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United Way honours CUPE Local 79 for charitable leadership

01 February 2013

CUPE Local 79 President Tim Maguire accepts a United Way Toronto Spirit Award.

Toronto — United Way Toronto has honoured CUPE Local 79 with two awards for its charitable campaign leadership.

CUPE Local 79 received top honours with the “2012 United Way Toronto Spirit Award for Best Organizational Support in the Public Sector.” The award recognizes CUPE Local 79 for its support of United Way Toronto’s 2012 campaign launch and CN Tower Climb; fundraising through several special events and active encouragement of the membership to donate through the employee payroll giving campaigns at the City of Toronto and the Toronto Community Housing Corporation.

CUPE Local 79 also received the “Joint Union Management Labour Campaign” for its Toronto Community Housing Corporation campaign in conjunction with CUPE Local 416, IBEW Local 353, and Carpenters’ Local 27.  The award is given to a unionized organization that exemplifies collaboration and teamwork between labour and management groups in running their United Way Toronto campaign.

“The Labour Movement was built on the principle of people helping people,” said CUPE Local 79 President Tim Maguire. “And Local 79’s continued participation and support for United Way Toronto provides an avenue for our members to continue this worthy tradition.”

“CUPE Local 79 and our members share a common vision with the United Way Toronto – that to have a healthy and vibrant city we must invest in the supports to bridge those most in need” said CUPE Local 79 Treasurer Lily Chang and Board Member of the United Way Toronto.

Spirit Awards are given to organizations, campaigns, teams, and individuals who achieve outstanding results in their United Way Toronto campaigns. United Way Toronto’s Spirit Awards recognize excellence in community giving among the dedicated volunteers, donors, labour and corporate supporters in the community.

CUPE Local 79 represents about 20,000 City of Toronto employees working in all City divisions, including public health, city inspectors, homeless hostels, transportation, childcare centres, offices, recreation programs, and long term care homes.


For further information, contact: Tor Sandberg at 416-655-8338.