[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/bren.jpg” caption=”Brennan Reurink is the new student co-chair on the McMaster United Way committee. “]McMaster students are getting involved with the United Way this year like never before – and the charity is already seeing the results.

With the recently created position of United Way committee student co-chair filled and a brand new student-run club on campus, the McMaster United Way says that this year's campaign is infused with more energy and enthusiasm than ever before.

“Our student volunteers bring new perspectives and vitality to the United Way,” said committee co-chair Michele Corbeil. “We have a much stronger campaign with active student involvement.”

Brennan Reurink is the committee's new student representative and has already taken on fundraising duties, helping to organize a recent silent auction which raised $2, 400 in donations.

“Students understand the importance of giving back to the community,” said Reurink. “By taking on leadership roles within the committee, I'm able to do just that.”

This year has also seen the creation of a campus club in support of the United Way. The United Way for McMaster has been active in raising awareness on campus and has also taken on the task of selling bags of popcorn to raise funds for the campaign.

Reurink and United Way for McMaster club president Christine Ibrahim have been excellent additions to the campaign team in part because of their ability to connect the United Way with their peers.

“Students are the reason we're all at McMaster,” said Corbeil. “So it's integral that we engage with them and give them the opportunity to support their community.”

Your contribution to the United Way can be made through the payroll deduction or a one-time gift. Send the payroll deduction form to United Way Campaign, Human Resources, Gilmour Hall 304. If you choose to donate through payroll deduction be sure to complete and sign the bottom portion of the form. Please note that United Way donations can be deducted from a maximum of 24 biweekly pays. Because the payroll processing deadline for the first pay in January has passed, if you choose to have 24 deductions, a retroactive deduction will be taken on subsequent pays.