Volunteers support 137 good causes

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/unitedwayaward.jpg” caption=”Ken Cruikshank, second from left, and Michele Corbeil, third from left, accept the newly-named McMaster University Workplace Leadership of the Year Award at the United Way’s Spirit of Community awards gala. “]
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Ask McMaster's dedicated United Way committee volunteers why they continue their work
year after year and they'll tell you it's all about people.
The group, which meets regularly year-round in order to plan McMaster's role in the
United Way of Hamilton/Burlington's campaign as well as to develop ways to encourage the
McMaster community to support the organization, includes faculty, staff and student
representatives. According to Jennifer Kleven, the committee has brought together some
very enthusiastic people from across campus.
"It's a really great group of people to work with," said Kleven, manager of the Off-
Campus Resource Centre. "I think we all thoroughly enjoy working together as a team on
so many exciting projects."
It doesn't hurt that the work is in support of a number of good causes, either. The
McMaster United Way has just wrapped up a successful campaign in which it surpassed its
fundraising target by 12 per cent, raising $251,964.42 toward 137 programs and services
that prevent and reduce poverty for youth, support seniors and strengthen
neighbourhoods.
Read about Student
Open Circles, a United Way-supported organization
"Being able to make a difference is a really great feeling," said Christine Ibrahim,
president of the United Way for McMaster student club. "It's what keeps you motivated."
The committee is looking to inject some fresh ideas into its next campaign with the
addition of new talent to the team this spring. Ibrahim highly recommends that her fellow
students get involved, saying the committee helped her "grow as a person".
"I've been able to break out of the 'McMaster bubble' and get involved in the
community I live in," she said. "I've also been able to develop great leadership and
communication skills which will definitely help me in the future."
Priya Appea, with the McMaster branch of the Golden Key Society which sold 600 bags
of popcorn to raise funds for the last United Way campaign, says that members of her
organization value the opportunity to give back to the community.
"Our members are able to develop a sense of community awareness and use it to give
back to the local community," she said. "Hamilton is our home and we're happy to be able
to help out."
Kleven agrees, saying there are lots of reasons to get involved with the United Way.
"It's a great experience and it's for a very worthy cause," she said. "And it doesn't feel
like work when you're having fun."
McMaster has long been recognized as a leader in supporting the United Way, with
faculty, staff, students and retirees making past campaigns successful. At the United Way's
recent Spirit of Community awards gala, McMaster was not only presented with the
organization's leadership award but had the award named after it. The McMaster University
Workplace Leadership of the Year Award is presented to the organization that best
promotes giving of $1,000 or more within the workplace.
To learn more or to get involved with the McMaster United Way committee, visit
href="http://www.workingatmcmaster.ca/uway/">their website or contact Michele
Corbeil at corbeil@mcmaster.ca, Maya Kanani at fit@msu.mcmaster.ca or Ken Cruikshank
at cruiksha@mcmaster.ca. The committee meets next on May 14 at 12:30 p.m.
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