United Way campaign nears midway mark

The 2013 UVic United Way campaign kicked off on Oct. 7 with a popcorn social at the Welcome Centre. UVic staff from across campus stopped by to drop off pledge forms and meet representatives from United Way Greater Victoria.

“Thank you to those of you who have already made donations and returned your pledge forms, and to the UVic leadership donors who generously give to our campaign every year,” says UVic campaign chair Mary Ellen Purkis. “We are keen to work with all of you, our University of Victoria community, to make a major contribution to United Way Greater Victoria’s effort to support individuals, families and community groups in our region. Let us all join together to be agents of change!”

This year UVic employees have the option to choose a continuous payroll deduction option on the pledge form, which authorizes biweekly payroll deductions to United Way for as long as the employee chooses.

As of Nov. 1, the UVic campaign had raised nearly $125,000—47 per cent of this year’s goal—from individual pledges, including 35 new donors. The annual Plasma Car Races brought in an additional $5004 through team pledges and raffle ticket sales.

Upcoming events

On Nov. 19 in the University Centre lobby, find unique, handmade gifts at the annual Hearts & Hands Craft Fair. Talented artisans from the UVic community will offer a wide range of crafts for sale. Make sure to buy raffle tickets for a chance to win gift baskets full of vendors’ handicrafts or a large photographic print.

Don’t miss the 19th annual UVic Libraries Book Sale, Nov. 19 to 21 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the SUB’s Michèle Pujol Room. Book donations are welcome at the Community Donation Drive Day, Saturday, Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Cinecenta entrance to the Student Union Building.

The wrap-up event of the 2013 campaign will be That Chemistry Show, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Bob Wright Centre, room A150. Dr. Alexandre Brolo (chemistry) will mix up mad science and cool tricks to delight kids of all ages. Tickets ($10) are available in advance at the UVic Ticket Centre or at the door.

For more details or to donate: www.uvic.ca/unitedway