United Way Presented 'Thanks a Million' Award to UPS Canada 8th Year in a Row

Mississagua, June 05, 2009

UPS receives United Way's prestigious award for $1 million contribution

United Way of Canada-Centraide Canada recognized UPS Canada with the prestigious Thanks a Million award. The national award was presented at a formal ceremony on June 4, at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto.

2009 marks the eighth year in a row UPS Canada has received United Way – Centraide's Thanks a Million award. The award honours organizations and unions that, through corporate generosity and the combined efforts of their employees and members, contribute $1,000,000 or more to United Ways - Centraides across the country. Thousands of organizations support United Way - Centraide each year, however fewer than 100 are eligible for this award.

"United Way is committed to caring for communities. By responding to the immediate social needs in communities and addressing the root causes of social problems, United Way is working to create positive long-lasting changes in Canadian communities. UPS is an avid supporter of their countless efforts," said Doug Appleby, UPS Canada Community Relations Manager. "With the recession taking a toll on every industry, people are in need now more than ever. UPS and its employees continue to provide volunteer hours and financial support to maintain important services in the communities in which we live and work."

UPS Canada has been a major contributor and strong partner with United Way since 1983.  Each UPS centre across Canada participates in an annual United Way pledge campaign, with various fundraisers held throughout the year. In 2008, UPS Canada employee campaigns raised more than $1.3 million and Corporate gift matching totalled more than $160,000. UPS contributions help United Way improve the quality of neighbourhood social services, ensure opportunities for youth, support programs and services that provide health care and help newcomers integrate into their new communities.

"United Way relies on the generosity and support of its community members to enable us to make a positive impact in local communities. The economy began its tumble during the height of many United Way campaigns in 2008. We could not have raised an impressive $481 million to be invested in Canadian communities without the help of UPS employees who have made it their personal commitment to be a part of the United Way mission, dedicating both their time and dollars to helping improve lives and build stronger communities," said Al Hatton, President & CEO United Way.

UPS employees and retirees in the United States pledged more than $53 million to United Way during the 2008 campaign, more than any other participating company, leading the nation in Untied Way donations.

Since its founding in 1907, UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen. Whether through its involvement with United Way, The UPS Foundation or volunteerism, UPS provides assistance to programs that provide long-term solutions to community needs.