The University of Guelph’s 2014 United Way campaign was its most successful ever, with the campus community raising $616,910, nearly $17,000 above its goal.
The announcement was made today by Rich Moccia, associate vice-president, research (strategic partnerships), and co-chair of the University’s United Way campaign.

“The U of G community continues to step up to the plate when it really matters,” Moccia said.

“Many individuals and regional wellness programs in the greater Guelph area count on United Way support, and our students and staff demonstrated once again how much we care about our community that gives us so much in return.”

The University had already exceeded its $600,000 goal when the campus campaign closed in December, but further individual pledges and event receipts pushed up the grand total, he said.

The U of G campaign topped $600,000 for the third year in a row and raised more than a half-million dollars for the sixth time.

Moccia’s campus co-chairs for the 2014 campaign were Kim Best, department and undergraduate secretary in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, and undergraduate students Remy Marlatt, marketing management, and Meghan Doherty, arts and science.

The University was one of the largest contributors to the United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin’s annual campaign, which raised more than $3.5 million. The organization recognized U of G’s 2014 workplace campaign and volunteers with several awards, including:

 Outstanding Special Event: College Idol contest
 Joint Union-Labour Award of Distinction: CUPE Local 1334
 Spirit Awards: Department of Hospitality, Ontario Veterinary College
 United Way Incredibles: Rob Laird, manager of business operations, Student Housing.

As well, a number of University awards were presented at the campus United Way recognition event last December.