Leading the financial way
“It’s such a wonderful feeling. I have the expertise and I give my time because I believe I am making a difference. It’s very rewarding”
As a specialized human resources analyst at TD Bank Group, Shameed leads Financial Literacy workshops helping teach people living on low incomes how to make informed financial decisions.
Vani Shankar: A Passion for Helping Others
“Everything counts. Sometimes it’s not the most glamorous job — dropping off supplies, counting coins. But to me, I get satisfaction out of it, because that little work that you do, it makes a difference in the community.”
Having taken part in several United Way workplace campaigns at RBC and with a long track record of volunteering in the community, Vani Shankar was eager to find new ways to give back. So she decided to join United Way Toronto as a Sponsored Employee, providing support during our 2011 Fundraising Campaign
Sherry Gonsalves: Strengthening a Sense of Community Spirit
“It’s all about going out there and seeing how your donations big and small are making a difference and letting people know about that.”
An employee at the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Sherry Gonsalves has been involved with United Way Toronto for over a decade. Joining our team as a Sponsored Employee allowed her to support the cause further during our 2011 Fundraising Campaign.
Quan Do: From Helping Build Prototypes to Helping Build Communities
“By having the opportunity to go to agencies and to hear about what they do, I’ve learned a lot more about what United Way is all about, how it works with the agency, why the agency exists and what kinds of services it offers the community”
An engineer by training, Quan Do builds new products and prototypes for Celestica. But as one of close to 40 sponsored employees, seconded from a variety of companies and organizations in support of United Way campaigns across Toronto, he got an opportunity to develop his people skills.
Training a new kind of leader
“It opened me up to the concept of budgets and management and networking and I used those skills right away as soon as I started the job.”
CITY Leadership program equipped Lekan Olawoye of Rexdale with the critical skills to lead a community agency.
1,776 steps. Leg burn. Why not?
“You know that you’re really impacting the lives of people in Toronto and giving back to a community and a city that you love.”
Students at Northern Secondary school stepped up for our community in the 2011 Enbridge CN Tower Climb for United Way.
Meet the people who make it work
“I am driven now by the potential leadership role United Way can play in eradicating some of the serious issues in our community.”
United Way volunteers are everyday Greater Toronto Area citizens. Here are just six of them, what they do, and why they do it.
Helping youth get back on track
“I found an organization that would actually help me be above that — that past.”
Need a transit token? A lift to a job interview? Redemption Reintegration Services’ young staff helps young people who’ve been in trouble turn their energies positive.
Giving back to Crescent Town
“These women, they work in the factories and I know my Mom did the same thing when we first came. If those women can do something more fulfilling, I will feel so good about it.”
Learn how Shatabdi Sarker, a Tax Administrator at ScotiaBank, helped a group of women from Bangladesh get a small business off the ground in her old neighbourhood, Crescent Town.
A new ride for United Way Toronto
“I wanted to raise the bar to hopefully inspire more people to support the ride. If we don’t make the goal of $30,000 I won’t be disappointed. Any amount that can be raised for United Way Toronto is worth it.”
Cyclist Albert Koke conquered Lake Ontario’s circumference in three days’ time last year—this year, he’s gone even further for the cause by taking on Lake Erie. Read his inspiring story.
Running team of the week: HOOPP
“The Rat Race gives the team a terrific opportunity to do some good for their health while they do some good for this great city we all share! It’s also a fun event.”
Learn how HOOPP’s team has achieved top fundraising team status in this year’s Scotiabank Rat Race for United Way.
Running team of the week: Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre
“The key to our success has been our ability to include participation from every level of our organization—participants, volunteers, partners, suppliers, and staff.”
Learn why the Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre’s running team is excited to fundraise for our city this year.
Runner of the week: Peter Heffernan
“I encourage everyone to come out to walk, run or just cheer us on at the Scotiabank Rat Race for United Way on June 16. This is a great opportunity to help out our neighbours, those less fortunate than ourselves and give back to our community. Make us all proud!”
Peter Heffernan is our runner of the week! Read his inspiring story including great fundraising tips you can use now.
Why I run… Paul Renaud’s story
"All I can tell you is when you cross the finish line how great it feels and knowing the real beneficiary of this is a truly worthy cause you supported by fundraising."
When he learned about the Scotiabank Rat Race for United Way, Paul Renaud saw an opportunity to give back—since that first run he’s raised a grand total of over $40,000 for United Way Toronto.
Why I run… Lori Samson’s story
"It makes me feel terrific knowing that people I reach out to for monetary donations feel the same way I do—and that together we can accomplish a lot for our community."
