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News Release

December 07, 2005

United Way Campaign Raises $365,000, Exceeds Goal

The University of Guelph community raised more than $365,000 for the United Way during its annual campaign, exceeding its goal by more than $15,000.

“Once again, we surpassed our expectations, which was not an easy task,” said president Alastair Summerlee. “We set the bar extremely high this year, hoping to better last year’s total of $348,000. I am extremely proud of and humbled by the commitment and unselfishness of the University community in responding to the needs in our region. This is a true reflection of the caring people who make the University of Guelph such a great place to study and work.”

He added that United Way Community Services of Guelph and Wellington looks to the University to take a leadership role in fundraising for the organization’s programs. “I am proud that we are continuing to do that with the success of our 2005 United Way campaign.”

The campus campaign was co-chaired by Irene Thompson, assistant director of residence life, Prof. Fred Ramprashad of the CBS dean’s office, and undergraduate student Aiden Abram.

“We are delighted that the U of G community continues on with the culture of giving,” Thompson said. “Our staff, faculty, retirees and students continue to amaze us with their generosity, even though we are being asked so often to give more and dig deeper.”

Although the 2005 campaign officially closed Monday, some departments and units are still holding special events, so the grand total is expected to increase before year end. A final tally will be announced in January.

About 160 university staff served as volunteer co-ordinators and canvassers for the campaign, and are the backbone of the University’s annual fundraising drive. Earlier this week, they were recognized during an appreciation luncheon and a number of volunteer awards were presented.

The annual Gabrielle Hubert Award for outstanding contributions by an individual volunteer went to United Way canvasser Denise McClellan, a technician in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology.

The 2005 President’s Award went to the U of G library. The award recognizes a unit, department or college that achieves the highest increase in both participation and dollars raised and demonstrates an increase in awareness about United Way programs. The library was recognized for creating its own United Way website and organizing an internal incentive program to promote giving by payroll deduction.

Special “Pat-on-the-Back” awards were presented to other individuals and units who made an extra effort in this year’s campaign. The recipients were Erika McMillan, security services; Jane Alexander, student housing services; the Graduate Students’ Association; human resources; and the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences.

Maria Lilley of Goliger’s TravelPlus in Guelph attended the luncheon to draw the winning ticket for a Stage West theatre package donated by Goliger’s as grand prize in the campus committee’s incentive draw. Marnie Webb from the Department of Plant Agriculture was the winner.

More than 85 community programs in Guelph and Wellington County receive financial support from the United Way.