Ground control, we have United Way lift off

A sterling song performance by Subway Yard Operator Marty Strube helped to kick-off the United Way fundraising season across the city on Sept. 10. Strube, the TTC’s Idol Contest champion, performed a rendition of Space Oddity at Nathan Phillips Square that would impress both David Bowie and Chris Hadfield! The loudest cheer from the city hall audience came from CEO Andy Byford. The TTC’s campaign, which runs until Nov. 16, will see many favourite activities (CN Tower Climb and pizza days) and promises to include a few new surprises this year. Last year, employees and pensioners raised $782,000 for the United Way of Greater Toronto. This year’s goal is $700,000.

2013 Campaign Team
Campaign Co-Chair Kathy Wyeth
Campaign Co-Chair Manny Sforza
Deputy Co-Chair Nancy Whitford
Labour Representative Paul Macedo
Finance Coordinator Peter Somerville
Leadership Chair Andy Byford

For more information about this year’s fundraiser, please call 416-393-7863 or visit www.unitedway.ttc.ca (first-time users key in temporary password, charity, then create a personal password.

Planes, trains and campaigns …

Hampered by poor weather on a number of previous attempts, Subway Transportation’s Al Robinson, right, was finally able to pilot IT Services’ Kevin MacLeod, left, into the air this summer. MacLeod was 2012’s successful bidder in the TTC/United Way’s online auction. They enjoyed a magnificent flight in a Cessna 172 S from Toronto’s Buttonville Airport to Peterborough where they stopped for lunch. Tagging along (but not pictured) were MacLeod’s eight-year-old niece, Sage and his six-year-old nephew, Brendon. Both gladly took a back seat for the flight home. “Amazing! Never realized how small the planes were, but it was a smooth flight there and back,” said MacLeod. “We even flew over my parents’ house in Ennismore! I’m bidding again this year if it is available in the auction.” The start date for this year’s internet auction is scheduled for Oct. 28.