UPS gives $1 million to
United Way
MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 9, 2014 /CNW/ - Yet again, United Way says
'thanks a million' to UPS Canada for raising over $1 million in 2013 across the country. UPS was
honoured with United Way Centraide Canada's prestigious national
'Thanks a Million' award, presented at the United Way of Burlington
& Greater Hamilton's Annual General Meeting in Burlington on June
24.
UPS is a long-time supporter of United Way, both nationally and
internationally. Throughout the partnership UPS has received the
award numerous times for its exceptional contributions. The "Thanks
a Million" award celebrates organizations that, through corporate
charity and the combined efforts of employees and members,
contribute $1 million or more to
United Way nationwide.
"UPS is extremely proud of this honour and our partnership with
the United Way. It is an organization that shares our dedication to
improving lives, strengthening communities and creating lasting
positive impacts for those in need," said Michael Tierney, president, UPS Canada. "Mostly,
we are proud of the passion, time and generosity that UPS employees
continue to dedicate to their communities, making this significant
milestone possible," he added.
Across Canada, UPS employees
are united in their efforts to inspire change. Each UPS facility in
Canada takes part in an annual
United Way pledge campaign, to help raise funds to support a wide
range of programs, including improving education, eliminating
poverty and promoting healthy living in local communities.
Throughout the year, UPS employees and partners hold events across
the country in support of this initiative. Recently, approximately
1,500 Calgarians rallied together at the annual "Pulling for U"
United Way plane pull event hosted by UPS; they raised over
$75,000!
"It's encouraging for us to see UPS, its dedicated
employees and their families coming together to offer their
financial resources, time, knowledge and skills to make meaningful
changes that lead to long-term improvements to the quality of life
in Canadian communities," said Jacline A.
Nyman, President and CEO, United Way Centraide Canada.
UPS encourages its employees to challenge themselves to do more
than just their day-to-day job. Last year, Kresimir Zemljic, a 24-year UPS employee was
asked to participate in the United Way Loaned Representative
program, a special assignment offered because of his enormous
efforts involving United Way initiatives at UPS.
"I am proud to work for a company that encourages and engages
their employees to get out into the community and participate in
activities that benefit social programs and the environment," said
Zemljic. Zemljic worked at the United Way of Peel Region office for
a 14 week-term during its fall campaign. Working at the United Way,
he assisted in the planning and coordinating of campaigns from
beginning to end for 25 non-profit organizations. "Seeing firsthand
the challenges that face our community - our neighbours and our
friends - was shocking. We don't realize the need that exists in
our own backyard. It is reassuring and inspiring to know how many
people at the United Way and how many volunteers make it their
mission to drive change," he adds.
In 2013, UPS employees, alongside their families and friends
logged 49,000 volunteer hours that benefitted local community
development, youth education, social issues and the environment.
Recently, the company has pledged to complete 20 million hours of
global volunteerism and community service by the end of 2020. By
achieving this goal non-profits will receive volunteer assistance
valued at more than *$460 million by
the end of the initiative.
About United Way in Canada
With over 100 United Ways Centraides across the country, our
mission is to improve lives and build communities by engaging
individuals and mobilizing collective action. The Movement's three
focus areas are: helping Canadians move from poverty to
possibility, building healthy people and strong communities, and
helping kids be all they can be.
Each local United Way Centraide works in partnership with their
communities (school boards, governments, academia, unions, business
leaders, neighbourhood residents and funders) to achieve long-term
measurable change, creating opportunities for a better life for
everyone.
United Way Centraide Canada's national office (located in
Ottawa) provides guidance and
support on behalf of the national Movement. For more
information, please visit www.unitedway.ca or call:
1-800-267-8221.
About UPS
UPS (NYSE:UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad
range of solutions including the transportation of packages and
freight; the facilitation of international trade, and the
deployment of advanced technology to more efficiently manage the
world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., UPS serves more than 220
countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on
the web at UPS.com and its corporate blog can be found at
blog.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, visit
pressroom.ups.com/RSS.
*Source: Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
May 2013 National Occupational
Employment and Wage Estimates, www.bls.gov.
SOURCE UPS Canada Ltd.