[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/UnitedWay_logo.jpg” caption=”McMaster’s United Way committee was honoured for its fundraising efforts and volunteer work.”]Though the campaign for United Way closed at the end of January, McMaster's United Way committee is continuing to receive recognition for its hard work and volunteer efforts.

At the recent Evening of Recognition & Appreciation, McMaster's committee was presented with the Campaign of the Year (over 250 employees) award for Hamilton. This award is presented to companies and affiliated unions that exemplify teamwork, leadership and community involvement.

This was the first award of the evening, and representatives of the committee were proud to be recognized among other United Way committees from across the Burlington-Hamilton region.

But there were other surprises in store later in the evening. McMaster was also awarded the Workplace Leadership Giving Award, and the CAW Local 555 received a nomination for the Hamilton & District Labour Council Union Spirit Award.

The greatest achievement of the evening was the announcement of the final award, the Dofasco Community Builder Award. This award was originally established to recognize and honour Dofasco for its leadership role as a United Way community builder.

The award now recognizes organizations that impact, inspire and lead the people of our community. It is presented to the company or organization that demonstrates outstanding enthusiasm and support to United Way as well as making a significant difference in our community. This year's Dofasco Community Builder Award was presented to McMaster University.

The committee experienced the real meaning of teamwork during this year's campaign. Through the leadership of co-chairs Lisa Boniface and Louis Schmidt, and Miriam Gracey of United Way, the events, communications and generous financial contributions of McMaster employees all came out on top.

McMaster also achieved another goal: to increase awareness of United Way, the programs and services it supports, and the people whose lives are affected by this organization.

“What a pleasure it has been to be part of a committee of dedicated employees and students, who have given freely of themselves to make the McMaster University United Way campaign our best ever,” says Boniface. “I congratulate everyone for their efforts. Most of all, thank you to people who contributed to the campaign. Please know that your contributions will support many good services for people in our community.”

McMaster United Way committee member Chris Erskine adds, “Miriam [Gracey] was an outstanding positive influence on the committee and the campaign. Not only was she always ready with a supportive smile, but also provided positive and constructive suggestions. Lisa and Louis did a really great job. They consistently encouraged everyone [on the committee] to be creative and daring with their fundraising ideas. They encouraged the ever expanding number of volunteers to push the limits.”

To the McMaster community: Thank you. Without you, there would be no way.