News Articles
United Way Aims to Raise $370,000
Campus campaign kicks off at barbecue Sept. 28
BY MARY DICKIESON
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| Jane Alexander of Residence Life, left, volunteers her time to help co-ordinate United Way activities for campus co-chairs Fred Ramprashad, Irene Thompson and Barb Caswell. Alexander is one of more than 160 United Way campaign volunteers. Photo by Mary Dickieson |
The University's annual United Way campaign is under way, with more than 160 volunteers working to exceed their goal of $370,000.
A kick-off barbecue Sept. 28 will offer a hot dog and pop for $3 and a chance to meet some of those volunteers, including co-chairs Prof. Fred Ramprashad, Irene Thompson and Barb Caswell. Ramprashad is retired associate dean of the B.Sc. program, Thompson is associate director of residence life, and Caswell is a graduate student in the Department of Animal and Poultry Science.
All three are familiar faces from their leadership roles in the 2005 campus campaign, which raised $368,816 for United Way Community Services of Guelph and Wellington.
"We're the cheerleaders," says Ramprashad, who hopes to increase participation rates in 2006. "The key players are the dozens of volunteer co-ordinators and canvassers who will distribute pledge forms over the next week and help organize many, many special events during the nine weeks devoted to this year's United Way fundraising drive. And along the way, we're going to have a good time while supporting some really important organizations."
Adds Thompson: "There are 80 community programs that receive funding from the United Way, and each one is making a difference where it really matters. Representatives from several United Way agencies will be invited to speak on campus during the campaign, and we hope everyone has a chance to hear about their work."
She points readers to the U of G campaign website for additional information: www.uoguelph.ca/unitedway.
Caswell will use the website to post upcoming student events and involvement in United Way fundraising, and Ramprashad will keep the temperature rising on a campaign thermometer. The website will also post United Way events, raffles and contests, as well as winners in the traditional incentive draws for those who contribute through payroll deduction or pledge form.
Return pledge forms by Oct. 11 for the first incentive draw Oct. 12. Prizes have been donated by local businesses, University employees and departments. A final draw in December will once again award a weekend getaway prize donated by Goliger's Travel Plus.
In addition, Guelph students will be holding their annual United Way tuition lottery. Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5. Anyone can win, but the prize must be awarded to a current student at U of G. The draw will be held Dec. 1.
OVC students got a jump on United Way fundraising when associate dean Peter Conlon challenged the four DVM classes to donate in exchange for the opportunity to shave his head. The class of '09 put up the most cash, and class president Jackie Parr did the shaving honours at a pizza lunch Sept. 22. In total, close to $700 was raised.
Hospitality Services hosts the Sept. 28 kick-off barbecue, recruiting sponsorships to defray food costs. It runs from noon to 2 p.m. on Branion Plaza (rain location is Peter Clark Hall).
Other upcoming events include:
- The Graduate Students' Association will host a United Way pancake breakfast Oct. 4 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Grad Lounge.
- The Central Animal Facility on McGilvray Street is holding a garage sale, barbecue and raffle Oct. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- The Department of Athletics will donate $1 for each ticket sold at the Oct. 7 Gryphon football game against Waterloo. It starts at 2 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.
- The colleges of Management and Economics and Social and Applied Human Sciences are teaming up for a chili lunch Nov. 6 at the Atrium Restaurant.
To list your group's United Way event on the website and in At Guelph, send the information to Mary Dickieson in Communications and Public Affairs at m.dickieson@exec.uoguelph.ca.