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News Release

September 20, 2005

U of G Gears Up for United Way Campaign

The University of Guelph's annual United Way campaign will be launched Sept. 29 with a barbecue from noon to 2 p.m. on Branion Plaza. The 2005 fundraising goal will be announced at the event.

Last year, U of G set a goal of $325,000 and raised more than $348,000. United Way co-chair Irene Thompson, assistant director of residence life, said this year's goal is to surpass that amount. "Our campus success is pivotal to the city's campaign because we are a major employer in the area. We have a culture of giving on this campus, recognizing our responsibilities in helping our friends, colleagues, community members and those we don't know, but who are in need," said Thompson. "There are many underprivileged individuals and families in our city who must turn to resources and agencies that are supported by the United Way. This annual campaign is a reminder to each of us that we can make a difference."

Thompson, along with Prof. Fred Ramprashad, former associate dean of the B.Sc. program, and Aiden Abram, a U of G student and Central Student Association board member, are heading up a volunteer committee of faculty, staff, retirees and students to help make U of G the city's largest corporate sponsor of United Way Services of Guelph and Wellington. Many of those volunteers will don aprons to help out at the barbecue, which will include live music and other activities.

Following last year's success, the tuition lottery contest is returning. Sponsored by various student government groups on campus, the lottery offers a grand prize valued at $2,500. More than 150 additional prizes have been donated by Guelph businesses and campus departments. Anyone can buy a ticket, but the grand prize must be designated to a current U of G undergraduate or graduate student. The prize money will be deposited directly into the student's University account. The draw date is Oct. 7.

New this year is a reception, sponsored by U of G in collaboration with The Co-operators, to recognize individuals from across the city who have pledged $1,000 or more to the United Way campaign. Remarks will be given by U of G president Alastair Summerlee and Kathy Bardswick, Co-operators president and chief financial officer, who will co-host the event. The University chamber choir, conducted by Marta McCarthy of the School of Fine Art and Music, will also perform.