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Record United Way goal for York staff, police By Chris Traber 23 | Stouffville Sun-Tribune | Thursday, September 10, 2015 ctraber@yrmg.com York Region staff and York Regional Police have set a record $450,000 goal for their 2015 United Way employee campaign. Prior to unveiling the ambitious target, a $52,000 increase on last year's fundraising tally, York Region chairperson and CEO Wayne Emmerson briefed Wednesday's standing room rally at the Newmarket regional administration centre on past performance. "For more than two decades, York Region and York Regional Police employees have raised more than $3.3 million to help local people in need," he said. "But our work is not done. Poverty, hunger, abuse and people at risk still exist. "An investment in United Way is an investment in our community." York Regional Police Deputy Chief and United Way campaign cochairperson André Crawford noted that while his officers are in the community 24/7, they rely heavily on the various non-profit agencies supported by United Way. "We value these organizations and the huge difference they make in our communities," he said, noting Invest in People is the year's slogan. "Remember, even a little can mean a lot to a person in need." MC Bruce Macgregor, York Region's Chief Administrative Officer, said he's confident the lofty goal will be attained. Last year, the employee initiative, led by payroll deductions, bake sales, baseball challenges and barbecues, surpassed the campaign goal of $440,000 by collecting $448,081. `You are what happens when refugees land in Toronto and York Region. That's the power you have in the face of what's happening in the world.' York Region commissioner of finance and United Way campaign co-chairperson Bill Hughes said United Way has been alleviating suffering for decades. Still, many people in our neighbourhoods continue to suffer invisibly and in silence. "United Way agencies do real things for real people," he said. "Every single person has worth and every little bit helps." After administrators and politi- cians mustered enthusiasm, United Way Toronto and York Region resource development senior vicepresident Daniele Zanotti delivered the emotional crescendo. Employing his covetable meld of stand up, theatrics and anecdotal eloquence, Zanotti recalled his days as a university co-op student and meeting a newly arrived refugee from El Salvador. The man, his brother and sister had witnessed the murder of their parents. Zanotti met the siblings at the Newcomer Orientation Assistance and Hospitality Reception Centre in Toronto in the 1990s. He reminisced how, between his son's recent hockey games at a Scarborough tournament, Zanotti took the lad and teammates to a Subway sandwich shop. There, two decades later, he was re-acquainted with the man who now owned the franchise. The stirring reunion underscored how United Way agencies helped the family not only survive, but thrive. The grateful shop owner thanked Zanotti, telling him he was a successful business owner, his brother an engineer and his sister a family law lawyer. "Fleeing hell was one thing," he said. "Making it in heaven was another, thanks to United Way sup- port. You are what happens when refugees land in Toronto and York Region. That's the power you have in the face of what's happening in the world." To learn how you can support United Way Toronto and York Region, visit unitedwaytyr.com. So You Think You Can Cook at the Fair? Have you always wanted to be a chef... hef... or maybe you simply enjoy experimenting in the kitchen? If so, you have what it takes to create an original recipe for the "So You Think You Can Cook At The Fair" competition on October 1, 2 & 3, 2015 in the Agri-Food tent at Markham Fair. Recipes must include the following: · At least 3 Local Food ingredients · At least 3 food groups from Canada's Food Guide · Cost less than $20 to make · Be mixed, cooked and served on stage in 20 minutes Eligibility: You must be at least 12 years old and you must be able to attend and prepare your recipe on either October 1, 2 & 3, 2015. Finalists chosen to cook their recipe at Markham Fair will be selected from the recipes entered. Go to www.markhamfair.ca for contest details. Deadline for Application: September 27, 2015 at 9pm Successful contestants will be notified on September 29, 2015. SALES LAST wEEK dUE TO AMAZiNg BACK TO SCHOOL THURS. SEPT. 10, FRI. SEPT. 11 & SAT. SEPT. 12 HONDA ACCORD HONDA PILOT SALE EVENT! iNTErEST rATES AS LOw AS HONDA CIvIC HONDA FIT 2009 TO 2015 MOdEL YEArS 3 HELd OVEr MOrE dAYS FiNANCiNg rATES Up TO 84 MONTHS 1.99% HONDA ODySSEy TOyOTA CAMRy 3 YEArS NO CHArgE MAiNTENANCE with each used car purchased* N *Includes Air Filter & Oil Change Plus Brake Service Hwy 7 MARKHAM HONDA ate 8220 Kennedy Road · Markham (Kennedy & 407) ville g Union K en 1-866-501-1109 ne www.markhamhonda.com dy 407 R d. HOURS: Monday: 9am - 9pm · Tuesday: 9am - 9pm · Wednesday: 9am - 9pm · Thursday: 9am - 9pm · Friday: 9am - 6pm · Saturday: 9am - 6pm · Sunday: CLOSED