United Way: The power of you

The 2015 UVic United Way Greater Victoria (UWGV) annual campaign officially kicked off on Oct. 1 in the University Centre lobby, with inspiring words from Patricia Jelinski, CEO of United Way Greater Victoria, President Cassels and United Way partner Carmel Chamberlain.

This year, UWGV is focusing on the people who have the power to change lives with each contribution they make, with the goal of increasing the donor base by 2,000 individuals. In support of this target, UVic aims to increase the number of donors by 100 over the next two years.

The UVic 2015 fundraising goal is $246,000. When combined with the fundraising efforts of the UVic Retirees Association (UVRA), we are hoping to raise more than $268,000. With the help of continuous donors from last year, UVic and UVRA members have already contributed more than $197,000 toward the goal. In fact, UVic is poised to break the $4 million fundraising mark this year for UWGV. But we can’t reach this goal without you.

There are many ways you can support the 2015 campaign. It’s easier than ever to make a continuous or one-time donation online through the UWGV e-pledge site. Simply follow the instructions, and in a matter of minutes, you can change a life with your gift.

"United Way improves lives in our immediate community—our neighbours, our friends, our co-workers, our students and teachers. If we care about making a difference to a large number of people, through services people access day by day, then let's make a donation to United Way. It has an enormous impact," says UVic campaign chair, Dean of Law Jeremy Webber.

Supporting the campaign can be as easy and fun as attending the many fundraising events taking place around campus. These include the Plasma Car Races on Nov. 3, the Libraries Book Sale Nov. 17-19, and the Holiday Artisan’s Market on Dec. 1. And don’t miss the new event at the Peninsula Co-op Climbing Wall in the CARSA building for Nov. 26—stay tuned for more details. Visit uvic.ca/unitedway/events for details.

Annual student-led events include the ESS Bug Push on Sunday, Oct. 18, pancake breakfasts hosted by the Commerce Students’ Association, and dunk tanks. Check the UVic United Way website, Facebook and Twitter regularly for all event updates.

To learn more about United Way and the impact of your donations, visit www.uwgv.ca.

Call for donations: UVic Libraries Book Sale

The 2015 UVic Libraries Book Sale for United Way is taking place in the Michèle Pujol Room in the SUB Nov. 17-19, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. each day.

Donations of good quality used books, CDs and DVDs will be accepted until Nov. 6 at the Loan Desk, Research Help Desk or Mail Room (9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Monday-Friday) at the Mearns Centre for Learning/McPherson Library only. Or drop your books off at the Community Donation Drive Day in Parking Lot B (between the library and the Bob Wright Centre, off Ring Road) on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 9 a.m.-noon.