80,000 individuals helped thanks to United Way donors
You did it Greater Victoria! You showed your love for your community and helped fund over 100 programs to support approximately 80,000 vulnerable individuals when and where they needed it most.
Your generosity made an impact. Through United Way, you raised $4.7 Million to support an inclusive community where every person in Greater Victoria has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Kids, youth, families and seniors from Victoria to the Westshore and from Sooke to Sidney and the Southern Gulf Islands will benefit now and well into the future. Your investment will support solutions to unignorable issues such as mental health and addictions, child poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, unemployment, domestic violence and seniors isolation.
United Way’s annual Spirit Awards on April 24 recognized the generous nature of workplaces, organizations and individual donors who are proud to call the Greater Victoria area their home. Employees welcomed United Way into their offices – they volunteered, took part in special events, spoke about the impact the organization is making, and led by example with their philanthropy. In 2018, over 200 workplaces ran United Way fundraising campaigns to help out a fellow neighbour, friend, colleague or family member.
Al Hasham, President & CEO of Maximum Express Courier and Max Furniture, led the 2018 campaign and continues on in 2019. United Way is grateful for his leadership and volunteer service.
Altogether 13 United Way Spirit Awards were presented. The most prestigious award, the Chair’s Award of Distinction, was given to Mark Lovick, RBC Royal Bank Regional VP for South Vancouver Island. The award showcases an individual for extraordinary commitment to United Way’s community campaign through the workplace and individual giving.
Seaspan – Victoria Shipyards became an inductee into the Thanks a Million Club. This was achieved by exceeding one million dollars in cumulative giving since first starting its workplace campaign.
“This was my first campaign as CEO, and what inspired me most was seeing how many people stepped up and showed their local love through contributions to United Way. I’m elated by the philanthropic support from all sectors – financial, educational, health, private sector, government, and labour,” says Mark Breslauer, CEO at United Way. “Everyone’s generosity will make a huge difference in the lives of those less fortunate. We are delivering tangible improvements, inspiring hope and changing lives every day.”
United Way would like to thank Chemistry Consulting, Oak Bay Marine Group and locally owned and operated Canadian Tire stores for their sponsorships towards this year’s Spirit Awards.
UNITED WAY SPIRIT AWARD WINNERS
- Outstanding Employee Campaign Chair (organization over 100 employees): Seaspan – Victoria Shipyards – Stephen Crowe
- Outstanding Employee Campaign Chair (organization under 100 employees): BC Oil & Gas Commission – Andrew Spence
- Outstanding Campaign Committee Spirit Award: Royal Roads University – CUPE 3886, RRUFA
- Leadership Giving Spirit Award – City of Colwood – CUPE 374
- Community Impact Spirit Award – RBC Royal Bank
- Community Partner Spirit Award – Burnside Gorge Community Association
- Labour Partnership Spirit Award – Viking Air – Unifor 114
- Post-Secondary Challenge Cup – University of Victoria – CUPE 4163, CUPE 917, CUPE 951, PEA, UVic FA, USW 2009
- Financial Challenge Cup – BMO Bank of Montreal
- Municipal Challenge Cup – District of Sooke – CUPE 374, IAFF 4841
- Outstanding Workplace Spirit Award – Camosun College – BCGEU 701, CCFA, CUPE 2081
- Thanks A Million – Seaspan – Victoria Shipyards
- Chair’s Award of Distinction – Mark Lovick, RBC Regional Vice President for South Vancouver Island
