Next week marks the launch of U of G’s 2017 United Way campaign. Together, let’s do something amazing!

Our annual fundraising campaign kicks off with a community barbecue in Branion Plaza on Sept. 18. Join your fellow Gryphons as we celebrate with music, grilled treats and an announcement of our goal for 2017. Get a barbecued hot dog, pop and a cookie for just $5!

Campaign co-chairs Catherine Carstairs and Peter Routledge are looking forward to another fun and fulfilling campaign.

“U of G’s United Way campaign brings us together to support people in need in Guelph Wellington Dufferin,” says Carstairs, chair of the Department of History. “It’s part of what makes the University the compassionate community it’s known to be.”

Routledge, Manager of Information Systems in Student Housing Services adds: “The time we give to the United Way will never equal what the United Way gives back to us — whether it be gaining new friendships, being inspired by over 180 dedicated campus volunteers, or the satisfaction of knowing we are helping those who need it most in our community.”

This year’s student campaign co-chairs Sasha Monteiro and Remy Orpen are also excited for our 2017 campaign. “Campus initiatives and fundraising like our United Way campaign build community by engaging student participation and mobilizing a collective action,” said Monteiro.

“One of our most exciting initiatives for students is our tuition raffle,” adds Orpen. “Our grand prize of a $1,000 tuition waiver has been a big draw in past years and we expect it will be again.”

Watch for these U of G United Way incentives and activities

What makes the U of G campaign such a success? The generosity of our community along with great events and prizes.

• Kick-off barbecue on Sept. 18
• Flippin’ Friday Pie Day on Nov. 17 – come for a pancake breakfast and the chance to launch a pie at a colleague
• College Idol on Oct. 31 – watch the amazing talents of U of G faculty, staff and students
• Weekly incentive prize draws for those who submit pledge cards from Sept. 20 to Oct. 18 – prizes include delicious U of G treats like ice cream, Arctic char fillets and honey
• Student raffle that includes:
  • a $1,000 tuition rebate
  • a one-semester parking pass, and
  • $500 off a distance education course
• Grand prize pledge card draws for:
  • a one-year parking pass
  • a one-year Athletics membership
  • a $500 RRSP from TD Bank, and
  • tuition for a continuing education course

What United Way of Guelph Wellington Dufferin does

The money we raise together helps support our community – what’s raised local, stays local. With our help, in 2016-17, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin:

• Funded 88 programs at 54 agencies in Guelph
• Provided 630 direct therapeutic support hours to at-risk youth to help them complete high school (Give Yourself Credit)
• Served 35, 738 lbs of food to at-risk adults and youths (East Wellington County Services)
• Helped 207 individuals find housing and remain housed (Welcome In Drop In Centre)
• Supported 200 women who experienced sexual violence with a total of 2,483 hours of direct counselling (Guelph Wellington Women in Crisis)

Visit www.uoguelph.ca/unitedway for more information. Change starts here.