McMaster’s United Way Campaign makes final push
Some of the everyday heroes of the McMaster United Way Committee. The University’s annual United Way campaign ends on December 6.
Launched on September 25, McMaster’s United Way Campaign is heading into the home stretch. Members of the McMaster community have until December 6 to make a contribution in support of the United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton.
To date, $201,000 has been raised toward the campaign’s goal of $300,000. Donations will collectively support 130 United Way programs and services that impact more than 222,000 residents in Hamilton and Burlington. Funds raised will help families meet basic needs such as food and shelter, provide companionship for isolated seniors, and promote access to social and health services.
“A gift to a charity is a very personal act,” says Peter Self, assistant dean of Graduate Student Life and Research Training at McMaster, who serves as staff co-chair for the campaign. “I’m hopeful that, in addition to the many individuals who have helped us get this far, there are others who will help the United Way assist so many that are in need in our communities,” says Self.
This year’s campaign theme is “the power of an everyday hero.”
An online auction, held from October 16 to 28, raised more than $8,200 toward the campaign. The 46 items included lunch with President Patrick Deane, a membership to the Royal Botanical Gardens and one-year McMaster parking passes.
“We hope that McMaster will once again have the largest workplace campaign in the Hamilton-Burlington area,” says Deb Garland, one of the 26-member McMaster United Way Committee.
A team lead in Organizational Development at McMaster, Garland notes that participation in the campaign has steadily increased from 388 supporters in 2009 to 470 in 2012. This is the second year in a row the goal has been upped to $300,000 from the previous target of $265,000 in 2011. Last year’s campaign raised close to $292,000.
“The partnership between the United Way and McMaster University is built on the hard work of volunteers and the contributions from donors who, year after year, see the need in their community and have the compassion and conviction to be part of the solution,” says Len Lifchus, CEO of the United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton.
If this year’s $300,000 goal is reached, McMaster’s “lifetime” contributions to the United Way will total more than $4.75 million.
For more information on how donations will help those in need: http://www.uwaybh.ca/how-we-help/the-impact-of-your-donation/
To make a donation: http://www.workingatmcmaster.ca/uway/ or check your McMaster email for info on your personalized link.
