local headquarters to Toronto, Park says the increase in the 2015 fundraising goal is reflective of what he believes can be raised in Oakville. Last year, UWO's campaign goal of $4 million was surpassed with the community collecting $4.25 million. "...We're going to have to try and replace those dollars," said Park, admitting it will be a challenge. "But I believe the community is fully capable. We are the seventh-most generous community as far as United Way rankings go. "We are seventh in the country in per capita/ giving, meaning this community really steps up," he noted. This year's campaign kickoff once again included the annual bus pull challenge -- now Oakville Hydro Transformers won the challenge during the United Way Oakville (UWO) bus pull challenge and campaign kickoff at Winston Park Tuesday. Pictured, from left, Neil Sadler, Mike Springer, Hanoi Lopes, Brandon Potter, Cody McMullin, Kishen Pais, Jordan Neal, and Jason Crawford pull with all their considerable might. For more photos from the day, visit www.insidehalton.com/halton-photogallery. | photo by Nikki Wesley ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) in its fifth year. The day's blistering heat didn't keep 20 teams -- and more than 250 people from the business, labour, government and non-profit sectors -- from facing off against one another, pulling two Oakville Transit buses at the Winston Park Complex and raising more than $13,000 towards UWO's goal. It was the team from Oakville Hydro that placed first in the challenge with a time of 30.43 seconds, dethroning last year's winner, Team GE Water Warriors. Halton Region's emergency services were represented by members of the Halton Regional Police, Halton Tactical Rescue Unit and Oakville Fire. Town of Oakville councillors and Mayor Rob Burton also braved the heat to test their buspulling skills at the challenge. "You can't help but notice the incredible team mentality when you're watching this event," said Park. "Everyone here has so much heart, we feel lucky to have such strong champions come together for the United Way." UWO funds 32 local human- and socialservice agencies, which support more than 34,000 people in Oakville. "At United Way, we bring people together to create a community that is healthy and prosperous...," said Rob Lister, UWO 2015 campaign chair and president and CEO of Oakville Hydro, Tuesday. "No other organization has the same depth, reach, and history of making a difference in the lives of others. "Together, we are possibility," he added, echoing UWO's motto of helping people move "from poverty to possibility." For more details on the UWO campaign or to donate to the cause, visit uwoakville.org. I WILL HEAR INJURED? I Can Help! BETTER THIS YEAR Complimentary hearing tests and consultations of your hearing aids, regardless of where you purchased them Free Clean & Check YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY UNLESS I GET YOU MONEY AudigyCertifiedTM professionals are among North America's most experienced practitioners of hearing care services, all of whom adhere to the same set of unsurpassed care standards. We are the only AudigyCertified practice in our area. 289.856.9933 #230 - 2525 Old Bronte Rd · Oakville, ON www.choruscare.ca John Moon, M.Sc., Aud (C), Reg CASLPO, Chief Audiologist My team of experienced lawyers can help you with: · Car accidents · Slip and Falls · Disability Claims (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, CPP) · Wrongful Dismissal OFFICES IN OAKVILLE AND TORONTO For a free consultation call: Oakville: 905.842.2022 or Toronto: 416.351.9222 email: sspadafora@slspc.ca PLATINUM Sam Spadafora Injury and Employment Law