UPS Supports Volunteer Canada with $100,000 Grant

Ottawa, June 09, 2010

At Volunteer Canada's annual general meeting in Ottawa, UPS Canada presented a $100,000 grant to the organization.

"The solid relationship between Volunteer Canada and the network of volunteer centres is critical to the voluntary sector and our combined capacity to promote, celebrate, support and enrich the work of volunteers from coast to coast to coast," says Ruth MacKenzie, President and CEO of Volunteer Canada. "The funding we received from UPS has allowed us to focus on renewing and strengthening that crucial relationship."

Volunteer Canada is a national not-for-profit organization that strives to ensure that volunteer efforts across Canada are promoted, recognized, supported and safeguarded. They work closely with volunteer centres in every corner of the country to achieve this common mission at the community level. The relationship between them is steeped in history and has evolved over the years. While limited resources and organizational capacity may have affected the ability to convene, Volunteer Canada has remained committed to keeping their connection with volunteer centres strong. The grant supports these efforts.

"UPS Canada makes it a priority to give back to the communities where we live and work. It's a responsibility we take seriously," notes Tierney, president of UPS Canada. "Volunteer Canada is a natural fit for UPS to invest in. UPS Canada employees volunteered more than 22,000 hours in 2009. 

"It is an organization that mirrors our feelings towards community support and involvement." Tierney is also the Chair of Volunteer Canada's Corporate Council on Volunteering which is dedicated to helping businesses develop and execute volunteer programs within their organizations.

UPS encourages its employees to volunteer through various programs, including Global Volunteer Month and its grant programs. In the first quarter of 2010, UPS Canada provided grants totalling more than $257,000 to six deserving charitable organizations, which each also benefited from at least 50 hands-on volunteer hours from UPS employees and their families.