Tuesday, November 24, 2009, Ottawa - This evening, federal employees and retirees announced they have raised $20,531,000 for the National Capital Region’s (NCR) Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC). This total surpasses the goal of $20.5 million announced at the campaign’s launch on September 10.

“This is an achievement that public servants in our nation’s capital should be proud of,” said William Baker, 2009 National GCWCC Chair. “Everyone is feeling the strain of a lagging economy, but federal employees and retirees rose to the challenge this year, showing exemplary leadership and generosity.”

The GCWCC is a national fundraising campaign that supports United Ways across Canada, Healthpartners (a partnership of national health charities) and more than 80,000 registered Canadian charities. The NCR-GCWCC is the largest single workplace contributor to United Way Ottawa’s community campaign.

“Tonight is about celebrating a successful campaign after months of hard work,” said Baker. “Community agencies are spread thin these days — trying to do more in an environment showing increased demand. Now more than ever our community needs us and I am so proud of the commitment demonstrated by the federal public service.”

This evening also recognized outstanding departments, agencies and individuals. The Chair’s Cup for Campaign Excellence 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 Health Canada, which raised more than $900,000.

Health Canada employees focused their campaign efforts by reflecting on the people in our community who are in need and crisis. The economic problems of the past year have left many people struggling for stability in their lives, weighed down by extra pressure or even caught up in violence or substance abuse problems. Many people face making a tough choice between rent, food and medical bill payments. The department’s employees came together to support our community, increasing its campaign participation by 21 per cent and generating $90,000 more in donations over 2009.

One individual this evening was recognized with a surprise Community Builder Award for his commitment and contribution to the community. Guy Laflamme, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, National Capital Commission (NCC), pioneered a change in direction for the NCC campaign. Under his guidance, the department focused on putting a face to its campaign, showing those who have received help and the difference it has made in their lives. Guy inspired many people to get involved in important causes, share their experiences with others, and be leaders at work and elsewhere. Guy also demonstrates this leadership with his students at the University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management and their “Making Niger our Business” campaign. With his help, students raised money, organized events and increased awareness for West Africa’s severe food crisis. Since 2005, more than $40,000 in cash, $500,000 in medical equipment and 10,000 kg of textbooks for schools have been raised.

Other departments recognized this evening include Public Works and Government Services Canada for inspirational team spirit, Elections Canada for its high-level donation rates and participation, and Natural Resources Canada for its innovative communications strategies.

For further information, please contact:
Kate Headley, United Way Ottawa
Phone: 613-683-3823 Cell:  613-294-8128
E-mail: kheadley@unitedwayottawa.ca