Campaign slogan: One town, one heart, one way 3 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, September 11, 2009 Continued from page 1 worth of many, yet, unemployment continues to rise with EI benefits running out for some who lost their jobs last fall and winter, impacting individuals and many families," said Mulvale. "One town, one heart, one way," said UWO 2009 board chair Tim Johnston, quoting the UWO motto. "I truly believe that. We are in this together. It is our community, our friends, our family, our co-workers and our neighbours that we are helping." The UWO is the second largest funder, next to the government, of the 30-plus agencies it funds. Those human and social service agencies offer a wide variety of help to those in need -- from the Halton Trauma Centre to Food for Life -- with an emphasis on prevention and crisis intervention. Many of them do their job on a wing, a prayer, volunteer goodwill and a shoestring budget. Food for Life board chair outlined it collected more than 590,000 pounds of day-old food worth $1.7 million from local restaurants and grocery stores and distributed it throughout Halton, Hamilton and Mississauga last year via 26 outreach programs -- with one van, one full-time driver, and a budget of $200,000. Mulvale called upon those who didn't lose their jobs or savings, to step up to the plate once again. She urged local businesses and employees to pitch in. On hand at the kickoff held at Oakville Place, were three local companies whose representatives came with cheque in hand -- already committed to contributing to this year's campaign, which runs until early December. Procor, which has been supporting the United Way of Oakville and others across Canada for decades, donated $10,000. The International Union of Operating Engineers, the Speers Road crane training facility that's relatively new to town, donated $10,000. Mattamy Homes, whose president Peter Gilgan is a lifelong Oakville resident, will also match employee donations. Those donating to the UWO may be giving food or shelter or counselling to someone in need, but they are also giving dignity to those people -- potentially their own family members, friends or colleagues. "It is more blessed to give than receive," said Mulvale insisting on deeming it an investment in the community, rather than a donation. She called for donations so that "no child, no senior, no person with addiction, or other is left behind." "Our goal is not going to meet the needs," said Burton, noting last year the UWO was able only to meet 80 per cent of the agency funding requests its received. When gaps occur, the agencies, rather than spend time on helping people, must also address ways to try to get more, from government, from fundraising -- learning to manage more demand with fewer resources. The UWO 2009 campaign runs to Dec. 8. Next Tuesday, Sept. 15, the Winston Park Challenge will occur from 11:30 a.m.1 p.m. at the AMC Centrum Park. Residents can cheer on corporate teams fundraising for the UWO through competitions like a CEO challenge, tricycle grand prix, and friendly competitions between Halton Regional Police officers and the Oakville Fire Department. To find out more about donating, contact www.uwoakville.org. RETAIL & WHOLESALE LIGHTING CLAIM YOUR HRTC TAX CREDIT Outdoor Lighting Sale Additional 20% off Entire Selection Featuring lighting from Trump Home · Troy · Hudson Valley · Stonegate Design · Heidle and much more Oakville's Finest Lighting Store in the Oakville Home Improvement District ELEGANT www.conceptlighting.ca DISTINCTIVE 905.849.LITE (5483) OPEN SUNDAYS 243 Speers Road · Between Kerr & Dorval · Oakville, ON Sign Up On Line www.ultimatedrivers.ca www.ultimatedrivers.ca DRIVING IS A PRIVILEGE, LET US HELP YOUR EARN IT Six Programs to choose from: · Defensive Driving Certificate Program - MTO Approved Minimizes Road Test Time and Qualifies for Maximum Insurance Discount · Advance Defensive Driving Program Minimizes Road Test Time, Qualifies for Maximum Insurance Discount and Teaches You Emergency Skills · Driver Retraining Program for Reinstating Driver's License · Complete Refresher Program Prepares you for G2 or G License · Refresher Program Helps Reviewing your Driving Habits for Test · Preparation and Evaluation Warm Up Practice Before the Test WEEKEND, EVENING & EXPRESS PROGRAMS AVAILABLE. Call today for more information * $ 17 Years en t of Excell Service Valid on Defensive Driving Program Only SAVE 50.00 407 Speers Road Suite 205 s r r TM Gift Certificates Available 905-825-1172