U of G kicked off its annual United Way campaign today with a party in Branion Plaza. Despite the brisk weather, spirits were high as campaign co-chairs and the United Way’s Everyday Hero unveiled our 2018 fundraising goal: $620,000 and beyond! Together, let’s make it happen.

“One of our strategic goals is to connect communities, and this campaign does just that,” says University president Franco Vaccarino. “It allows us to build stronger connections.”

U of G’s campaign is one of the most successful United Way efforts across Canadian post-secondary institutions. Together, we raise more per person than any other school in the country.

Speaking to those who donate to the United Way, Prof. Carolyn Kerr, faculty co-chair for this year’s campaign said, “Your passion for your community and your desire to do something for people in need contributes to the unique culture that we all embrace here at the U of G.”

According to staff campaign co-chair Peter Routledge, our 2018 campaign is supported by more than 180 volunteers across campus. “We come together every year as a group and as a team to make a difference in the lives of people that need it most in our community,” he said.

The event included lunch and dessert options and live music broadcast by Magic 106.1 FM. All proceeds go to support U of G’s 2018 United Way campaign.

“The United Way makes an incredible difference at the community level,” says Farial Hashimi, student campaign co-chair. “Our Gryphon values encourage us to be engaged and caring. As students, supporting the United Way helps us live those values.”

What’s raised local, stays local. Learn about United Way events taking place across campus and how your donations make a difference at www.uoguelph.ca/UnitedWay.

Your Pledge Card Is a Ticket to Amazing Prizes

Complete your pledge card and hand it back to your area’s United Way coordinator for a chance to win a weekly early bird prize draw or a fantastic grand prize:

• $500 RRSP
• University of Guelph one-year parking pass (May 1, 2019 – April 30, 2020)
• Registration/tuition fee for one continuing education course at U of G
• One-year NRG Pass (includes access to the fitness centre and NRG classes)

Your United Way Donations Make a Difference

In 2017, thanks to community donations, the United Way of Guelph Wellington Dufferin:

• Provided 200 women who experienced sexual violence with 2,483 hours of individual counselling sessions
• Supported 766 seniors in learning how to live with vision loss and avoid accidents
• Gave 35,738 lbs. of food to at-risk adults and youth
• Invited 649 adults with mental health or addiction issues to participate in 110 recovery workshops