VICTORIA – Helping one person can create tangible ripples of positive local impact, and the annual United Way Greater Victoria (UWGV) Spirit Awards are a reminder of how many ripples were created over the past year.
United Way’s annual Spirit Awards recognize the generous nature of workplaces, organizations and individual donors who are proud to call the Greater Victoria area their home. Despite the COVID-19 global pandemic and with it, a significant shift to doing business digitally , UWGV raised over $6.2 million from individuals, many workplaces, labour, and government.
In 2020, over 200 workplaces ran United Way fundraising campaigns to help out a fellow neighbour, friend, colleague or family member. Over the past year, employees volunteered their time, participated in events and shared stories about the impact that United Way has in workplaces.
“I have been inspired by how many people stepped up and showed their local love through contributions to the United Way,” said Mark Breslauer, CEO at UWGV. “This has been a very difficult time for all of us and to see the generosity of Southern Vancouver Islanders and the tangible and positive impact being made is truly heartwarming.”
Altogether 14 United Way Spirit Awards are presented, including the most prestigious award, the Spirit Award of Distinction. The award showcases an individual or organization demonstrating leadership through donation or deed. This year’s recipient of the Spirit Award of Distinction is BC Ferries.
Joining the Thanks a Million Club – achieved by exceeding one million dollars in cumulative giving since first starting its workplace campaign – are Royal Roads University and the Capital Regional District.
Taking home the Triple Crown Award – presented to an organization that receives three or more Spirit Awards – is British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI).
“These organizations and the team members involved are wonderful examples of what can happen when we unite together to support our communities. My sincere thanks. These funds go a long way towards helping people locally through a variety of challenges especially during this time of immense pressure and stress,” said Breslauer.
UNITED WAY SPIRIT AWARD WINNERS
Outstanding Employee Campaign Chair (organization over 100 employees) : Megson FitzPatrick – Jennifer Currie
Outstanding Employee Campaign Chair (organization under 100 employees) : Intact Insurance – Bonnie Braniff
Outstanding Campaign Committee Spirit Award: NTT Data
Leadership Giving Spirit Award: University of Victoria and UVic FA, PEA, CUPE 917, CUPE 951 and
CUPE 4163
Community Impact Spirit Award: Seaspan Victoria Shipyards and Ironworkers 97, Boilermakers 191, Carpenters 1598, CSWU 16112, Insulators 118, MoveUP, IUOE 115, Teamsters 213, UniteHere, UA 1730 and 234, IBEW 230, 993, 213 and 1003; Millwrights 2736
Community Partner Spirit Award: Community Living Victoria and HEU SVI
Labour Partnership Spirit Award: BC Transit and Unifor 333, CUPE 4500 and MoveUP
Triple Crown Award: British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI)
Vancouver Island Regional Financial Challenge Cup: RBC
Municipal Spirit Award: City of Langford and CUPE local 50 (RCMP Support Services)
Spirit of Good Citizenship Award: Cecilia David, Royal Roads University
Thanks A Million: Royal Roads University and CUPE 3886 and RRUFA. Capital Regional District and CUPE 1978
Spirit of Distinction: BC Ferries and BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union, COPE Local 15 and
MoveUP
For a full list of 2020 Spirit Award Recipients and Nominees, visit: www.uwgv.ca/2020-spiritawards
