News Articles
From the President
We Can All Make a Difference
Editor’s note: President Alastair Summerlee welcomes comments on his column at president@uoguelph.ca.
Last week, the first sign of fall arrived on campus. I’m not referring to the changing leaves, shorter days or cooler nights. For me, fall comes in the form of hot dogs and roasted corn. Yes, I’m referring to the annual United Way kick-off barbecue. To me, it’s the official start of autumn and one of my favourite back-to-school events.
Once again, I’m wearing two hats this year, promoting the U of G campaign and serving as chair of the campaign for Guelph and Wellington County. It’s a dual role that I embrace wholeheartedly and take seriously.
I firmly believe the United Way is integral to the sustainability of our community, now and in the future. The United Way works with more than 40 local agencies to provide help where it’s needed. All the programs provided by these agencies strengthen our region and make its members healthier and safer.
And as a major employer in Guelph, the University plays a vital role in the regional United Way campaign. In fact, the U of G campaign is crucial to the success of the regional effort.
Every year, our generous community raises the biggest share of the money the regional campaign brings in, with last year’s total exceeding $484,000. Every year we push the target a bit higher, and this year, we aim to raise half a million dollars on campus — a huge chunk of the regional goal of $2.65 million.
Admittedly, asking everyone to dig deeper into their pockets each year is always difficult, but it’s especially so this year while we’re all still dealing with the effects of the economic downturn. We continue to keep a close eye on expenses at the University, and families and individuals are cutting back on just about everything, including donations to charities.
But it’s important to remember that people in our community will experience financial difficulty and will be in need of the kind of assistance the United Way provides. There has never been a more critical time to actively participate in our fundraising campaign.
Already, more than 60,000 people in Guelph and Wellington County use a variety of social, health and economic services provided by the United Way. In fact, seven per cent of children in Guelph-Wellington live below the poverty line.
It’s hard to fathom, but things are likely to get worse. As I mentioned, the effects of the global financial crisis continue to be felt far and wide, particularly in the manufacturing sector.
The United Way is committed to being there for those members of our community who need assistance, and the United Way needs our help to make sure it can reach everyone — now, more than ever.
By donating to the United Way, we are ensuring the continuation of a way of life that has been a cornerstone of this city throughout its history.
For starters, the agency helps the most vulnerable members of society, including families living in poverty, victims of domestic abuse and senior citizens. It also runs numerous programs that are essential components of an enlightened and giving society. These range from efforts to improve conditions for people with chronic health problems to providing literacy training and bereavement support.
Ultimately, supporting the United Way is investing in our community’s future. The programs supported by the United Way help improve people’s quality of life and make our city a better, safer place. That’s a goal everyone can support. But meeting the needs in our community requires a commitment from all of us.
I know we are up to the challenge because we have a history and a culture of giving on this campus, of recognizing our responsibilities in helping our friends, colleagues and community members who are in need.
People can get involved in many ways. You can give generously through the payroll deduction plan, donate items to a raffle or participate in the many fundraising activities around campus. You can also take it one step further by finding out about the services provided by the United Way and seeing how you can help year- round by volunteering or providing other assistance.
However you choose to get involved, your contributions will help create a more humane and livable Guelph. And this is what the United Way campaign is all about. It’s a reminder to each of us that we can make a difference, empower others, leave a legacy of caring and help strengthen our community by changing lives and improving life.