Public servants across British Columbia showed how much they care for their communities with another massive fundraising effort this year. Campaign Representatives were recognized today at the 2007 Campaign Provincial Employees Community Service Fund wind-up event.

"These last two years have been a pleasure for me," said honorary chair and deputy minister of Agriculture and Lands Larry Pedersen. "It's given me pride in being a public servant to see such generosity and hard work. This fundraising allows us to draw on our public service values to support the communities we live and work in."

Since 1965, the Community Fund has raised over $30 million for B.C.'s charitable organizations. This year's total was a record-breaking $1.86 million, which exceeded last year's record total. This total includes $1.26 million from Victoria employees alone.

"I want to sincerely thank every employee who donates to your community fund," said Susan Zerb, executive director of the Saanich Volunteer Services Society. "While you work, your financial contributions reach out to people in need of assistance, through agencies such as ours. Last year, SVSS volunteers provided people with support and transportation to more than 2,400 appointments and other activities right here in Victoria! Every day, the lives of your neighbours and relatives are enriched because you care enough to give through PECSF!"

From September to November, more than 1,000 provincial employees led the campaign in their workplace with close to 9,000 public servants pledging their support. Funds raised go to over 1,000 charitable organizations across the province.

"Fundraising activities are organized and carried out by employees," said Wes Shoemaker honorary vice-chair and associate deputy minister of Emergency Management B.C. "Every single dollar raised and donated goes directly to programs in B.C. communities."

For more information on the fund, visit www.communityfund.gov.bc.ca.

ABOUT THE PROVINCIAL EMPLOYEES COMMUNITY SERVICES FUND
(COMMUNITY FUND)

* Over $1.26 million raised in the Capital Region in 2007.
* Over $1.86 million raised provincewide in 2007.
* 1,000 Campaign Representatives and 9,000 individual donors in 2007.
* 100 per cent of all donations go to the charitable organizations. All administration costs are absorbed by government.
* The two-month campaign runs from September to November each year.
* Provincewide, more than 1,000 charitable organizations in 28 regions receive support from the Community Fund.
* The Community Fund was founded in 1965 to facilitate provincial government employee contributions to local non-profit organizations.
* Since its inception, the Community Fund has expanded to serve 28 regions throughout British Columbia, each with its own employee representatives.

For a complete list of all charitable organizations that the Community Fund contributes to around the province, visit www.communityfund.gov.bc.ca.

Provincial Employees Community Service Fund
TIME TO RECOGNIZE PROVINCIAL EMPLOYEES' EFFORTS