The United Way E-Newsletter

Table of Contents

• Giving the gift of summer memories – Field of Dreams
• A new way of giving; a new way of creating lasting impact
• Wayne Wouters appointed clerk of the Privy Council
• A loan with high returns

Giving the gift of summer memories – Field of Dreams

Going to summer camp, making new friends, playing sports and just plain having fun is something all kids dream about. For some families, however, the cost of sending their child to camp can be a significant barrier. Thanks to the generosity of TMSI Sports Management (TMSI), more children in our community are getting the summer camp experience.

Since 2005, TMSI has engaged with United Way/Centraide to give more than 200 children from families facing financial challenges the opportunity to participate in summer camps at the Thunderbird Sports Centre, the Superdome Sports Centre, Tennis Centre West Ottawa and the Superdome at Ben Franklin Park. United Way/Centraide works with the team at TMSI to inform community agencies about the opportunity, and the agencies in turn refer children — ages six to 13 — to the program.

Giving back to the community is a responsibility that TMSI embraces. It believes that every child should have the opportunity to participate in summer camp. “Recreation plays an important role in the lives, health and well-being of children,” says Darin McCorriston, President of TMSI, and a United Way/Centraide Community Builder Award recipient. “We want to do what we can to make our community stronger and safer for children. Our relationship with United Way/Centraide means that our gift is making a lasting difference – and building great memories – for some of the most vulnerable children in our city.”

“We are very proud of this partnership and thank TMSI for continuing to choose United Way/Centraide to help achieve its corporate social responsibility objectives,” says Peggy Austen, Senior Director, Impact Strategies, United Way/Centraide. “This ongoing gift — known as Field of Dreams — is making a significant impact in the lives of some of the youngest members of our community and their families.”

“Making a difference in the children’s lives is important to TMSI,” says Katharine Usher-Vollett, TMSI’s general manager. “Every year we look forward to sharing the fun and recreation of summer with kids who may not otherwise have had this opportunity. The joy that they bring to camp each summer and the look on their faces as they participate in the games and activities makes it very worthwhile for the TMSI team.”

For more information about Targeted Community Investments read the next story or contact Martin Sampson, director, Product Development at 613-683-3794 or e-mail msampson@unitedwayottawa.ca.

A new way of giving; a new way of creating lasting impact

The latest buzz around United Way Ottawa’s offices these days has little to do with the campaign and everything to do with a new way of investing in our community. Housed in a new department called Investor Development, Martin Sampson, Director of Product Development, is eagerly leading the charge.

Newly recruited from Fleishman-Hillard Ottawa, Martin was attracted to the job and to United Way/Centraide because he wanted his professional efforts to be invested in making this city better. It’s a work philosophy that blends seamlessly with the way of giving that United Way/Centraide has created for donors who want to make an even greater impact on their community — and to be directly involved in creating and shaping that gift to reflect their priorities and passions.

“This new way of giving is all about helping donors realize their vision for this community,” says Martin. “We want to provide donors with an opportunity to give in a way that allows them to know in their hearts that they are making a difference in an area they care deeply about. We know this will create lasting impact.”

Investments of this sort require a substantial investment of money, time, knowledge and influence. “We want these types of donors to bring all of themselves to the table,” says Martin, “and we will work closely with them to craft a gift that fits their vision for the community.”

The first big gift of this type came in December of last year, when Stephen Greenberg and his family invested $1 million over 10 years to enrich two homework clubs in south west Ottawa. The children and youth attending these clubs will benefit from additional instructors and individual tutoring sessions, more recreational programs and nutritious snacks. “It was important for me and my family to do more than give from behind a table. I wanted to do this actively and with an organization I know and trust,” says Stephen.

This type of targeted investment brings capacity-building to a higher level — and demonstrates the power that one major social investment can have in creating lasting impact.

For more information on this new way of giving, please contact Martin at 613-683-3794 or e-mail msampson@unitedwayottawa.ca.

Wayne Wouters appointed clerk of the Privy Council

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Steven Harper announced the appointment of Wayne Wouters as the clerk of the Privy Council, the most senior public servant in Canada.

Wayne headed up the 2007 United Way/Centraide community campaign that achieved a record $29.8 million for our community.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to get involved in a community campaign of this scope,” says Wayne. “I’m originally from Saskatchewan and after becoming involved with United Way/Centraide’s campaign, I felt for the first time like Ottawa was my home.”

In addition to serving as the campaign chair, Wayne has enjoyed a long public service career. He has served with distinction in a broad range of ministries including the Privy Council Office. 

“I am pleased that Mr. Wouters accepted this very challenging role,” said the Prime Minister in a news release on May 7.  “I am confident that his knowledge and experience will provide the dedication and excellence of service that is a hallmark of the public service and the Office of the Clerk.

“While at the helm of the 2007 community campaign, Wayne, demonstrated stellar leadership,” says Michael Allen, President and CEO, United Way/Centraide. “He is a great example of this city’s dedicated and committed public service. We congratulate him on his new role.”

A loan with high returns

Loan Representatives (LR) are important contributors to the success of United Way/Centraide’s fundraising campaign. Every year between 30 and 45 people from all walks of life and with different skills descend on our headquarters — eager to contribute their energy and enthusiasm to help organize more than 1,800 campaigns across the city, including 109 Government of Canada Charitable Workplace Campaigns (GCWCC).

Being a LR gives employees an opportunity to learn new skills, such as project management and team-building, and to network with people from different sectors. In the process, they become more aware of their community’s needs.

But employers get back just as much. Committing a valued worker to the LR program gives their organization recognition in the community, improves staff morale and recharges participating employees.

This year there is a new face heading up LR program recruitment. We are pleased to welcome Jane McVeigh, Vice President of Human Resources at General Dynamics Canada, to the campaign cabinet team. “I understand the value that organizations put in recruiting and retaining their employees. I believe the LR program demonstrates a win/win for everyone involved.”

Taking part in the LR program during campaign season at United Way/Centraide is a life-changing experience. Just ask former LR Dana Yamamura, a representative of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, who came on board as a United Way Ottawa LR for the 2007-2008 campaign: “This experience opened my eyes to what’s possible. Being an LR sharpened my communication and negotiation skills. This, in turn, has bolstered the confidence I have in my abilities when I face new challenges and opportunities.”

 If, like Dana, you want to join this winning team, learn more about your community and meet people who benefit directly from the work of United Way/Centraide, you can contact Sue Veltkamp at 613-228-2504.