[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/UnitedWay_logo.jpg” caption=”This year’s goal for the McMaster United Way campaign is $210,000. “]The McMaster United Way campaign starts today with an ambitious goal. McMaster University and the United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton have enjoyed a long and successful partnership. In 2007, the McMaster community exceeded its campaign goal and raised more than $203,000.

Your generous gift to the United Way supports community programs that help individuals, families and neighbourhoods thrive. The United Way is counting on your support.

Our financial goal this year is $210,000 and we have established a target of 10 per cent participation from the McMaster community in order to meet our goal. Can we count on you? Your donation is valued, needed and appreciated and will go directly to more than 60 agencies and 130 programs and services supported by the United Way.

Please join us to bid on a wide variety of items during the second annual Silent Auction for United Way in the MUSC Marketplace on Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Bids will close at 2 p.m. sharp and winners will be identified immediately. Opening remarks will be made by President Peter George and United Way ambassadors at 12 p.m. For a complete listing of auction items, visit www.workingatmcmaster.ca/uway/.

Upcoming United Way events include a 50/50 draw at the M.E.S.S. football game on Friday, Oct. 3, the annual DeGroote Bake Sale on Oct. 31 and paper mitten sales in November.