Close to $219,000 Raised for the United Way – Makes us Proud to be part of Reliance™!
November 2009
We should all be proud. This is a year where many people can’t afford to give. But once again, Reliance™ employees within the HVAC business rose to the challenge, participating together in a variety of activities and events to raise funds for the United Way. Thanks to you and your support, Reliance™ increased our annual year-over-year donation by greater than 24%!
The sale of crafts and baked goods, dress up and dress down days, karaoke, road hockey and a few shaved heads are just some of the ways employees showed their sense of fun and creativity to raise funds.
“Our annual United Way campaign is an opportunity to show that we really care for the health of our communities, treating others as we’d like to be treated, and having some fun while we do so. This is a tangible example of the caring and commitment of all employees and our shared desire to give back to the communities we serve,” says Roger Rossi, Reliance’s President and CEO.
Reliance™ introduced its annual campaign in 2006, and that year, we donated almost $115,000 to the United Way. It is quite remarkable that within a three-year period, we’ve almost doubled that original gift. Even more impressive is that since 2006, we’ve given $627,780 to the United Way. Thanks to the thousands of dollars we’ve raised together, we are reaching out to countless at risk youth, homeless people, abused women, newcomers and many others through United Way-Centraide agencies across Ontario.
Once again, the Reliance™ team showed their community spirit. On average, one out of every two employees gave to the United Way this year through payroll deductions which attracted company matching and earned employees the “Every Pay Hero” recognition. We successfully met our overall goal to surpass the funds raised in 2008 – and this year we’ll be donating a record-breaking $218,900 to the United Way.
“Thanks to each of you for your participation in special events and for your pledges. We support the United Way because we believe they do good work that is underfunded and together we have an opportunity to give to United Way agencies in communities where we live and work,” adds Rossi.
Here’s how our efforts translated into tangible results:
Over $96,500 in total employee pledges raised based on 60 % of total employee participation.
Over $25,900 raised through special events across the company—special mention to Lansing who raised over $9,800 and Burlington Branch who raised more than $3,500 through special events. Lansing funds included a kick-off charity auction hosted at the senior leadership meeting which raised over $7,600.
Over $96,500 in company matching funds.
A total United Way donation of $218,900 to date.
Special recognition for Sudbury and Kingston branch employees for their continuing high levels of participation. Sudbury and Kingston had 100% of its employees participate through pledges. The Oshawa Call Centre had an 84% participation rate and Windsor 80%.
Appreciation is extended to Kevin Johnstone, Vice-President, Business Development for serving as our United Way executive sponsor and recognition is extended our 2009 United Way Campaign coordinators for taking the lead and organizing this year’s campaign and related activities:
Reliance™ also recognizes and thanks the following people who served as United Way coordinators at Lansing: Debra Pereira, Crystal Shaw, Elaine Young, Neil Martin, Josh Del Signore, Roy Murzello, Kelly DeGurse, Jaymala Solanki, Joanne Druce, Sarah Johnson, Deepika Vij, Jeannine Simon, Gerry Dennis, Arun Kanagasabapathy, Kevin Scully, Marina Joseph, Mark Rodrigue, Mellissa Burke, David Xamin, Pat Wailoo, and Tracy Billows.
“Clearly the efforts of those above as well as many volunteers who support the campaign through special events have enable us to achieve these outstanding results -- a great achievement worthy of recognition,” says Ross.