[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/UWgroup.jpg” caption=”United Way organizers stuff envelopes “]Today is the official kickoff of the McMaster United Way Campaign. This year's goal is $165,000, an amount that co-chair Tina Horton says is definitely attainable. “It's the same (amount) as last year, and we only missed it by $2,000.”

The theme, Who Cares? We Know You Do, might have been written with the McMaster community in mind. Every year, McMaster faculty and staff give generously to the United Way campaign, and the campaign committee of nine enthusiastic volunteers are hoping for that same level of support again this year.

A number of incentives are planned to encourage participation and the early returns of pledge cards. Back by popular demand, Marketplace on Nov. 30 will feature baked goods, crafts and gift items.

Electronic bingo, under the direction of Jan Nurnberg (ext. 24910) returns to campus, with Halloween, Christmas and Valentine bingos. Once again there will be early-bird draws, with three prizes per draw this year. Prizes include gift certificates for local eateries and Titles, and bottles of wines from local Niagara wineries.

Horton stresses that when individuals give to the United Way everyone benefits. “Your donation helps more than one in three people each year through agencies that repair lives, restore hope and improve social conditions.” Some 55,000 children and youth in the Hamilton-Wentworth and Burlington areas receive assistance from United Way agencies, she adds. “The United Way funds various programs and activities that strengthen the community's capacity to care for itself.”

The campus campaign committee includes Dorothy Pawluch, co-chair, Judy Howson, campaign co-ordinator, Al Spence, faculty vice-chair, Rosemary Viola, administration vice-chair, Cheryl Gies, staff vice-chair, Marketplace co-ordinators Chris Sylvester and Nancy Weller, and Jan Nurnberg, Bingo co-ordinator.

Horton notes that McMaster faculty and staff can once again take advantage of the payroll deduction plan for donations. Many people, she says, find this an easy and convenient method for making contributions. The plan commences on Jan. 1, 2001.

Last year the Hamilton-Wentworth and Burlington United Way successfully raised over $6 million, thanks to the generous support of the community and an increase in the number of corporations making donations. Eighty-one cents of every dollar given is invested directly into community services. This year's United Way goal is $1,171,000 – a two per cent increase over 1999.

Photo(l-r):Harvey Weingarten, Chris Sylvester, Judy Howson, Peter George, Tina Horton, Dorothy Pawluch and Nancy Weller stuff envelopes in preparation for this year's campaign