UNITED WAY TORONTO'S 2010 CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF WITH COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

More than 800 Torontonians gathered to reveal citywide fundraising goal of $113-million

TORONTO, Sept. 8 /CNW/ - United Way Toronto's new President and CEO Susan McIsaac and Ed Clark, President and CEO of TD Bank Financial Group and Chairman of United Way's 2010 Campaign cabinet, today revealed United Way's citywide fundraising goal of $113-million. The pair made the announcement at the TD Centre courtyard before an energetic rally of United Way volunteers, agencies, donors, and members of the business and labour community.

The event celebrated the commitment and compassion of the people of Toronto and the role we all can play in building a stronger, healthier city. In 2009, during a time of great uncertainty and need, our community responded with an extraordinary $109-million campaign for United Way.

"Last year, all across the city, the people of Toronto came together in a spirit of unparalleled generosity and compassion," said McIsaac. "And this year, we're calling on everyone to pull together again and join us as we work to build a better city for us all."

"I'm honoured and thrilled to be the Chair for this year's United Way Campaign," said Clark. "While we're seeing a gradual recovery in the economy, many people in our communities continue to feel the pain from the recession and are grappling with a set of lingering problems. The United Way understands the challenges at hand. And that's a big reason why the 2010 campaign is so important. Supporting their ongoing efforts to create opportunities for a better life for everyone is critical to our wellbeing."

The money raised in 2010 will provide stable funding to United Way's network of 200 health and social service agencies across Toronto that provide the urgent services people turn to in times of need. Funds from the campaign will also support United Way's long-term efforts to strengthen the 13 priority neighbourhoods through its Building Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy.

"We've set a goal for the community that will ensure we continue to provide stability to our frontline agencies and move forward with our long-term strategies to improve social conditions," said McIsaac.

About United Way Toronto

Established in 1956, United Way Toronto is a charity working to advance the common good and create opportunities for a better life for everyone in our city. Working in partnership with others, we mobilize people and resources to address the root causes of social problems and to change community conditions for the better. United Way supports agencies that provide services to strengthen individuals, families, and communities.

For further information: Media Contact: Caitlin Stidwill, United Way Toronto, Desk - 416-777-1444 ext. 396, Cell - 416-557-8508, Email: [email protected]; Claire Townsend, TD, Desk - 416-307-6012, Email - [email protected]