From the President's Window

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November 18, 2008

More on United Way

The United Way Campaign at the University is an absolute highlight of the year.

Every year we manage to exceed our own aggressive goals and this is due to some amazing work by staff, faculty and students at the University.

This year there have been some incredible events aimed at raising the profile of the campaign and raising money. Probably this year, the University Idol is the one event that has caused the most buzz on campus – it even made the pictures on the HomePage of the University website ! The Idol program showcased some incredible talent among an already gifted community and I would encourage people to view the short clips of the performers.
Unfortunately I was away from the University during the University Idol so was unable to attend but many people have taken to time to write or tell me that the event was an incredible boost to morale across campus. Thank you to everyone who was involved – those who organized the event, those who participated and those who attended and voted for the University Idol 2008. There are already people planning for next year.

So why I am telling you this ?

The University is well on its way to achieve its target for fund-raising but the campaign in the City and County to which we contribute is not going so well. In fact, due to the current economic challenges facing the community, the United Way of Guelph and Wellington is currently projecting that the 2008 Campaign could be more than $120,000 short of its $2.6 million goal. A shortfall would come at a crucial time as community members face even greater needs with layoffs, cutbacks and other economic challenges.

The United Way of Guelph & Wellington is the largest funder of local social services, aside from government.

So any last minute help and effort that people can make to support the University campaign would be deeply appreciated.

Thank you to everyone who participates in this campaign.

November 11, 2008

United Way

The final push within the University community and within the wider campaign in the City and County for United Way is on.

This will be a challenging year and as usual there is some exciting news where campaigns have wildly exceeded expectation and some disappointing news where campaigns have not managed to make target.

Do not despair

There is time before the campaigns close in both the University and in the wider community.

There is time to consider making a donation to your local unit or company

There is time to consider making a personal / family donation to the campaign directly.

United Way is remarkable. All of the dollars raised locally remain within the community to help people in need right here in the City and County. Whatever you might think, there are many, many people who need help and anything we can do to raised money for the many agencies that United Way supports in our community is important (no matter how big or how small).

Please help

Please help to raise awareness and please help the University and the City/County campaigns to be successful.

Thank you.

University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1
Canada
519-824-4120