Tens of thousands of United Way – Centraide volunteers across Canada embody campaign theme of “from compassion to action.”

OTTAWA, April 18, 2010 – United Way of Canada – Centraide Canada is proud to celebrate this year’s National Volunteer Week. This week recognizes the 12.5 million Canadians who volunteer and last year gave 2.1 billion hours of time, energy, skills and enthusiasm to the benefit of communities across Canada. Tens of thousands of these generous Canadians are regularly engaged with United Ways – Centraides across the country in various volunteer capacities.

Every day, United Ways – Centraides work locally to change living conditions for the better. Working in partnership with others, United Ways – Centraides mobilize people and resources to address the root causes of social problems and to change community conditions for the better. United Ways – Centraides also support agencies that provide services to strengthen individuals, families and communities.

Volunteers are at the heart of the United Way – Centraide Movement. Each United Way – Centraide is a locally-based organization operated by a voluntary Board of Directors chosen from the community it serves. Volunteers of all ages participate in fundraising and other special events; they are involved in the annual United Way – Centraide campaign; they provide vital administrative and operational support; and they participate on the many councils, panels and committees that United Ways – Centraides establish, in order to ensure United Ways – Centraides continue effectively addressing community needs.

“It is the dedication of our many volunteers that makes the United Way – Centraide Movement as dynamic and effective as it is,” said Al Hatton, President and CEO of United Way of Canada – Centraide Canada. “As a volunteer-led Movement, the tireless effort of these talented and committed volunteers is critical to our work to improve lives and build stronger communities.”

Without a doubt, the compassion of United Way – Centraide volunteers has led them to action in making lasting social change. It is with pride and deep gratitude that United Way of Canada – Centraide Canada. recognises the contribution of all United Way – Centraide volunteers across Canada for National Volunteer Week.

National Volunteer Week is April 18 – 24, 2010.

ABOUT United Way of Canada – Centraide Canada
United Way of Canada – Centraide Canada is the national office for the 117 United Ways – Centraides across Canada, which together, form the United Way – Centraide Movement. United Way of Canada – Centraide Canada provides guidance, support and strategic direction to local United Ways – Centraides, while also creating connections for knowledge mobilization and sharing information and resources. www.unitedway.ca

For more information, please contact:
MaryAnn Notarianni
Communications Coordinator
United Way of Canada – Centraide Canada
mnotarianni@unitedway.ca
1-800-267-8221 ext. 2251

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