Public Servants Rally at Rideau Hall to Launch 2011 Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign

Friday, September 9, 2011, Ottawa – This afternoon at Rideau Hall, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, Mr. François Guimont, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada and the 2011 National Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC) Chair, along with hundreds of federal government employees and retirees, announced the 2011 GCWCC goal for the National Capital Region — an impressive $23 million.

“We all share a common desire as public servants at all levels - next generation of employees, managers and retirees - to make Canada a better place to live for everyone,” said Mr. Guimont. “Through the campaign, you can make that happen. “I encourage you to get involved, make a contribution, volunteer your time and demonstrate leadership in your community.” 

Throughout the campaign, federal government departments and agencies across Canada will hold large and small fundraising events involving employees and retirees as they work toward this year’s goal. They descend upon rinks for hockey tournaments, climb in canoes or mount tricycles for races, and host countless breakfasts and bake sales. Federal employees and retirees also donate their time by participating in events such as community action days, where they volunteer at community service organizations.

United Way-Centraide Canada is proud to have His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, as its patron. His Excellency’s support brings great honour to the work of United Ways and other Canadian charities in creating opportunity for a better life for everyone across our country. The goals and aims of the GCWCC align well with His Excellency’s role and his mandate of a “smart and caring nation” as we head toward Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017.

The 2011 GCWCC kicks off today and concludes with an achievement celebration on Thursday, November 24 at the National Gallery of Canada. Last year, federal employees and retirees helped to improve the quality of life of people living in communities across the country. They raised a record $41.6 million in support of United Ways across Canada, Healthpartners and more than 80,000 other registered Canadian charities. More than $23.5 million of this amount was raised in the National Capital Region.

About the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign
The GCWCC is managed by United Way Ottawa on behalf of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.  In the National Capital Region, federal employees have contributed to annual fundraising campaigns since 1945. The campaign is the largest workplace charitable campaign in Canada and benefits United Ways across Canada, Healthpartners and more than 80,000 registered Canadian charities.

 

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For more information on the GCWCC, please contact:

Barry Keegan, United Way Ottawa
Phone: 613-228-6709; Mobile: 613-294-8128
E-mail: bkeegan@unitedwayottawa.ca
Website: www.unitedwayottawa.ca