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$2,610,000: Cambridge North Dumfries United Way Reaches Largest Achievement In HistoryKeep It Going - Donations Accepted Until December 31stby Heidi DurateDec 04, 2009
Living United In Cambridge & Area
ONTARIO, Cambridge, – Despite one of the most difficult economic climates in history the strength of our community partnerships came through in grand style. Last night, the United Way of Cambridge and North Dumfries announced their largest achievement in their 69 year history, $2,610,000. Despite the minimal shortfall of just over 1% of their $2.65 million goal, the reaction of the crowd was one of celebration. A few one-time donations helped the United Way get closer to their goal at the end of their campaign. There were additional asks made by United Way volunteers resulting in corporate donations from Gore Mutual Insurance Company and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada. Also, a long-time supporter anonymously committed to giving an extra $10,000 personal donation if United Way could find new donations to match that amount. They were successful in finding these matching donations.
Furthermore, COM DEV ran an amazing campaign and surpassed their goal by $40,000 which also helped to significantly boost the United Way’s achievement. Also, a large donation from Grand River Foods, who had not previously been involved with the United Way, helped to close the gap.
Brad Park, Campaign Director for the United Way of Cambridge and North Dumfries, commented on this year’s campaign, “This is the toughest campaign that I have been a part of in my 15 year history at the United Way office. Fortunately, most corporate donations came in at either the same as last year, or above. But, the employee campaigns at local workplaces were a challenge due to company closures, layoffs and reduced work hours.” Park continued, “We are very grateful to the organizations like Gore Mutual and TMMC, who once again, in the 11th hour, stepped up to the plate with extra corporate donations. They are true community partners! Furthermore, one of the most important reasons for this year’s success was our Campaign Chair, Mike Williams, from COM DEV. Mike is definitely, one of the best Campaign Chair’s that I have worked with over the past number of years, committing so much time and energy to this campaign; his enthusiasm and perseverance made all the difference.”
The campaign achievement announcement tied in with the campaign’s kick-off, literally, with Brian in a Box. Volunteer Campaign Cabinet members carried a large wrapped box through the crowd to the stage, and there unwrapped Brian West, of 107.5 Dave FM’s Brian and O’Brien, who held a banner announcing the $2,610,000 achievement.
Mike Williams, President International Products, COM DEV Ltd., and United Way 2009 Volunteer Campaign Chair, commented on the campaign achievement, “United Way volunteers and staff are proud of our achievement. This has been an exciting and challenging campaign. We left no rock unturned as we worked hard to close the gap and get as close to our goal as possible while also making some great in-roads for next year’s campaign. Not only did our campaign volunteers work with companies who are already supportive of United Way, but they reached out to new organizations, inviting them to be part of our LIVE UNITED movement.”
Williams continued, “I am amazed at the support from this community. We asked YOU to LIVE UNITED to make our community a better place. We asked you, who were able to do so, to come forward and contribute to those who especially need our help this year. You answered our call. Thank you for the volunteers and donors who changed lives. When you believe in something, you find a way to make it possible. Thank you for believing in us and for LIVING UNITED.”
Many awards were presented during the evening. The Campaign of the Year Award went to COM DEV Ltd., who also received the Leadership Campaign Award. “COM DEV Ltd. raised over $200,000 this year, surpassing their goal by more than $40,000. With a full corporate match of employee and special event dollars, and a first-time internal Leadership Reception to recognize their donors giving $1,000+, their campaign continues to be the bar with which the United Way measures commitment to this community”, said Park.
Spirit awards were given to companies in each of the campaign divisions that showed exceptional campaign spirit. They were as follows: Major Accounts Division, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc.; Manufacturing / Retail, Reliance Home Comfort; Finance Division, Gore Mutual Insurance Co.; Mid-Size Industry, Shred Tech Ltd.; Public Sector Division, Corporation of the City of Cambridge, and CUPE Local 1882, and CUPE Local 32 ; and the Partner Agency Division, Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank.
Best First Time Campaign Awards went toGrand River Foods, and Maple Automotive & Toyota Tsusho Canada Inc.
Local media outlets were also recognized, the Cambridge NOW, Cambridge Times, Waterloo Region Record, 107.5 Dave FM, 91.5 The Beat, and SNAP Cambridge.
Special appreciation awards were presented to Tony and Amy Campbell of Franklin Self Storage, and Brian West from 107.5 DAVE FM, for their support of the United Way’s kick-off in September, and to Luke Skaarup for organizing Cambridge’s first ever United Way Strength Challenge.
The event, held at the Armenian Centre was sponsored by COM DEV Ltd., Mo Music, Advanced Video Techniques, Stan Switalski Photography, and Greg Pautler Graphic Design.
Many of the United Way partner agencies have experienced increased client numbers because of the struggling economy, making donations to the 2009 campaign extremely important. The United Way encourages individuals and companies to continue to donate throughout the rest of December so they can ultimately get closer to their goal, and have more funds to invest in their Partner Agencies and the community.
The United Way is accepting donations until December 31, 2009. You can donate by phone at 519-621-1030, or by mail 150 Main St. 2nd floor Cambridge Ont. N1R 6P9, or on our website link below:
View Video of United Way Achievement Highlights Some of the Evening's Photos Amy & Tony Franklin Self Storage - United Way 2009 Kickoff  Team Toyota Recipients  Team Com Dev Recipients  Team Gore Mutual Recipients  Team Shred-Tech Recipients  Team Beaver & Bulldog Recipients  Team ATS Automation  M&M Bar And Grill Recipients  Brain West Special Appreciation Award  Brian West - In His Box at Franklin Self Storage  Team City of Cambridge Recipient  Team Self Help Food Bank Recipients  Team Grand River Foods Recipients  Srongman Luke Skaarup & Family  Team Reliance Home Comfort Recipients  Team Cambridge Now Recipient of Media Partner Award  Rolling Out The Scroll 2009 United Way  (Hey, all you nice folks! Don't forget to enter "some" or "all " of our Christmas Contests on Cambridge Now! CLICK Here to go directly to our Contest Page. Good Luck!) Photos by Thomas Hagey - Cambridge Now Additional Photo by Jim Beretta © 2009 All Rights reserved
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