United Way Toronto and York Region receives $5M donation from Magna

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 14, 2016
By Simon Martin

United Way Toronto & York Region had reason to celebrate Nov. 14. Magna International pledged to donate $5 million to United Way over five years. It represents the largest gift the United Way has ever received from a corporation based in York Region.

“Magna is committed to making a difference in the communities in which our employees work and live,” Magna Executive Vice-President and Chief Human Resources Officer Marc Neeb said. It is important to us that our employees are proud of our participation in this initiative. We’ve found a great partner in the United Way.

United Way CEO Danielle Zanotti was thrilled with the news. So much so, he brought a bottle Prosecco to celebrate. “We are so thankful to Magna’s executive team and employees for their exemplary leadership and commitment to York Region,” Zanotti said. “This gift will help us maintain United Way investments in the region and strengthen our network of agencies that provide front line services and support.”

The donation will go a long way in helping the United Way reach its fundraising goal of $101.5 million for the year, Zanotti said. In making the five-year commitment, Magna issued a challenge to other corporations to step up and join United Way’s mission to strengthen communities and neighbourhoods across York Region.

The gift from Magna comes one year after a merger of the United Ways in Toronto and York Region. York Region Chairman Wayne Emmerson was also on hand and was glowing in his comments about Magna’s community support.

“Magna is an excellent corporate citizen in York Region and this contribution is a tremendous example of the company’s ongoing generosity,” Emmerson said. “This funding will support critical services and programs that are benefiting our most vulnerable residents."

The funding announcement was made at Community Living Newmarket/Aurora, an organization that United Way has supported for decades. Magna’s gift comes on the heels of a $3 million gift announced last month for the Seneca College King Campus expansion. Neeb said Magna’s support can be seen all over the community at places like the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake Regional Health Centre and the Magna Centre.