UPS contributed more than $2 million to Canadian communities in 2017

• More than $1.1 million in charitable donations to United Way in Canada
• $574,766 in grants from The UPS Foundation^®
• $100,000 in community grants to more than 150 charitable organizations
• More than $190,000 in total charitable contributions to JDRF Canada
• 127,837 volunteer hours from UPS employees, families and friends
• 204 UPS Canada drivers inducted into Circle of Honour with 25 years or more of accident-free driving
• 4,320 trees planted across Canada to help offset emissions
• 437 young adults graduated from UPS driver safety training program
• Wishes Delivered brings joy to kids through partnership with Children's Wish

MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 7, 2018 /CNW/ - UPS UPS continues to support the Canadian communities it serves, contributing more than $2 million in grants and charitable donations in 2017. For the 16^th consecutive year, UPS Canada was presented with the 'Thanks a Million' award, growing its 30 year relationship with the United Way in Canada and raising more than $1.1 million toward United Way initiatives in 2017. Diversity, volunteerism, community safety and environmental sustainability are values important to UPS employees and their efforts are reflected in the various contributions throughout 2017.   

UPS employees across Canada donated 127,837 hours volunteering in their communities and helping out local initiatives such as Youth Without Shelter and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Volunteer efforts contributed to raising more than $190,000 in total charitable contributions to JDRF. Globally, UPS has committed to volunteer 20 million community service hours by the end of 2020 and it has already reached more than 70 per cent of this goal. 

Steadfast in its mission to help build stronger, safer and more resilient communities around the world, The UPS Foundation awarded more than $574,000 in Canadian grants, including $50,000 to Peace Ranch, a community mental health agency offering housing and social recreational rehabilitation programs to those with serious mental illnesses. An additional $100,000 in community grants were awarded to more than 150 charitable organizations. Among them, the Airdrie and District Victims Assistance Society, the Multiple Sclerosis Scientific Research Foundation and the Canadian Red Cross Society.

"Social responsibility isn't simply an idea, it's a goal we aspire to exceed, in every connection." said Christoph Atz, UPS Canada president. "We are committed to integrating sustainability within our business model and investing in our communities. Our contributions last year are an indication of our employees' dedication to making a positive impact." 

Last year, more than 4,000 trees were planted across Canada to help offset emissions and improve lives as part of the UPS Global Forestry Initiative. In recognition, UPS received the Top 5 One Million Trees Mississauga award.

The safety of UPS drivers, customers and the communities served continues to be a top priority. UPS Road Code^® is a global sponsored teen safe driving program based on the company's safe-driving methods that is offered through various Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada locations. Its success is largely dependent on the UPS service providers that oversee the program and facilitate the hands-on training. Last year, 437 young adults graduated from the program, bringing the total to 1,737 graduates in Canada.

UPS drivers are trained to master safety before and while they are on-road. In 2017, 67 drivers were inducted into UPS 'Circle of Honour', a program recognizing those who have not had an avoidable accident for 25 years or more. In Canada, 204 drivers are members in the Circle of Honour. Globally, almost 10,000 drivers have logged more than 22.5 billion kilometres and 266,554 years of safe driving through their careers.

UPS Canada rounded out 2017 with the annual UPS Wishes Delivered campaign. Partnering with Children's Wish Foundation of Canada, a charity granting wishes to children diagnosed with life threatening illnesses, two young children living in Nova Scotia delivered and received a special surprise. To watch the full story, visit bit.ly/2km32SZ.

For more information about UPS's philanthropic and volunteerism efforts, please visit www.UPS.com/Foundation.

About The UPS Foundation:
UPS UPS is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including the transportation of packages and freight; the facilitation of international trade, and the deployment of advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Since its founding in 1907, UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen, supporting programs that provide long-term solutions to community needs. Founded in 1951, The UPS Foundation leads its global citizenship programs and is responsible for facilitating community involvement to local, national, and global communities. In 2017, UPS and its employees, active and retired, invested more than $118 million in charitable giving around the world. The UPS Foundation can be found on the web at UPS.com/Foundation and @UPS_Foundation on Twitter. To get UPS news direct, follow @UPS_News on Twitter.

SOURCE UPS Canada Ltd.

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