Thursday, September 10, 2009, Ottawa – Today, federal government employees and retirees gathered on the grounds of Rideau Hall to launch the 2009 Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC). William Baker, Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the 2009 National GCWCC Chair, revealed this year’s goal for the National Capital Region – an impressive $20.5 million.

“This campaign means so much to so many people,” said William Baker. “It’s a chance for public servants to come together and work toward one goal. That goal is ultimately to build better communities across Canada and make a real difference in the lives of others.”

Across the country, people are feeling the impact of the economic downturn. Many Canadians face hardships now as a lagging economy gives way to job uncertainty, looming medical expenses, heavier demands on food banks and even reliance on emergency shelters.

“Federal employees and retirees have a long history of giving back and caring for their communities,” said Baker. “It’s this kind of leadership that is needed now as we navigate through tougher times and deal with challenges that could affect any one of us really, or our friends, our neighbours or our colleagues.”

Throughout the campaign, federal government departments and agencies across Canada will hold large and small fundraising events involving employees and retirees as they work toward this year’s goal. They descend upon rinks for hockey tournaments, climb in canoes or mount tricycles for races, and endure countless delicious breakfasts and bake sales. Federal employees and retirees also donate their time by participating in events such as Community Action Days, where they volunteer at community service organizations.

“The goal is certainly an ambitious one,” said Joan Highet, Vice-President, Campaigns, United Way Ottawa. “But it reflects the shared commitment federal public servants and retirees have to making a real difference in the lives of others. Year after year, their enthusiasm and generosity shine, creating hope for communities across the country.”

The 2009 GCWCC kicks off today and concludes with an achievement celebration on Tuesday, November 24 at the National Gallery of 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 $36 million in support of United Ways across Canada, Healthpartners and more than 80,000 other registered Canadian charities. More than $20 million of this amount was raised in the National Capital Region alone.

About the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign
The GCWCC is managed by United Way Ottawa on behalf of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.  In the National Capital Region, federal employees have contributed to annual fundraising campaigns since 1945. The campaign is the largest workplace charitable campaign in Canada and benefits United Ways across Canada, Healthpartners and more than 80,000 registered Canadian charities.

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