United Way announces PepsiCo Canada Leadership Challenge Grant

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 4 /CNW/ - United Way of Peel Region is thrilled to announce the creation of its first-ever Leadership Challenge Grant, which will provide matching funds for new or increased gifts of $1,000 or more to United Way's Community Fund. The 2010 PepsiCo Canada Leadership Challenge Grant, supported jointly by PepsiCo Beverages Canada and PepsiCo Foods Canada, gives individuals who are considering a gift to United Way an extra incentive to demonstrate outstanding generosity and concern for our community. The two companies have collectively contributed $100,000 to establish the grant.

"Stepping up to provide the inaugural Leadership Challenge Grant is one way that PepsiCo Canada can demonstrate its strong commitment to the community in which we live, work and do business," said Linda Kuga Pikulin, President, PepsiCo Beverages Canada. "United Way creates lasting change in the lives of individuals, families and neighbourhoods in our community. PepsiCo Canada is proud to be an active partner in supporting this vital work." Pikulin chaired United Way's campaign in 2007 and continues to serve actively as a member of the Campaign and Major Individual Giving Cabinets.

PepsiCo Canada is a long-time supporter of United Way, both locally and nationally. This spring, the organization received the prestigious Thanks a Million Award from United Way Canada-Centraide Canada in recognition of PepsiCo Canada's contribution of more than $1-million in 2009 to United Way.

"At PepsiCo Canada we are committed to delivering our mission of 'Performance with Purpose', which is, achieving success while leaving a positive imprint on society," said Marc Guay, President, PepsiCo Foods Canada. "Establishing this Leadership Challenge Grant for United Way creates momentum for the 2010 campaign by prompting more people to give, and we are confident that it will also help to build better futures for thousands of people in our community."

The PepsiCo Canada Leadership Challenge Grant will match dollar-for-dollar, up to a total of $100,000, all new or increased gifts of $1,000 or more to United Way's Community Fund. This matching grant is available for the duration of the 2010 campaign.

"We are thrilled by the leadership of PepsiCo Beverages Canada and PepsiCo Foods Canada and thank them for their vision and generosity," said United Way CEO Shelley White. "The PepsiCo Canada Leadership Challenge Grant provides a unique opportunity for donors to leverage their gift to United Way and create lasting impact."

About United Way of Peel Region

Established in 1967, United Way of Peel Region serves the communities of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga. Through its Community Fund, United Way invests in services, programs and initiatives that develop resilient people, grow strong families, and build vibrant neighbourhoods and communities. The mission of United Way of Peel Region is to engage with our community, through partnerships, to ensure people are cared for, connected and included.

About PepsiCo Canada

PepsiCo Canada is organized into two business units. PepsiCo Foods Canada includes the Frito Lay Canada and Quaker businesses. PepsiCo Beverages Canada includes the Pepsi, Gatorade and Tropicana businesses. For more information, please visit www.pepsico.ca.

About PepsiCo, Inc.

PepsiCo offers the world's largest portfolio of billion-dollar food and beverage brands, including 19 different product lines that each generates more than $1 billion in annual retail sales. Our main businesses - Frito-Lay, Quaker, Pepsi-Cola, Tropicana and Gatorade - also make hundreds of other nourishing, tasty foods and drinks that bring joy to our consumers in more than 200 countries. With annualized revenues of nearly $60 billion, PepsiCo's people are united by our unique commitment to sustainable growth, called Performance with Purpose. By dedicating ourselves to offering a broad array of choices for healthy, convenient and fun nourishment, reducing our environmental impact, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, PepsiCo balances strong financial returns with giving back to our communities worldwide. For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.

For further information: Media Contact: Liz Leake, Communications and Marketing Director, 905-602-3624, [email protected]; Sandy Lyver, Manager, Communications & Community Relations, PepsiCo Beverages Canada, 905-804-6421, [email protected]; Sheri Morgan, Manager, Communications & Community Relations, PepsiCo Foods Canada, 905-755-2221, [email protected]