PowerStream Donates More Than $200,000 to the United Way

VAUGHAN, ON--(Marketwired - December 12, 2014) - An outstanding 2014 'Pay-it-Forward' employee campaign once again was acknowledged as being a key contributing factor in PowerStream being able to provide a record-setting donation of $209,360.26 to be shared by the United Way York Region and the United Way of Greater Simcoe County.

The announcement was made at PowerStream's head office on Friday as part of an official cheque presentation ceremony involving several company officials including Maurizio Bevilacqua, Board Chair and Mayor of the City of Vaughan; Frank Scarpitti, Board Member and Mayor of the City of Markham; Jeff Lehman, Board Member and Mayor of the City of Barrie; Brian Bentz, President and CEO; Dennis Nolan, EVP Corporate Services and Campaign Co-chair, as well as Bill Schmidt, VP, Information Services and Campaign Co-chair. They presented a cheque to Carmen Clayton, Associate Director of Corporate Partnerships, United Way York Region, as well as Rosslyn Junke, Campaign Manager, United Way of Greater Simcoe County.

The donation is consistent with PowerStream's ongoing commitment to support the communities in which their customers live, work and play. The company's annual campaign includes a variety of employee-focused initiatives that help to raise funds for the United Way and its agencies. In 2014, the initiatives included payroll deductions, kick-off breakfasts, jeans days, a raffle box draw and participation in the company's annual golf tournament.

QUOTE

• "The holiday season is always a time for individuals to demonstrate their kindness and generosity. PowerStream employees exhibit these traits throughout the year through their participation in various charitable activities including our annual United Way campaign," explained Mayor Bevilacqua. "Our employees continuously demonstrate a genuine understanding of what it means to 'give back' to those who are less fortunate."

• "Working with the United Way York Region and the United Way of Greater Simcoe County over the years has been very rewarding," adds Brian Bentz, "As a community leader in corporate social responsibility, it is inspiring to see our employees so engaged and motivated to extend a helping hand to those in need."

BACKGROUND

• PowerStream's United Way campaign kicks off each year with the company's annual charity golf tournament in September. In 2014, the tournament alone generated over $110,000.00 for the campaign. Other funds were raised through payroll deductions, internal employee initiatives and a corporate matching donation.

• Participation by PowerStream employees in other annual charitable activities includes the Heart & Stroke Foundation's Big Bike and Princess Margaret Hospital's Ride to Conquer Cancer.

• Since 2004, PowerStream and its predecessor utilities have donated more than $1,200,000 to the United Way.

ABOUT POWERSTREAM

PowerStream is a community-owned energy company that provides power and related services to more than 370,000 customers residing or owning a business in communities located immediately north of Toronto and in Central Ontario. It is jointly owned by the Cities of Barrie, Markham and Vaughan.

ABOUT THE UNITED WAY YORK REGION

Established in 1976, United Way York Region is a registered charity uniting people and resources to improve our communities. United Way identifies community priorities and works with partners to take action, supporting a network of 100 critical programs across the region's nine municipalities.

ABOUT THE UNITED WAY OF GREATER SIMCOE COUNTY

United Way is one of the largest non-government sources of social service funding in Simcoe County. Over 80% of funds donated to United Way of Greater Simcoe County are raised in the workplace, most through payroll deduction programs. More than 150 employers in Simcoe County support their community through United Way.

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