United Way Halton & Hamilton sets largest-ever fundraising goal of $11.1 million.

September 7, 2019

United Way Halton & Hamilton sets largest-ever fundraising goal of $11.1 million.

HAMILTON, ON September 7, 2019 – It’s aggressive and it’s bold – an $11,100,000 fundraising goal for United Way Halton & Hamilton.

“This is the largest goal for the community fund ever, and with your help we will achieve it,” said Brad Park, President and CEO, United Way Halton & Hamilton. .

The milestone goal was revealed at the this year’s campaign kick-off event  on September 7, 2019 known as the UPS Canada Plane Pull & United Way Kick-Off  at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport.

The day featured 30 teams taking on the challenge of pulling the Airbus 50 feet across the tarmac in the shortest amount of time. UPS Canada and United Way also hosted entertainment for the whole family, including face painting, bouncy castles and food trucks.

It’s a scene that never fails to amaze the hundreds of spectators who gather to witness it. Teams of fifteen people each, pulling with all their might on a long rope. At the other end, instead of another tug-of-war team, it’s a 200,000-pound airplane. Weighing the equivalent of five buses, the UPS ‘Browntail’ Airbus A300 is one of the workhorses in UPS’ massive fleet. For the past four years, it has also provided inspiration and excitement at the annual United Way campaign season launch in Halton and Hamilton.

Last year, more than 200,000 individuals in need relied on the 129 programs supported by United Way Halton & Hamilton.

“It’s great to see the community pulling together,” says Brad Park, President and CEO of United Way Halton & Hamilton. “It all comes down to you, together we advocate for those in need, by identifying and addressing the root causes of local social issues and we are working hard each and every day to support the solutions. Our community can’t be great, until it is great for everyone.”

“United Way depends on the collaboration and support of local organizations,” says Anne Tennier, President and CEO at the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety(CCOHS) and Campaign Cabinet Chair. “The support of organizations like UPS, and everyone who participated in the Plane Pull demonstrated the commitment that the community has to improving lives locally.”

Tennier was nominated 2019 Campaign Cabinet Chair for her dedication to improving neighborhood health and personal wellbeing, promoting financial security and independence, and helping children and youth reach their full potential.

UPS Canada has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to United Way for many years. During the 2018-19 campaign, the company and its employees raised more than $1 million nationally for United Way, and contributed in excess of $200,000 to UWHH.

“UPS employees are dedicated to supporting their communities. In Canada, we have had a strong partnership with United Way for more than 35 years.” says Dominic Porporino, president of UPS Canada. “Through events like the annual UPS Plane Pulls, United Way Halton and Hamilton continues to make positive impacts, creating measurable improvement to the lives of many.”

The Plane Pull marked the beginning of the region-wide United Way campaign. Other launch events will be held in Burlington, Halton Hills, Hamilton, Milton and Oakville over the next month.

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About Anne Tennier

Anne Tennier is currently president of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).  This follows a long career in various industries such as food processing, transportation and pulp and paper, providing leadership in operations, environmental management and sustainability.  She is also a dedicated community leader and volunteer with such organizations as the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Centre Francophone Hamilton, Hamilton Community Land Trust, Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction and of course United Way.

About United Way Halton & Hamilton

United Way Halton & Hamilton (UWHH) is committed to leading measurable, impactful change by identifying the most challenging issues in our community, and bringing together people and resources to address those issues. We connect volunteers with local needs, and offer training and operational support to local charities. Along with our network of partners and experts, UWHH conducts research and works with key stakeholders to generate support for the not-for-profit sector. Each dollar raised is invested right back into the community. Today, 202,421 residents across Halton and Hamilton rely on 65 United Way supported agencies for life changing services.

Outside of government, United Way is the largest funder of social service programs and initiatives in Canada.

About UPS

UPS (NYSE: UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including transporting packages and freight; facilitating international trade, and deploying advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. UPS was awarded America’s Best Customer Service company for Shipping and Delivery services by Newsweek magazine; Forbes Most Valuable Brand in Transportation; and top rankings on the JUST 100 list for social responsibility, the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, and the Harris Poll Reputation Quotient, among other prestigious rankings and awards. The company can be found on the web at ups.com or pressroom.ups.com and its corporate blog can be found at longitudes.ups.com. The company’s sustainability eNewsletter, UPS Horizons, can be found at ups.com/sustainabilitynewsletter. To get UPS news direct, follow @UPS_News on Twitter. To ship with UPS, visit ups.com/ship.

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