Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services employees exceed 2011 fundraising goal
MCSCS employees who helped organize the United Way Marketplace fundraising event as part of workplace campaign come together before its start.
Employees at the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS) showed their unwavering support for our community by holding a successful 2011 workplace fundraising campaign. MCSCS’ original fundraising goal for United Way Toronto was $84,000, which they exceeded by raising an impressive $86,972.
“Our goal within the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services for the Greater Toronto Area [GTA] is $84,000. This is a four percent increase from last year. The campaign was a wonderful success thanks to the generosity of Ministry employees and a very committed team of over 150 volunteers,” explains Barney Owens, United Way Campaign Chair and Director, Support Programs Section, Emergency Management Ontario, MCSCS.
“We have had absolutely excellent support from across all Divisions and Branches of the Ministry. The leadership campaign proved to be a great success, exceeding last year’s total contributions. A lot of people have gotten involved to make a difference for United Way,“ Barney adds.
In addition to the tremendous pledges made by employees, another reason for MCSCS’ fundraising success was the wide variety of workplace events—25 in total, which is double from last year—including the United Way Marketplace. At the marketplace, employees enjoyed delicious dishes, a book sale and fun door prizes all in support of United Way Toronto.
Other events included a BBQ kickoff, battle of the bands, penny challenge, e-auction, yard sale, retro games tournament, international potluck, and movie screening. Plus, an MCSCS team took part in the Enbridge CN Tower Climb for United Way.
Ian Davidson, Deputy Minister and 2011 United Way Ontario Public Service (OPS) Campaign Chair led this initiative by coordinating the ‘Have you been asked?’ program. Volunteers within the ministries helped promote individual giving, making connections with potential donors and educating them about the work that United Way does in our communities.
“What defines OPS staff is their commitment to serving the public interest. A highlight of being the OPS campaign Chair has been the opportunity to work with so many compassionate and enthusiastic people who truly understand and care about the needs of others,” explains Deputy Davidson.
Also, as part of this year’s heightened efforts, MCSCS canvassing volunteers connected on a one-on-one basis with approximately 4,000 MCSCS employees in the GTA, reinforcing the message ‘Have you been asked?’
As the largest ministry in the Ontario Public Service with approximately 16,000 employees, MCSCS’ GTA-based campaign for United Way Toronto was held as other campaigns happened all across the province for other United Ways serving various regions. By engaging with each other and mobilizing collective action, ministry employees came together in a common cause of caring like never before.
“From Kingston to the Kawarthas to Kapuskasing, we have employees all wanting to help in supporting this year’s campaign,” says Barney. “We’re all pleased to do it because it’s the right thing to do.”
Thank you to everyone at MCSCS for your extraordinary support.
