AT UIT we prioritize giving back to the community and creating positive change. In 2023, UIT participated in several York fundraising events and held their own events and initiatives. In the new year, we want to continue engaging in community outreach events, and making positive changes in our community and beyond.
In April 2023, UIT participated in York University’s Campus Tree Planting to celebrate Earth Month and to create a positive change on our campus. This was a wonderful opportunity to not only spend some time out in the sun and fresh air, but also to be a part of creating a greener campus for everyone to enjoy.
We are honored to be able to work with York Cares United Ways and be able to help them to raise money to create positive change in our communities by making nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate food across the GTA easily accessible.
In November, UIT volunteered at the Pancake Breakfast, which was organized by York Cares United Ways, where $565 was raised. The Pancake Breakfast was not only a wonderful way to give back to the community and help those in need, but also a delicious start to a workday.
When planning the annual UIT Connect and Holiday Party, the department prioritized using the event as an opportunity to help those in need and make the holiday season enjoyable for everyone. This was done through an auction, where tech items such as headphones, speakers, drones, and TVs were auctioned off to the staff. Not only were we able to raise over $3600 for Make a Wish Canada, and for York Cares United Ways, but the auction was also a highlight of the Holiday Party for both the participants of the auction and the observers. Make a Wish Canada is an incredibly special organization as it helps to grant critically ill children’s their wishes. Sadly, every 20 minutes a child is diagnosed with a critical condition and Make a Wish Canada understands how important wishes are in a child's recovery. UIT is honored to be a part of granting wishes to critically ill children.
2023 was a year of giving back at UIT, but this is just the beginning. In 2024, UIT vows to fundraise and volunteer as much as possible to help those in both our community, and beyond.