[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/uw-winners.jpg” caption=”Winners of the recent United Way parking lottery and early bird draw from left to right: Gord Arbeau, Mathew Lempriere, Tanya Mazur, Robin Cameron, Cindy Creemer and Angela Vanderlaan. “]
src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pub=mcmasterdailynews"> >

Being someone who walks to work didn't stop Terri Lewis from participating in the United Way Lottery, which carried a grand prize of a free parking space.

But when her name was drawn for the top prize, she had no use for the spot - so she sold it and donated the proceeds back to the United Way.

A first time contributor to the United Way, Lewis' gift of $800 will be invested in programs and services that support area seniors, strengthen our neighbourhoods and tackle poverty in our community.

Though just half way through the campaign, hundreds of faculty, students, staff and retirees have already raised more than $150,000 through payroll deductions, one time gifts and events such as a silent auction, IRC Stairwalk, Hats Off to the United Way, bake sale and 50/50 draw and the psychology departmental penny drives and raffles. The campaign has also benefitted from generous in-kind donations from a number of departments.

The winners of the McMaster United Way's recent early bird draw and lottery may come from very different areas of the University, but their goals are the same: to improve the lives of those most in need in our community.

"I support the United Way because I have been fortunate enough to have had family and friends support me in times of need," said Mat Lempriere, business analyst with University Technology Services and contributor through payroll deduction. "I pay that support forward to the United Way which supports the people who need it most."

Your contribution to the United Way can be made through payroll deduction or a one-time gift. Send the payroll deduction form to the United Way Campaign, Human Resources, in 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.