UNITED WAY SURPASSES FUNDRAISING GOAL

(Ajax, Ontario) – United Way of Ajax-Pickering-Uxbridge has exceeded their fundraising goal for the fifth straight year. The goal was set last spring at $1.7 million and towards the end of the year the achievement of this goal seemed bleak.

“We had some real challenges at the end of this year that no one could have anticipated,” said Edna Klazek, Executive Director of United Way Ajax-Pickering-Uxbridge. “We are thankful that our supporters realized the need in our community which enabled us to reach our goal. We are ecstatic!”

The campaign achievement of $1,708,934.00 was announced at United Way’s awards gala on Saturday, February 5, 2005. This celebration was attended by over 250 United Way supporters at Deer Creek Golf & Banquet Facility.

The night was filled with elegance and modelled after the Academy Awards. The purpose of the awards gala was to recognize those significant people that aided in helping United Way achieve their goal. The Campaign Achievement Award was presented to ING Insurance Company of Canada, Outstanding New Campaign went to Nokia Products Ltd. and the Corporate & Employee Award of Excellence went to Purdue Pharma Inc. As for those that created awareness in the community for United Way, the Public Awareness awards were presented to The Ajax/Pickering News Advertiser and Durham Radio Inc. (KX 96 FM; 1350 CKDO; 94.9 The Rock).

UWAPU provides funding to 29 agencies and a number of programs that offer assistance to those in the communities of Ajax, Pickering and Uxbridge. For more information please visit our website: www.ajaxpickering.unitedway.ca.

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For further information, please contact:
Jaime Scanlan
Communications Coordinator
905-686-0606 or JScanlan@uwayapu.org