While there were better ways of getting a tan, these 11 volunteers helped replant a garden and take apart an old playground to make way for a new one at Brampton YMCA. .

“Many of our colleagues have benefited from United Way of Peel Region initiatives. We know how important they are for the community. That’s why we do this. We love being here,” said Rajnish Johar of Best Buy & Future Shop.

“I love volunteering. When I saw this opportunity, I put my name down at the top of the list. I’m going to be here all day and I’m going to keep doing this. I need to, to help build a stronger community,” said Kimeka Chambers of Best Buy & Future Shop.

Shelley White, CEO, United Way of Peel Region adds, “I’d like to thank all of our donors and volunteers for your support for United Way and for participation in the United Way of Peel Region Day of Caring™. We couldn’t do our work without your tremendous involvement. Thanks to you change starts here.”

Debbie Walton, General Manager, Brampton YMCA was more than thrilled to have these volunteers over. “We have many initiatives for the youth and community. For these volunteers Day of Caring™ is a chance for them to see our initiatives and activities, and understand the role the United Way and we play in the community. It isn’t just a way for them to give back. It’s a way to show them where their contributions are going.”

For Joshua Cherian, Manager Facility, Brampton YMCA, these volunteers are hugely important. Without them it would be impossible to get his playground finished in time.

The new playground will be a “green” playground and has been designed according to suggestions from children. Joshua aims to get this playground functional by June 14th, 2012, before Father’s Day comes around.

The Day of Caring™ featured over 220 corporate employees giving a helping hand at 30 different United Way-funded agencies across Peel Region.