Vaughan staff raises more than $80,000 for the community

Mayor Bevilacqua and Members of Council, along with United Way Toronto and York Region president and CEO Daniele Zanotti, City Manager Daniel Kostopoulos with the United Way volunteer committee.
The City of Vaughan has a long-standing tradition of supporting not-for-profit organizations. In the spirit of generosity, staff take part in a variety of fundraising efforts to give back to the community. Every year, employees spearhead an annual United Way campaign to create opportunities that people need to improve their lives and build a better future. United Way Toronto and York Region invests in projects such as playgrounds for kids, community gardens, social and family services and access to critical resources such as food, shelter and employment.
“Our community is exceptional because of the spirit of generosity that defines our city – it can be found in homes, schools, businesses and hearts across Vaughan. The Together Vaughan Cares Campaign had another great year, and I am incredibly proud to lead a city that understands the importance of supporting organizations such as United Way Toronto and York Region. Our staff are truly committed to making a real difference for people who live, work and play here. Together, we are improving lives and building strong healthy communities,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua

In a special presentation at Committee of the Whole today, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council, along with City Manager Daniel Kostopoulos, campaign co-chairs, Chief Financial Officer and City Treasurer Laura Mirabella and Deputy City Manager of Public Works Stephen Collins with the United Way volunteer committee presented a cheque to United Way Toronto and York Region president and CEO Daniele Zanotti. As a strong advocate for philanthropy, in 2017 Mayor Bevilacqua donated an additional $10,000 from the money raised at the Mayor’s Gala and the Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua Annual Charity Golf Classic to bring the total donated to $83,292.20.

Since 1994, Vaughan has raised a total of $1,044,552 for United Way. From candygrams and bake sales to a barbecue and chili cook off, City staff showed their support for the organization with a month-long calendar of fundraising events. The theme of Together Vaughan Cares was carried on from last year, and for the first year ever, United Way organized a Poverty Simulator in York Region, where participants were challenged to make their way through the complexities of surviving for one month on low-income – all while trying to perform day-to-day tasks. City Manager, Daniel Kostopoulos is extremely pleased with the fundraising success staff have achieved over the years and believes this is a positive reflection of the values employees hold here at the City of Vaughan.