1.21.2004 ET

(CSRwire) TORONTO - Imperial Oil has been awarded the 2003 United Way Corporate Support Award (for organizations with over 1,000 employees) by the United Way of Greater Toronto in recognition of its outstanding 2003 campaign. During its two-week campaign Imperial Oil, in partnership with its employees and retirees, raised over $765,000 for the United Way of Greater Toronto. This was an increase of over eight per cent from last year's total, making it Imperial Oil's most successful campaign ever.

"The individual leadership and generosity of our employees, retirees and management were exemplary," said Caprice Chow, Chairperson of Imperial Oil's 2003 GTA United Way campaign. "The campaign team worked hard to make the campaign a success and we are all very appreciative of recognition by United Way."

The Corporate Support Award is one of 26 Spirit Awards presented by United Way to organizations in the Greater Toronto Area. United Way's Spirit Awards honour the inspiration and passion of the best campaigns in the Toronto. The Corporate Support Award is presented to corporations demonstrating exceptional commitment to United Way through on-going corporate giving and support of additional programs and activities.

"Imperial Oil employees and management have demonstrated outstanding leadership, support, and positive energy throughout every aspect of their 2003 campaign," said Gordon Shand, Fundraising Manager, United Way of Greater Toronto. "In particular, the company's attention and dedication to each of their employee, leadership, and retiree fundraising campaigns were outstanding. There's no doubt that this award was very well-deserved."

Imperial Oil is Canada's largest integrated oil and gas company with over 6,000 employees in locations across Canada. The company has been involved with United Way for over 25 years and this year's national campaign resulted in a donation of over $2.5 million to the 2003 United Way/Centraide Campaign across Canada.

United Way of Greater Toronto funds a network of 200 social and health service agencies that help strengthen neighbourhoods across the city. The money raised this year will help children and youth, senior citizens in need, families and abused women, disabled and homeless people as well as newcomers to Canada through United Way’s agencies. It will also support other United Ways and other charities as designated by donors.

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