With the fall semester now under way, the steering committee for the University of Guelph’s United Way campaign is looking ahead to an exciting campaign.

Having successfully raised more than $537,000 last year, organizers are ready for another great year, supported by dozens of volunteers across the University. Funds raised during the campaign go to support local charitable organizations that improve life for countless people in our region.

Leading the committee this year is returning faculty co-chair Dr. Dan Gillis along with newly announced staff co-chair Elaine Fenner, director of Experiential Learning.

“I have been a United Way supporter for a long time and believe deeply in the valuable work they do in our community,” says Fenner. “I am honoured and excited to be co-chair of our United Way campaign this year as our community needs our support now more than ever.”

Despite the challenges COVID-19 presented in 2020, the University’s last annual campaign was an impressive success. The steering committee knows this year will present similar challenges and is ready to meet them head on.

“COVID-19 has and continues to affect the people of our community in countless ways. Yet, through the generosity of the University of Guelph community, we were able to embody ‘local love’ to support those who need it the most,” says Gillis. “The pandemic continues to challenge our community, but together we can make a huge difference.”

The Guelph-Wellington-Dufferin United Way will benefit from further U of G expertise this year with Patricia Tersigni, director of academic programs, in the role of campaign chair. “We know we can’t return to pre-pandemic normal and now, more than ever, we need a #RadicalRecovery in our community,” says Tersigni. “I am confident U of G faculty, staff and students will be at the heart of mobilizing shared social responsibility for social good.”

This year’s campaign will include early-bird prize draws for those who submit their pledge cards in the first weeks of the campaign as well as events that unite the camps. Watch for an email Sept. 21 with a link to your online pledge card. Talk to your area coordinator about how you can support this year’s campaign and help build community.

Save the date! Our 2021 United Way kick-off takes place Tuesday, Sept. 21 from noon to 12:45 p.m. More details about the event will be shared soon.