Published by Communications and Public Affairs 519 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338

News Release

December 05, 2006

United Way Campaign Raises $386,000, Surpasses Goal

The University of Guelph community raised more than $386,000 for the United Way during its 2006 campaign, exceeding its goal by more than $16,000.

The announcement was made today by president Alastair Summerlee during the annual United Way campaign lunch, which recognizes those who volunteered their time as convenors, canvassers and event organizers.

Summerlee said the annual United Way announcement is one of his proudest moments as president because it demonstrates in a tangible way the community spirit and caring of University employees and students. He mentioned that above the tuition lottery and other special events supporting the United Way, Guelph students have raised more than $150,000 for various charities during the fall semester.

“When you add the fundraising efforts of our students to the United Way campaign total, the University community has given more than half a million dollars to charity since the fall semester began in September,” he said.

Rick McCombie of The Co-operators, who is campaign chair for the overall Guelph and Wellington United Way campaign, noted that the University runs the largest single campaign in the county. He thanked volunteers and University co-chairs Fred Ramprashad, retired associate dean of the B.Sc. program; Irene Thompson, associate director of residence life; and graduate student Barb Caswell of the Department of Animal and Poultry Science.

“We are so thankful for the support of the entire University community,” said Ramprashad, who identifies a number of key factors leading to the campaign’s successful completion. “The number of leadership gifts — those over $1,000 — increased again this year, almost every individual division reached their goal, pledges made through payroll deductions were up, undergraduate and graduate student groups were both active in the campaign, we had strong support from the regional campuses and retirees, and more than $40,000 was raised in special events.”
Thompson adds that last-minute pledges and outstanding event receipts may “multiply that last $5 a few times.” A final tally will be completed by Dec. 31.

“We are so impressed by the continued growth in the University campaign,” she said. “Our fundraising total increases each year and, with it, our importance in overall support for United Way Community Services of Guelph and Wellington. This year’s successful campaign reflects a commitment by all of U of G’s volunteers and donors to help the United Way achieve its three-year goal of closing the gap between giving and need in the county agencies it serves.”

A number of volunteers were recognized at the annual luncheon. The Gabrielle Hubert Award for exceptional service by an individual was presented to Janet Kaufman of the U of G Library. The President’s Award for giving increases and participation within an individual unit went to Alumni Affairs and Development and was accepted by the area convenor Gisele Angel. University Systems, a division of Computing and Communications Services, received the Spirit Award for overall enthusiasm, participation and support of the campaign.

A new Co-chairs Award was also presented. Designed to recognize a member of the United Way steering committee who has served at least two years and demonstrates the spirit of altruism, the inaugural award went to two individuals: Lee Anne Clark, who works for the U of G student governments, has served as financial co-ordinator for the UW committee, and Mary Dickieson of Communications and Public Affairs, is involved in publicity for the annual campaign.