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Stoufi‘ijille ‘ un -'Ii'ib une SATURDAY, NOV.22,2008 I SERVING THE COMMUNITY OF WHITCHURCHâ€"STOUFFVILLE I 28 PAGES/$1 INCLUDING GST Donors dig deep despite economic worries BY CHRIS TRABER Staff Reporter York Region residents, employees and corporations are “getting their United Way on”, participants at Wednesday’s mid- campaign report meeting were told. To date, the 2008 campaign has raised 63 per cent of the organization’s $9.5-million goal, United Way of York Region CEO Daniele Zanotti said. The gathering, held at Motor- ola’s National United Way Cam- paign kickoff in Markham, was informed that despite the suc- cess of campaigns, United Way needs help to reach this year’s goal. A midway analysis reveals that in the face of economic uncer- tainty, residents, employees and corporations are trying harder, digging deeper and giving more to lend a helping hand to those in need across York Region, Mr. Zanotti said. “The story today is not $9.5 million or our march towards it," he said. “The real story is the resolve and enthusiasm we’ve seen so far from long-time and new friends of United Way of York Region. The real story is that in unprecedented economic times, we are most remarkable, together." But York United Way i needs help to reach goal 'Examples of the campaign’s infectious zeal and commitment were evident. 294-8030 27 HERITAGE BIL. MARINA" Hoi'Tfibs See 40, page 10‘ I HII‘ Stoufl’ville Spirit forward Craig McDowell is pressured by Markham Waxers defenceman Jordan Mustard during Markham’s 9â€"2 win at the Stouflville Arena Thursday. It was the 12th straight loss for the Spirit, which fell to 3-25 on the Ontario Junior Hockey League season. For more information, see story on page 11. SPIRIT IN A CORNER STAFF PHOTO/BILL ROBERTS WHH'CHURCHSTOUFFVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY BY KEELY GRASSER Staff Reporter Hospital and municipal ofiicials reiterated their belief the province will soon commit. funding for the Markham Stoufiville Hospital expansion as they presented updated plans to the community. Weak economy, lobbying could help long-awaited project Hospital optimistic expansion on track Hospital CEO and president Janet Seed and Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti hosted a community forum Monday at the hospital. They updated the public on the latest plans to expand the over-extended facility, which was built to serve a catchment of 110,000 but is currently serving 300,000. “I haVe a lot Of reasons to believe it's going to happen this time," Ms Beed said of a long- awaited provincial funding announcement. Earlier this year, the province decided to delay some large hospital construction proj- ects, including the Markham Stoufl’ville Hosâ€" pital expansion. But Ms Beed said they are now further along in planning than ever before, Markham- Unionville MPP Michael Chan and board members have been busy advocating at Queen’s Park and Mr. Scarpittj has been a vocal proponent. The current economic situation may also bode well for the project, according to Ms Beed. The government will want to keep the construction industry going, she said. “Hopefully we will hear that great news from the province. . .let’s remain positive. Let's keep pushing,” Mr. Scarpitti said. “We think the price tag on our hospital makes it reasonable,” she said. Learning . Opinion ‘ Sports . . I Classified See POOLS, page 10‘