Loaned executives celebrated

Guests were preparing to unfold their napkins when the Independent went to press last night for a dinner honouring the charity work of 1100 local employees and 175 companies.
The gala dinner at the Arena was to celebrate the Loaned Executives Program of United Way, a not-for-profit body providing financial support to local welfare agencies.
The program has been running since 1996, with companies donating staff time to speak at local workplaces about United Way.
The volunteers sought to encourage listeners to make donations to United Way from their weekly pay packets.
The inaugural program had six representatives from as many companies but has swelled to 42 volunteers from 36 firms this year.
Loaned employees work a few hours a week over three months making presentations in Geelong workplaces.
United Way chief executive officer Anthony Wilson said 8000 employees now participated in the charity’s Workplace Giving program, with this year’s target set at $750,000.
He said United Way was thrilled to acknowledge the work of the loaned executives and their employers at last night’s dinner.
“The loaned executives allow the United Way message to stay in the minds of the Geelong business community every year and that by supporting United Way those in need in the Geelong community will directly benefit,” Mr Wilson said.
Fourteen local wine producers have donated 20 litres each to a barrel of combined shiraz for the United Way appeal.
The 2005 United Geelong Shiraz was set to go under the hammer at last night’s dinner.