United Way

Highlights from the 2007 United Way Campaign

The financial contribution of our employees to United Way has grown over the years.  For example, the 2007 Canada Post United Way Head Office employee contributions have gone up from $251.81 in 2006 to $285.75 in 2007 that is up 13.5% from the previous year.  The 2007 nationwide Canada Post employee donations totaled $2.5 million.

In 2007, United Way/Centraide Ottawa raised a record $29.8 million dollars, exceeding the 2006 final number by 5.7% or $1.6 million. The average gift per donor was $267.63 – up from $244.86 in 2006 or 9.3%. The 6,782 Leaders (those who give more than $1,000.00) accounted for 36% of the campaign; an increase of 9.2% or $913,508.00 over the previous year

The Campaign - A Historical Perspective

In 1945, the federal government officially began to encourage departments and agencies to provide direct assistance for the solicitation of contributions from employees. This was followed in 1964 by a formal system of payroll deduction.

The financial contribution of employees to United Way has grown over the years. For example, the 2006 Canada Post United Way Head Office Employee participation rate was 82%, up from 74.6% in 2005 (with an average employee donation growing from $218.81 in 2005 to $251.81 in 2006). The 2006 nationwide Canada Post employee donations totaled $2.3 million.

In 2006, United Way/Centraide Ottawa raised a record $28.2 million dollars, exceeding the initial goal by $1 million dollars. The average gift that year was up 10.4% (from $222.94 to $246.15). The 6,100 plus Leader donors (those who give more than $1,000.00 annually) accounted for 35% of the campaign; an increase of $1.3 million dollars for Leaders over the previous year.

In 1994, United Way created a "Thanks a Million" award recognizing organizations that have collected over $1 million dollars during their campaign. The award recognizes the Company, employee generosity and community spirit. Canada Post has been a proud recipient of this award every year since it has been created.  Canada Post has also been presented with the “Best Ottawa Community 2006 Campaign” award (selected from 1,800 campaigns in Ottawa).

The United Way/Centraide Ottawa mission is "to bring people and resources together to build a strong, healthy and safe community to all." Additional information on the United Way is available on their website.