November 25, 2008, Ottawa – This evening, federal employees and retirees announced they have raised $19,123,000 for the National Capital Region’s (NCR) Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC). This total exceeds the goal of $19 million announced at the campaign’s launch on September 9.
"This is a fantastic achievement and I am honoured to have been able to lead such an exemplary group of public servants," said Janice Charette, National GCWCC Chair and Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. "Federal employees and retirees in the National Capital Region and across Canada have shown what it means to be a star in the life of someone else through their dedication, generosity and positive spirit."
This evening’s ceremonies marked the success of this year’s campaign and recognized outstanding departments, agencies and individuals. The Chair’s Cup Award is presented to the government workplace campaign that achieves outstanding results in terms of dollars raised, participation rates, creativity and enthusiasm. This year’s recipient is Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC).
INAC raised more than $32,980 this year, a 47% increase since 2003. INAC’s campaign team made sure that its employees understood the importance of the campaign. Inspiration and motivation were provided by showcasing the example set by fellow employees, who demonstrated a difference just one person can make in the lives of others.
One individual this evening was recognized with a surprise Community Appreciation Award for her commitment and contribution to the community. TooneeJoulee Kootoo-Chiarello, an employee with INAC, stood out as a committed federal employee long before the winner of the Chair’s Cup Award was selected. It seems fitting that after recognizing the exemplary campaign at INAC, one of their outstanding community volunteers was also commended.
Toonee moved to Ottawa at 17 with her 8-month-old daughter. She sought help from the Youville Centre, an organization that provides education for young mothers while teaching them parenting and life skills. Toonee went on to a degree from Carleton University. Today she volunteers with Youville as a member of the board of directors. She works with the Inuit community on events like National Aboriginal Day and Aboriginal Awareness Week. At Christmas she volunteers with ‘Larga Homes’, which provides a ‘home away from home’ for those who have travelled to Ottawa to receive specialized medical care.
“Public servants have an inherent desire to help build their country,” said Ms. Charette. “The GCWCC is just one example of that spirit. For the past 11 weeks, I have seen first-hand the energy federal employees and retirees put into building their own community. Whether through generous donations or off-beat antics at events, they have made a real difference in the lives of others.”
About the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign
The GCWCC is one of the largest and most successful workplace fundraising campaigns in Canada. Last year federal employees and retirees helped to improve the quality of life of people living in communities across the country by raising more than $33.5 million in support of United Ways/Centraides, Healthpartners/Partenairesanté and thousands of other registered Canadian charities.
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For further information, please contact:
Kate Headley, United Way Ottawa
Phone: 613-683-3823 Cell: 613-294-8128
E-mail: kheadley@unitedwayottawa.ca