During our Board's 2011 United Way Campaign, we surpassed our goal of $90,000 and raised an amazing $91,864 to benefit our local communities!

The 2011 United Way Campaign kicked off in the Board Room at the Catholic Education Centre on September 14, 2011. United Way representatives were on hand and spoke about how the United Way helps our local communities. Michael Pautler, our Director of Education, was in attendance and expressed his admiration for the United Way, and his hopes for a successful campaign.

The funds were raised through a variety of initiatives and activities throughout our Board and school communities, for example:

• Many elementary schools invited United Way speakers to speak at their October or November Staff Meetings.
• Friday, November 25, 2011, was our Board-wide Paint the Town Red Day, where students and staff were asked to make a small donation and wear red in support of the campaign. After donating, each student received an I made a difference! United Way sticker.
• United Way school representatives were offered an opportunity to attend a tour in their region to see their United Way dollars at work at a United Way funded agency

In addition, the Grade 4 students at St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School were awarded with a 2011 Student Spirit Award, as a result of all their hard work in preparing posters and daily announcements about their school's Paint the Town Red Day. The 2011 Community Spirit Awards ceremony took place on February 2, 2012, at Carmen's Banquet Centre in Hamilton.

The Halton Catholic District School Board, along with the United Way, would like to thank all students, staff and parents for the tremendous support - your dedication and care for the vulnerable and those struggling in our communities is truly remarkable, and it's what made this year's campaign such a wonderful success!