Be an agent of change for United Way

Are you ready to be an agent of change? United Way Greater Victoria is once again counting on the support of UVic staff, faculty and students to help meet its 2013 fundraising goal of $6 million.

Follow your nose to the UVic campaign kick-off on Monday, Oct. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the University Centre. Everyone is invited to drop in to the Welcome Centre to enjoy popcorn snacks and talk to representatives from United Way and UVic’s campaign steering committee.

“I encourage everyone to drop by, and to consider giving whatever they can this year,” says UVic campaign chair Mary Ellen Purkis. “UVic has a proud tradition of generously supporting the United Way—last year we raised more than $250,000—and it truly does make a difference to people in our community.”

UVic employees will receive pledge forms in the campus mail during October, and are encouraged to return them early for a chance to win great prizes. Employees can choose to donate via bi-monthly payroll deduction using the pledge forms. Online donations are also accepted at www.uvic.ca/unitedway/donate/online/index.php.

Fall United Way fundraising events include the Plasma Car Races on Oct. 22, Bug Push on Oct. 27, Hearts and Hands Craft Fair on Nov. 19, UVic Libraries Book Sale from November 19 to 21 and That Chemistry Show on Nov. 21.

Thanks to over 12,000 donors, United Way funds a network of programs and services working to make lasting measurable change to the lives of vulnerable children and youth, families, isolated seniors, Aboriginal people, immigrants, and people with disabilities, addictions and/or mental health challenges. In 2012, United Way provided more than 20,000 children and youth with the resources and opportunities to grow up healthy and achieve success, and assisted more than 45,000 people to build financial stability and independence. For more information, visit http://uwgv.ca/.

Visit the UVic United Way website at www.uvic.ca/unitedway/or follow the campaign on Twitter @UVicUnitedWay.