United Way says "Thanks a Million" to UPS Canada

UPS gives $1 million to United Way

MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 9, 2014 /CNW/ - Yet again, United Way says 'thanks a million' to UPS Canada for raising over $1 million in 2013 across the country. UPS was honoured with United Way Centraide Canada's prestigious national 'Thanks a Million' award, presented at the United Way of Burlington & Greater Hamilton's Annual General Meeting in Burlington on June 24.

UPS is a long-time supporter of United Way, both nationally and internationally. Throughout the partnership UPS has received the award numerous times for its exceptional contributions. The "Thanks a Million" award celebrates organizations that, through corporate charity and the combined efforts of employees and members, contribute $1 million or more to United Way nationwide.

"UPS is extremely proud of this honour and our partnership with the United Way. It is an organization that shares our dedication to improving lives, strengthening communities and creating lasting positive impacts for those in need," said Michael Tierney, president, UPS Canada. "Mostly, we are proud of the passion, time and generosity that UPS employees continue to dedicate to their communities, making this significant milestone possible," he added.

Across Canada, UPS employees are united in their efforts to inspire change. Each UPS facility in Canada takes part in an annual United Way pledge campaign, to help raise funds to support a wide range of programs, including improving education, eliminating poverty and promoting healthy living in local communities. Throughout the year, UPS employees and partners hold events across the country in support of this initiative. Recently, approximately 1,500 Calgarians rallied together at the annual "Pulling for U" United Way plane pull event hosted by UPS; they raised over $75,000!

"It's encouraging for us to see UPS, its dedicated employees and their families coming together to offer their financial resources, time, knowledge and skills to make meaningful changes that lead to long-term improvements to the quality of life in Canadian communities," said Jacline A. Nyman, President and CEO, United Way Centraide Canada.

UPS encourages its employees to challenge themselves to do more than just their day-to-day job. Last year, Kresimir Zemljic, a 24-year UPS employee was asked to participate in the United Way Loaned Representative program, a special assignment offered because of his enormous efforts involving United Way initiatives at UPS.

"I am proud to work for a company that encourages and engages their employees to get out into the community and participate in activities that benefit social programs and the environment," said Zemljic. Zemljic worked at the United Way of Peel Region office for a 14 week-term during its fall campaign. Working at the United Way, he assisted in the planning and coordinating of campaigns from beginning to end for 25 non-profit organizations. "Seeing firsthand the challenges that face our community - our neighbours and our friends - was shocking. We don't realize the need that exists in our own backyard. It is reassuring and inspiring to know how many people at the United Way and how many volunteers make it their mission to drive change," he adds.

In 2013, UPS employees, alongside their families and friends logged 49,000 volunteer hours that benefitted local community development, youth education, social issues and the environment. Recently, the company has pledged to complete 20 million hours of global volunteerism and community service by the end of 2020. By achieving this goal non-profits will receive volunteer assistance valued at more than *$460 million by the end of the initiative.

About United Way in Canada

With over 100 United Ways Centraides across the country, our mission is to improve lives and build communities by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action. The Movement's three focus areas are: helping Canadians move from poverty to possibility, building healthy people and strong communities, and helping kids be all they can be.

Each local United Way Centraide works in partnership with their communities (school boards, governments, academia, unions, business leaders, neighbourhood residents and funders) to achieve long-term measurable change, creating opportunities for a better life for everyone.

United Way Centraide Canada's national office (located in Ottawa) provides guidance and support on behalf of the national Movement.  For more information, please visit www.unitedway.ca or call: 1-800-267-8221.

About UPS

UPS (NYSE:UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including the transportation of packages and freight; the facilitation of international trade, and the deployment of advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the web at UPS.com and its corporate blog can be found at blog.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.

*Source: Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2013 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, www.bls.gov.

SOURCE: UPS Canada Ltd.