PowerStream donates more than $180,000 to the United Way

Outstanding 2013 employee campaign marks utility's largest contribution to date

VAUGHAN, ON, Dec. 18, 2013 /CNW/ - An outstanding 2013 employee campaign once again was acknowledged as being a key contributing factor in PowerStream being able to provide a record-setting donation this year of $180,194 to be shared by the United Way York Region and the United Way of Greater Simcoe County.

At a ceremony held recently at PowerStream's head office in Vaughan, several company officials including Frank Scarpitti, Board Chair and Mayor of the City of Markham; Maurizio Bevilacqua, Board Vice Chair and Mayor of the City of Vaughan; Jeff Lehman, Board Member and Mayor of the City of Barrie; Brian Bentz, President and CEO; Dennis Nolan, EVP Corporate Services and Campaign Co-chair as well as Bill Schmidt, VP, Information Services and Campaign Co-chair, presented a cheque to  representatives from both United Way organizations including Daniele Zanotti, CEO and Carmen Clayton, Campaign Manager from York Region as well as Rosslyn Junke, Campaign Manager for Greater Simcoe County.

Since 2004, PowerStream and its predecessor utilities have donated more than $1,000,000 to the United Way.

QUOTES

• "During the holiday season, the most rewarding gift is the gift of giving. I am proud to acknowledge that PowerStream employees exhibit this behavior year round, continuously helping those in need through a variety of United Way-focused initiatives," commented Mayor Scarpitti. "Our employees have once again demonstrated a tremendous understanding of what it means to give back to the communities in which we live, work and play."
  
  
• "We understand and appreciate the importance of providing a helping hand to those who are less fortunate," added Bentz. "As a leader in corporate social responsibility, we understand and appreciate the importance of providing a helping hand and our employee-driven United Way campaign is a perfect example of how we achieve this."

BACKGROUND

• PowerStream's United Way campaign kicks off each year with the company's annual charity golf tournament in September. In 2013, the tournament alone generated over $93,000 for the campaign.  Other funds were raised through payroll deductions, weekly "Jean Days", an internal silent auction, 50/50 draws and corporate matching.
  
  
• Participation by PowerStream employees in other annual charitable activities includes the Heart & Stroke Foundation's Big Bike, Princess Margaret Hospital's Ride to Conquer Cancer and three annual food and toy drives in support of local food banks.

ABOUT POWERSTREAM

PowerStream is a community-owned energy company providing power and related services to more than 360,000 customers residing or owning a business in communities located immediately north of Toronto and in Central Ontario. It is jointly owned by the Cities of Barrie, Markham and Vaughan.

ABOUT THE UNITED WAY YORK REGION

Established in 1976, United Way York Region is a registered charity uniting people and resources to improve our communities. United Way identifies community priorities and works with partners to take action, supporting a network of 100 critical programs across the region's nine municipalities.

ABOUT THE UNITED WAY OF GREATER SIMCOE COUNTY

United Way is one of the largest non-government sources of social service funding in Simcoe County. Over 80% of funds donated to United Way of Greater Simcoe County are raised in the workplace, most through payroll deduction programs. More than 150 employers in Simcoe County support their community through United Way.

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CATEGORIES - Community   KEYWORDS - United Way, Donation, Corporate Social Responsibility,

Image with caption: "PowerStream presents $180,000 cheque to the United Way. From (L-R), United Way Officials Daniele Zanotti, CEO, York Region; Carmen Clayton, Campaign Manager; Rosslyn Junke Campaign Manager, Greater Simcoe County; PowerStream Officials Maurizio Bevilaqua, Vice Chair; Jeff Lehman, Director; Frank Scarpitti, Chair; Dennis Nolan, EVP, Corporate Services; Bill Schmidt, VP, Information Services and Brian Bentz, President and CEO. (CNW Group/Power Stream Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131218_C5614_PHOTO_EN_35123.jpg

SOURCE: Power Stream Inc.

Eric Fagen, Vice-President, Corporate Communications
Media Line (24/7): 905-532-4400
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.PowerStream.ca