The University of Guelph has surpassed its 2017 United Way campaign goal by $12,000, raising $632,000.

This is the sixth consecutive year that the U of G community has raised more than $600,000 for the United Way.

The announcement was made today by U of G president Franco Vaccarino during a celebration with campaign volunteers.

“Our annual United Way campaign demonstrates the power of bringing together resources, ideas and shared commitment toward a common goal – improving lives in our local community,” Vaccarino said.

Campaign co-chair Catherine Carstairs added: “I am so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish as a University. The United Way not only brings us together as a community, but it helps us make Guelph-Wellington-Dufferin a better place to live.”

Students, faculty and staff from across campus took part in the campaign, mounting dozens of fundraising events. As in past years, students were integral to the campaign’s success.

“Volunteering for the United Way takes time and effort, but it is never work,” said Peter Routledge, campaign co-chair. “It’s just something that you love to do.”

The United Way supports 54 agencies and 88 programs in Guelph, Wellington and Dufferin counties.

This is the ninth time that U of G has raised more than $500,000 for the regional United Way campaign.