United Way campaign rolling toward goal

"How many more times around Ring Road?" UVic United Way campaign committee members Charles McQuade, Sarah Smith, James Burrough, Teresa Rush and Marlene Bergstrom revved up the 2011 campaign as they pushed a hollowed-out VW Bug around Ring Road during the Bug Push, held on Sept. 16. Organized by the Engineering Students' Society, the first special event of the fall campaign brought in $2,250 in pledges while student, staff and community teams kept the Bug in motion for 12 hours straight.

If curling up with a good book is more your speed, thousands of great reads and catchy tunes will be on offer for $2 each at the 17th annual UVic Libraries United Way Book and Record Sale, Nov. 29-Dec. 2 in the SUB's Michele Pujol Room. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with extended hours to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. This year's sale features an extensive record section and a silent auction of collectable books and vintage typewriters. Last year's sale raised $20,000 for the United Way.

Donations of books and records for the sale are welcome. Please drop off items Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cinecenta entrance of the SUB, or until Nov. 23 at the McPherson Library. Last-minute donations will be accepted in the Michele Pujol Room from Nov. 24 to 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Jean MacGregor at jeanmac@uvic.ca or 250-472-4977.

On Nov. 15 in the University Centre Lobby, find unique, handmade gifts at the 11th annual Hearts & Hands Craft Fair. Talented artisans from the UVic community will offer a wide range of crafts for sale. Two baskets brimming with vendors' handicrafts will be raffled off, with proceeds to the United Way. Look for roving raffle ticket sellers in advance, or buy tickets at the fair. The fair has raised approximately $15,500 for the United Way since 2000. For information contact Helen Rezanowich at 250-721-7378.

Check out other events on the website at www.unitedway.ca. And don't forget to empty your pockets for the campus coin drive. If you need a collection jar for your office please email dimackay@uvic.ca.

With seven weeks left in the campaign, "It's not too late to give to the United Way," says UVic campaign chair Charles McQuade. "If you haven't received a pledge package and wish to donate, please visit our website at www.unitedway.uvic.ca or contact campaign@uvic.ca." The UVic 2011 United Way campaign goal is $290,000 and as of Oct. 27, the campaign had achieved 54 per cent of its target. Everyone who fills out a pledge form is eligible for fabulous draw prizes, including an iPad 2 and Canucks tickets - visit the website for full details.

Did you know the UVic United Way campaign has a Facebook page? Visit http://www.facebook.com/uvicunitedway or follow on Twitter at @UVicUnitedWay.