A longtime supporter and fundraiser for United Way Toronto, Lori Samson has taken part in many events including Scotiabank Rat Race for United Way, raising a combined total of over $20,000 for the cause.
Keeping seniors active for over 20 years
"It's important for seniors to have their own lives too"
United Way Toronto Speakers Bureau volunteer, Evelyn Rabkin-Yuditsky, proudly wears her 20 year recognition pin. She found her niche at Bernard Betel Centre, and helps other seniors stay active.
Next generation of volunteers
Volunteer opportunities that grow with her career.
When Danielle Arnold's career brought her to Toronto, she found enriching volunteer positions with United Way Toronto, first on the allocations review panel and now with an executive position on the gennext cabinet.
Making a delicious difference
"It's a great way to get into the community and help... United Way does great work in so many different areas in our community, whether it's with teens at risk, seniors or new immigrants."
Over 30 Kraft Canada employees, along with president Dino Bianco, rolled up their sleeves to make a difference in their city in the fall Day of Caring®.
Sharing good fortune
"I believe that those of us who've had the good fortune of education, employment and so many other advantages, need to participate directly in the community through the contribution of our time and financial support"
Bill Downe, President & CEO of BMO Financial Group and United Way's 2009 Campaign Chair, talks about the many ways that he and BMO are helping to make Toronto a better city for all.
Bringing neighbours together
Safe, clean, accessible community space is a vital component in bringing neighbours together. United we can make a lasting difference in our community!
Over 400 volunteers from across Toronto came together at United Way member agencies/hubs, neighbourhood associations and City of Toronto Parks and Recreation, generating 1200 volunteer hours in the Second annual Community Day of Caring®.
Youths taking the lead in uphill challenge
"United Way is an organization that helps so many in Toronto – kids, youth, seniors, those living in priority neighbourhoods. It's important for youth to be aware of the issues in their city ... and to give back to their community."
Read about the Youthunited cabinet taking the lead.
'You do good by doing good'
"If you care about the community you live in, you also want to make that community a better place. As citizens, we have a great responsibility to each other. It’s a moral issue, a personal issue and a social issue."
Read more about United Way's 2008 campaign chair, Bill MacKinnon.
'It’s a fun thing to do'
"United Way has had a tremendous impact on people’s lives across the city."
Read more about Patrick Vianna's long time volunteer contribution as an allocations panel chair, overseeing the community investment process for 11 United Way agencies.
"It’s very important for senior executives to get involved"
Richard believes that supporting United Way is one of the most important charitable initiatives that CIBC World Markets is involved in.
Volunteer Richard Nesbitt takes on the new role of United Way account executive, in charge of making calls to help corporations get their United Way campaigns rolling.
'The world is not just about you'
Adwoa believes she makes a direct difference on both the individual and community levels and, as an United Way volunteer, she feels her opinions are taken into account and she has a sense she is valuable.
Allocations volunteer Adwoa Buahene says that it is a win-win situation.
Dishing out charity cash a challenge
"When I meet with agencies and see first-hand the great work they’re doing and how much impact they have on the community — sometimes it reduces me to tears."
Catharine Fennell's position as allocations volunteer with the United Way can in many ways be harder than running her own successful company.
Childhood reflections
"I became involved with United Way because I love the way it helps small organizations that would not have the ability to raise sufficient funds on their own."
United Way was there for lawyer TJ (Tajesh) Adhihetty at a young age.
Corporate Voluntarism Scores a Win-Win
"We all work in different areas so it's a great way to tie in what each of us is doing. Even for people that work together day to day, the experience was a great way to get to know each other from a different perspective. It energizes you and injects creativity."
Read how a team of Bell Canada employees got as much out of volunteering as they gave back.
Drawing on his own newcomer experiences to help youth
"It was hard sometimes, we had some challenges, like a lot of people new to this country. Our family used different services to help us along. Now people are coming (to this youth centre) and I'm helping them."
Recent Ryerson grad Zaid Majoo gives back to the youth in his community.
You have to want to make a difference
"I get more and more involved with the United Way because it is improving the lives of others in a non-denominational manner."
Alnasir Samji has been making a difference at United Way for over eight years.
A New Day of Caring® Pilot Initiative
This "new" approach [to volunteering] was driven by United Way's Community Impact Strategy, which recognizes that we can only make neighbourhoods better by partnering with all community stakeholders—including our member agencies, schools, government, business, labour, voluntary associations and other local groups.
This Davis + Henderson experience sums it up well.
