United Way

Toronto Public Library’s annual United Way workplace Campaign has successfully wrapped up for the 2012 year with a total amount of $130,535.25 donated for the United Way Organization. This achievement would not have been possible without the efforts and dedication of the United Way Committee members, 150 canvassers, and all of the generous staff throughout the library system.

The 2012 TPL campaign came to an end on Thursday January 28^th, 2013 with a Thank-You tea celebration in honour of all the canvassers that devoted their time in helping with the campaign. City Librarian, Jane Pyper, was present to express her appreciation and gratitude to those who were involved in the success.

Toronto Public Library Workers’ Union (CUPE Local 4948) President Maureen O’Reilly and Vice President Brendan Haley, along with United Way Resource Development Manager Anita McMaster were invited to participate in the Cheque presentation ceremony at the Thank-You Event. The amount, $130,535.25 represents nearly 12% of the City of Toronto’s total to be donated to the United Way Organization. The contribution of this donation will go toward the 200 membership agencies that provide vital social services to the hundreds of thousands of people throughout the city of Toronto.

City of Toronto Employees, along with United Way Director Cal Scotchmer, Councillor Gary Crawford, Deputy City Manager Brenda Patterson, CEO of United Way Toronto Susan McIsaac, and City Manager Joseph Pennachetti celebrated the end of the campaign with a wrap-up party on Thursday December 6, 2012 at the St. Lawrence Hall. Their grand total of $1,125,000, surpassing their goal of $1,100,000, includes all City of Toronto divisions as well as Toronto Public Library, Toronto Zoo, Toronto Parking Authority and many more. (For the press release on this event: http://www.toronto.ca/employment/life_tps/community.htm)

(Insert Photo of Wayne/Debby/Certificate here)

Caption: TPL Co-chairs Wayne Aitchison and Debby Ng accept an award on behalf of Canvasser, Cynthia Fisher, for being TPL’s Canvasser of the Year in 2012.

CUPE Local 4948 has continuously shown an exceptional amount of support to the campaign and has also contributed a generous donation toward our total.

Through all of the success, the 2012 campaign is one that all will not forget and sometimes, thank you’s are not enough. We would also like to recognize and acknowledge the contributions of:

• Jane Hunter and Maria Keleman for donating their talented art pieces to the Art Raffle Draw.
• The Arts and Crafts Committee for putting together the 2^nd annual Arts and Crafts fair to showcase the talents of TPL staff members.
• CN Tower climb raising a total of $1843 with top pledge fund-raiser, Ashley Sealy
• Spare Change Drive raising a total of $710 with top branch contributor, New Toronto Branch
• Canvasser of the Year award winner, Cynthia Fisher for going the extra mile.
• CUPE Local 4948 for their generous donation towards our goal
• Co-chairs Wayne Aitchison and Debby Ng for their commitment and hard work.

For those that were unable to attend the Thank-You event on January 28th, we were lucky this year to have our own lovely photographer, Luisa Sulit from BL, to capture the moments for us. Please feel free to have a look at some of these great photos: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZt3LVw3ZNWzmA

(A huge thank you to Micki Rufo from TRL-HSS for making and donating the wonderful cake!)

Thank you once again to all of our United Way Committee members, amazing canvassers, and generous staff throughout the library system for making all of this possible! “Without you, there would be no way.”

Submitted by: Wayne Aitchison and Debby Ng

Co-chairs for Toronto Public Library’s 2012 United Way Campaign

Enjoy these photos from the City of Toronto’s United Way Wrap-Up Event on December 6, 2012:

 Cheque Presentation at City of Toronto Wrap-Up Event on December 6, 2012

Canvassers Karolina, Alessya, and Tina at City Wrap-Up Event on December 6, 2012

TPL Campaign Co-Chairs Wayne Aitchison and Debby Ng with Certificate for Cynthia Fisher at City Wrap-Up Event on December 6, 2012

Enjoy these photos from Toronto Public Library’s Thank-You Tea on January 28, 2013:

Cake cutting at TPL Thank-You Tea on January 28, 2013. Left to Right: Wayne Aitchison, Maureen O'Reilly (President, TPLWU Local 4948), Debby Ng, and Jane Pyper (City Librarian)

United Way Cake at Toronto Public Library's Thank-You Tea on January 28, 2013.

"Without you, there would be no way!" Thank you for supporting Toronto Public Library's 2012 United Way Campaign with best wishes for the 2013 Campaign!