TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 6, 2011) - Today, United Way Toronto's President and CEO Susan McIsaac and Enbridge's Janet Holder, Chair of United Way's 2011 Campaign Cabinet, announced United Way's fundraising goal of $116-million. The pair made the announcement at AccessPoint on Danforth. AccessPoint is one of eight Community Hubs United Way and its partners are bringing to the inner suburbs, as part of the charity's Building Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy.
The campaign launch celebrated the collective efforts of the people of Toronto who, year after year, respond generously and with compassion to build a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous city. In 2010, United Way raised a record $113.2-million for the community.
Speaking to the enthusiastic crowd of United Way volunteers, agencies, donors, and members of the business and labour community, McIsaac encouraged people to join United Way to give, volunteer, and act at a time when many people are feeling the effects of the fragile economy.
"I am so proud of what we accomplished by coming together last year," said McIsaac. "And this year, we're again calling on everyone to be part of a common effort that is bigger than any one individual or organization - join us in our city-wide campaign to meet urgent needs and build a better future for all of us."
"It is a true privilege to Chair this year's United Way campaign which is so critical to families and individuals in our community," said Enbridge's Janet Holder, Chair of United Way Toronto's 2011 Campaign Cabinet. "Together we have the energy to make a difference and can help strengthen neighbourhoods across the city while making a lasting difference in people's lives."
"The goal we've set for the community will maintain stability for our frontline agencies in an uncertain time," said McIsaac. "But meeting urgent need alone is not enough. We must also move ahead with long-term strategies to address our city's complex social challenges."
Funds raised in 2011 will provide stable funding to United Way's network of more than 200 health and social service agencies across Toronto that provide urgent services to people when they need it the most. Money raised will also support United Way's long-term efforts to strengthen the inner suburbs through its Building Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy.
About United Way Toronto
Established in 1956, United Way Toronto is a charity working to advance the common good and create opportunities for a better life for everyone in our city. Working in partnership with others, we mobilize people and resources to address the root causes of social problems and to change community conditions for the better. United Way supports agencies that provide services to strengthen individuals, families, and communities.
About Enbridge
Enbridge delivers more than the energy people count on; we deliver on our promise to help make communities better places to live.
Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company. It is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution and one of the 2010 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations. Enbridge Inc. has been selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2011 and is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers. Enbridge Gas Distribution and its affiliates distribute natural gas to about 1.9 million customers in Ontario, Quebec, New York State and New Brunswick. For more information visit www.enbridge.com or www.enbridgegas.com.
For more information please contact:
Caitlin Stidwill
416-777-1444 ext. 396 or Cell: 416-557-8508
cstidwill@uwgt.org
Enbridge Gas Distribution
Chris Meyer
416-753-6626 or Cell: 416-460-6022
chris.meyer@enbridge.com
