The tallies are in on U of G’s annual United Way fundraising campaign, and more than $631,000 has been raised to support local United Way programs.

U of G President Franco Vaccarino revealed the campaign total today at a campaign closing event.

“Through our commitment to the United Way, we work together to improve the lives of people in our community,” said Vaccarino.

Campaign co-chairs Peter Routledge and Carolyn Kerr are grateful to the many donors and volunteers who made the campaign a success.

“I am truly honored to be part of this university and to have the pleasure of working with people who are constantly striving to improve the lives of so many in Guelph and the surrounding area,” said Kerr.

Students made an important contribution to this year’s total, raising $2,300. Student campaign co-chairs Farial Hashimi and Emma Pybus reached out to clubs and supported student-run activities across campus that raised awareness of the campaign as well as valuable funds.

Dozens of faculty and staff-run events held across the University over the past months contributed to the campaign. With some fundraising activities continuing throughout December, the overall total is expected to grow even further.

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

This is the seventh year in a row that we have surpassed our goal and the tenth time U of G has raised more than $500,000 in a campaign.