VAUGHAN, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 5, 2011) -

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

Following the completion of another successful annual employee campaign, PowerStream, one of the largest municipally-owned electricity distribution companies in Ontario, presented a cheque today totalling $123,726.19 to the United Way of York Region and the United Way of Greater Simcoe County in a ceremony held at the utility's head office.

Participating in the presentation were PowerStream officials, Peter Meffe, Board chair; Brian Bentz, President and CEO; Dennis Nolan, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services as well as Bill Schmidt, Vice President of Information Services and the Co-chair for PowerStream's 2010 United Way Campaign. They presented the cheque on behalf of the company to Daniele Zanotti, CEO and Rickesh Lakhani, Campaign Director from the United Way of York Region as well as Paulina Robertson, Director of Resource Development from the United Way of Greater Simcoe County.

"Our employees continue to recognize that there are individuals and families in the communities we serve who are faced with life challenges that require our assistance and support," Bentz said. "The tremendous effort made by our employees in this year's United Way Campaign is a testament to their individual character and community leadership."

Since 2004, annual campaigns at PowerStream and its predecessor utilities have raised a total of nearly $600,000 for the United Way.

"The commitment demonstrated by our employees to the company's United Way Campaign year-after-year has been outstanding," Nolan pointed out. "PowerStream strives to be a character business with quality employees. The dedication and teamwork shown by our staff throughout this latest campaign serve as examples of the values that are important to our organization and the individuals who work here."

Campaign fundraising began in September with PowerStream's Annual Charity Golf Tournament and continued throughout October with the company's employee campaign raising money through activities such as weekly "Jeans Days", a payroll deduction program, 50/50 draws and a silent auction. The amount raised by the employee campaign was matched by a corporate donation that contributed to the total figure donated by PowerStream.

About PowerStream

PowerStream is the second largest municipally-owned electricity distribution company in Ontario, providing service to more than 325,000 customers residing or owning a business in communities located immediately north of Toronto and in Central Ontario. The communities served include Alliston, Aurora, Barrie, Beeton, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Markham, Penetanguishene, Richmond Hill, Thornton, Tottenham and Vaughan. PowerStream is an incorporated entity, jointly owned by the City of Barrie, the City of Vaughan and the Town of Markham.

About the United Way of York Region

Established in 1976, United Way of York Region is a registered charity uniting people and resources to improve our communities. United Way identifies community priorities and works with partners to take action, supporting a network of 100 critical programs across the region's nine municipalities.

About the United Way of Greater Simcoe County

United Way is one of the largest non-government sources of social service funding in Simcoe County. Over 80% of funds donated to United Way of Greater Simcoe County are raised in the workplace, most through payroll deduction programs. More than 150 employers in Simcoe County support their community through United Way.

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