State Farm United Way campaign raises close to $240,000

Successful campaign supports United Way of York Region and includes head shaving photo op!

Aurora, Ontario.  November 29, 2011.  – State Farm is proud of the fundraising efforts of its employees and agents, after successfully completing a prolific 2011 United Way campaign. To date, State Farm has raised $239,394.83 for the United Way of York Region.

As a matter of fact we are so proud of our effort that we’re losing our hair over it!

Each year, State Farm and its employees come together to contribute to the United Way of York Region to help our local communities and to demonstrate our Good Neighbour™ culture. This year, 12 of our employees have volunteered to shave their head or moustache in support of this fantastic cause.

“I’m proud our organization is involved with the United Way. It is a natural fit of our values and philosophy of being a good neighbour,” says Dave Gordon, Manager Human Resources for State Farm, who will be shaving off his iconic and decades old moustache at the campaign close-out event. “Our participation goal was challenging so I knew I had to do something special. When I was asked to put up some skin, or in this case my moustache, I accepted the challenge. It’s important to give financially but donating our time is just as important. Helping each other and our fellow man - that’s what being a good neighbour is all about.”

“Our United Way campaign plays a pivotal role in promoting the core values we share as an organization,” says Barbara Bellissimo, Senior Vice President and Chief Agent, State Farm Canada. “It shows our commitment to creating safe neighbourhoods, promoting excellence in education and developing strong communities. The efforts by our agents and employees in Alberta, Ontario and New Brunswick, demonstrate how much we are dedicated to giving back to the communities where we live and work. I hope you can join us as we celebrate another successful campaign and watch as some of our dedicated associates shed some hair for a wonderful cause.”

United Way of York Region

United Way of York Region serves nine municipalities across the region: Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ontario. Its mission is: "We are a trusted organization that leads in uniting donors, volunteers, human service providers and their clients to improve the quality of life in the communities of York Region. We ascertain and address critical human needs by fostering innovative, responsible and inclusive partnerships of financial and other resources." The United Way partners with corporations to engage the workforce in fundraising and creating awareness for the needs of local communities.

For more information see www.york.unitedway.ca

Media Invitation

Please join us at the State Farm Canada head office as we shave some heads and celebrate our successful 2011 United Way campaign.

When: Thursday, December 1, 2011
11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Where: State Farm Canada
Aurora Operations Centre
333 First Commerce Drive (Hwy. 404 and Aurora Rd)
Aurora, ON 905-750-4100

Contact: Media planning to attend are asked to RSVP John Bordignon at 905-750-5567.

About State Farm®

State Farm has been serving Canadians since 1938. State Farm and its affiliates are the fourth largest auto insurance provider, and the seventh largest property and casualty insurer in Canada. In addition to providing affordable car insurance rates, State Farm has more than 540 Canadian agents and 1300 employees providing insurance and financial services including mutual funds, life insurance, vehicle loans, critical illness, disability, home and auto insurance to our customers in Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick. For more information, please visit statefarm.ca, join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or see us on YouTube.