UVic United Way campaign 2013

The colourful banners have been packed away, the last red balloon has been popped and the United Way thermometers have been taken down. The 2013 United Way campaign at UVic has wound up, having successfully raised a total of $255,297 for the community.

The UVic campaign, which runs from October to December each year, is a time when volunteers canvass donors and organize events, raising the profile of United Way in our community and inspiring generosity.

The decision to move to continuous payroll deduction for UVic faculty and staff, eliminating the need for committed donors to complete new pledge forms each year, was the biggest change in 2013. The benefits of this change will be realized in future campaigns when donors will only need to contact payroll about their donation when they wish to change their gift.

Canvassing and special events
While staff, students and faculty engaged with United Way right across the campus, volunteers in political science, science, engineering, business and the UVic Development Office stepped up their campaign activities this year–spreading the United Way message through presentations, events and conversations about the volunteers’ personal commitments to United Way and community.

This year's events–including the Book Sale, Plasma Car Race, Chemistry Show, Craft Fair, Bug Push and Chillin’ for Charity–raised record amounts of money and created awareness. Staff, students and members of the public had fun, indulged a passion or learned for a great cause.

The Welcome Centre hosted a kick-off event attended by the Vikes mascot, Thunder, who pozed for dozens of fun photos. New President Jamie Cassels demonstrated his generous support by leading a lunchtime walk, dedicated to United Way, around Ring Road. And a leaders’ breakfast brought leadership-level donors together at the University Club.

You can still give
Led by Dean of Human and Social Development, Mary Ellen Purkis, and supported by co-op student Miriam Moore, the UVic Campaign Committee enthusiastically embraced the “agent of change” theme and pursued the mission to change lives and build community.

The need for support in our community exceeds our donations to date and we encourage you to give to the campaign if you have not had an opportunity to do so. To give to United Way and become an Agent of Change, go to www.uvic.ca/unitedway/donate/planned/index.php.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the UVic campaign! Your community thanks you, too!