[Originally Posted March 20, 2012]

People from every corner of Leeds & Grenville came together on March 7, 2011, at CJ’s Banquet Hall in Brockville to celebrate United Way Leeds & Grenville’s annual volunteer appreciation event.

With a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to the community, UWLG President Shawn Souder reflected on the past year. “When we invest our time, energy, and expertise into our community, great things happen,” said Souder. “This morning, we have come together to recognize the tremendous efforts of our volunteers; the support of organizations, businesses, and corporations throughout our united counties; and the individual donors who make a difference every single day.”

In September, UWLG announced their most ambitious goal to date — $995,000. With a lot of hard work and determination, United Way representatives were proud to unveil a campaign achievement of $1,077,055.

“We are still overwhelmed by the tremendous community support that has helped us reach and surpass our target,” said Judi Baril, UWLG Executive Director. “The people of Leeds & Grenville truly responded to the rising need in our community. Whether you are a canvasser, donor, board member, cabinet member, or leader, we are here today to honour your achievement. Last year, we announced a record achievement and this year, we were able to surpass that by over $100,000, a significant accomplishment and one that we are extremely proud of and humbled by.”

United Way Leeds & Grenville would like to sincerely thank the thousands of donors and hundreds of volunteers that made this achievement a reality.

“When we all work together, the possibilities are endless,” Souder said at the end of the morning. “Chnage starts with me. Change starts with each of you. Change starts here.”

Campaign 2011 Award Winners

Health & Agency Awards

Outstanding Agency, 1st runner-up — Leeds & Grenville Rehabilitation & Counselling Services
Outstanding Agency, winner — Employment and Education Centre
Oustanding Volunteer Awards: Brian Mabee, Joan Thomas, Loretta Corbeil, Teri Devine, Brenda Hill & Brenda Dillabough

Health Sector Award, 1st runner-up — South East Community Care Access Centre
Health Sector Aard, winner — Rideau Community Health Services

Finance Sector Awards

Finance Sector Award, 2nd runner-up — CIBC Brockville
Finance Sector Award, 1st runner-up — BMO Prescott
Finance Sector Award, winner — RBC Kemptville
Finance Spirit Awards: CitiBank Brockville, CitiBank Kemptville, TD Canada Trust Kemptville

Education Sector Awards

St. Michael High School
Holy Cross School
South Grenville District High School
Toniata Public School
Ange-Gabriel
Upper Canadad District School Board

Community Hero Awards

James Thomas
Orma McDougal

Business Sector Awards

Business Development Spirit Awards

Prysmian Cables
The Brick
Brockville Home Hardware

Business Sector Award: Future Shop Brockville

Outstanding Media Awards

104.9 JR FM and 103.7 BOB FM
BNTV BrockNews
Yes FM
Recorder & Times
St. Lawrence EMC
Cogeco

Public Service Awards

Municipal Sector Award — Brockville Police Services
Provincial Sector Award — St. Lawrence Valley Correctional Treatment Centre
Federal Sector Award, 1st runner-up — Canada Border Services Agency Prescott
Federal Sector Award, winner — Parks Canada St. Lawrence Islands National Park
Everyday Hero Awards: Krista George, Jay Yaroshuk, Jocelyne Perron

Community Hero Awards

Peter Wedekamm
Carefree Pools
Gananoque Boat Lines
Galaxy Theatres Brockville
Gord Brown

Industrial Sector Awards

Outstanding Corporate Giving Awards

Canarm Ltd.
3M Canada
Procter & Gamble

Foundation Account Award, 2nd runner-up *tie– Siegwerk Canada Inc.
Foundation Account Award, 2nd runner-up *tie– Ross Video
Foundation Account Award, 1st runner-up — Camalor Mfg. Inc.
Foundation Account Award, winner — Purolator Courier Ltd.

Core Account Award, 2nd runner-up — Canarm Ltd.
Core Account Award, 1st runner-up *tie– Stanley Black & Decker
Core Account Award, 1st runner-up *tie– Motor Coils Mfg.
Core Account Award, winner — E.I. DuPont Canada Company Maitland Site

Everyday Hero Awards: Candy Burkitt, Stephen Dobie, Dave McCrae, Deb Major
Oustanding Hero Award: Jim McDonald
Oustanding Spirit Award: Procter & Gamble Campaign Team

Key Account Award, 1st runner-up — MLE Equipment
Key Account Award, winner — Shell Canada

Oustanding Campaign Awards

Shell Canada
Procter & Gamble