OTTAWA, October 29, 2009 — United Way Ottawa has reached the halfway point in the 2009 Community Campaign. In an event this evening at Ottawa City Hall, volunteers and staff convened to report on the progress of the campaign, share highlights and look ahead to the second half. Jamie McCracken, Director of Education and Secretary Treasurer of the Ottawa Catholic School Board, and United Way's campaign chair, announced that $16,579,100 or 52.3% of the $31.7 million goal has been raised since the September 23 launch.

“The past five weeks have reaffirmed my belief that people in our community understand the great need that exists and are filled with the spirit of giving,” said McCracken. “I have had the privilege of seeing first-hand how passionate people can be when they are motivated by charity.”

Although the campaign has been progressing steadily, it is not immune to peaks and lulls. “The momentum of early campaign days typically slows during the second half. But now more than ever, we need the people of our community behind us. The people who this campaign helps — from the chronically homeless who are breaking the cycle with help from the Leadership Table on Homelessness, to the seniors living independently at home longer because of support from the Affordable Supportive housing Framework — cannot afford to have that momentum wane.”

Some campaign highlights to date:

• More than 500 people have participated in two Community Action Days. Replacing the traditional Day of Caring program, Community Action Days offer four opportunities for workplace groups across the city to get out from behind their desks and volunteer with community organizations. The two remaining dates are November 19 and December 9.
• Schmoozefest, hosted by United Way's Next Gen cabinet, welcomed more than 450 people and raised $20,000. Selling out for the first time in its four-year history, the event gave the under 40 crowd a chance to be a part of something bigger than themselves and something positive for our community, and to connect with their peers and leaders from local businesses, government and the community.
• At OCRI’s Technical Executives Breakfast this morning, United Way launched a High-Tech Challenge to find out which small- to medium-sized high-tech company cares the most about our community. The challenge is based on dollars raised and participation rates and runs until Monday, November 30.  
• Four government campaigns have surpassed the $1 million mark so far in the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign — Canada Revenue Agency, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Service Canada, National Defence, and the retirees group. Several other departments are also within reach.
• Together Hydro Ottawa and United Way created a targeted community investment fund to specifically support initiatives that help Ottawa residents in need stay sheltered and warm. The Hydro Ottawa Shelter and Warmth Fund will leverage the dollars contributed by Hydro Ottawa to United Way each year to match employee contributions and fundraising.
• PCL Constructors Canada Inc.’s workplace campaign has boosted its 17% participation rate in 2008 to almost 100% this year. As a result, its pledge amount has increased 80% to achieve more than $50,000.

United Way’s 2009 campaign — themed “Rediscover Community” — wraps up with a celebration at the Shenkman Arts Centre on Wednesday, December 2, 2009.

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