Trillium Foundation honours United Way

United Ways of Ontario was honoured for the impact it has made in communities across the province at the Ontario Trillium Foundation's 25th anniversary Great Grants Awards last week. Held at the MaRS Centre in Toronto, the evening highlighted the achievements of 25 not-forprofit organizations from the more than 10,000 groups that received OTF funding over the past 25 years. These organizations have exemplified excellence, innovation and leadership their community and volunteer work.

"2007 marks the 25th anniversary of grantmaking for OTF and we are delighted to celebrate the success of United Ways of Ontario and their role in building healthy and vibrant communities across the province," said Helen Burstyn, chair of the OTF's board of directors.

Early in its history, OTF recognized that the UWO and the foundation were inextricably linked in every community. A strong United Way movement in the province greatly complemented OTF's goals of building healthy and vibrant communities.

In 1983, OTF made a substantial grant of over $6 million over five years to UWO, to help strengthen technological and administrative capacities. The grant also provided funding that created individual stabilization funds for each local United Way in the province. The partnership between United Ways of Ontario and OTF has remained one of the most significant the Foundation has ever formed. UWO continues to be a vital force of strength and support to the voluntary sector all across the province.

"We are honoured that the foundation selected United Ways of Ontario to receive this special award on its silver anniversary," said Gayle Metson, United Ways of Ontario council chair.