UVic United Way campaign wraps up

Thanks to generous donations from individuals and well-attended campus events, the fundraising tally for the 2019 UVic United Way campaign as of Feb. 28 was more than $211,000.

“I would like to offer my sincere thanks to our UVic community members, whose generosity and strong support has allowed us to contribute almost $5 million to United Way Greater Victora since 1994,” says Honorary Campaign Chair President Jamie Cassels. “I am very proud of our university’s role as a major workplace supporter of United Way.”

United Way Greater Victoria funds 109 programs across 86 service agencies, impacting the lives of 80,500 people in our local region.

“Our UVic campaign succeeds because of the commitment of our leadership donors, staff, faculty and retirees who give through payroll and one-time donations, and the many people who organize and come out to support campaign events,” says Campaign Co-Chair Michele Parkin. “When United Way helps us to build a strong, safe, supportive and sustainable community, we all win.”

Campaign Co-Chair Catherine McGregor points to the importance of volunteerism on campus. “Our United Way committee is vital to our success, with every individual devoting considerable time and energy to campaign activities,” she says. “This year we began a new initiative that invited faculty and staff to become United Way Champions—we are so grateful for their enthusiastic engagement and support in the campaign.”

Campus events included a samosa sale, organized by Co-op and Career Services, a Vikes-sponsored 50/50 draw, our famous Plasma Car Race and the first-ever Words and Wears book and clothing swap.
Many units and student groups across campus, including the Engineering Students’ Society, engineering and computer sciences departments, VPFO and Office of Research Services, also organized their own fundraising efforts. Combined, these initiatives added almost $6,000 to the 2019 campaign, while UVic Retirees Association (URVA) members generously contributed $38,500.

Remember—the United Way supports families and communities year round, so donations are always appreciated. For more information or to get involved in the 2020 campaign, visit uvic.ca/unitedway.