York's United Way Campaign is heading into the home stretch with just over a week to go. To date, over $100,000 has been raised toward York's final goal of $185,000.
There has been a flurry of activity over the past three weeks with volunteers from all areas of York University donating their time and energy to organize events such as the Cuppa Soup week, the annual President's Pancake Breakfast and a variety of bake and craft sales. The intrepid staff of York's Facilities Services even braved terrible weather to provide personal-touch car washes.
For Joyce Pereira, administrative assistant in the Office of the Vice-President Finance & Administration and one of the organizers of York's popular Cuppa Soup week, the time and energy she devotes to organizing the event is very worthwhile. "We work as a team. Petal Foods donated the soup, and each day we had a different variety," said Pereira. "I really enjoy getting everyone together to work on this event and it is a real morale booster for our volunteers because we are working toward such a good cause."
This year, the Cuppa Soup team was pleased to present Danielle Chateau, the United Way Campaign organizer, with a cheque for $2,139.10 from their event.
Right: Vice-President, Finance & Administration Gary Brewer (centre) presents United Way Campaign organizer Danielle Chateau with a cheque for $2,139.10 from the Cuppa Soup sale
Some York senior administrators had a flippin’ good time during the campaign kick off – all in a good cause. They launched the York 2004 United Way Campaign by flipping pancakes for the annual President's Pancake Breakfast, where it was "service with a smile".
The event raised $578 for the United Way – that's a lot of pancakes! The York community supported the many other events organized by dedicated volunteers. Here are this year's totals:
- Printing Services Spooky Yum Bake Sale - $332.93
- Facilities Services Car Wash - $235.00
- York Apartments Garage Sale - $475.00
Right: Service with a smile from York's administrative team
There is still plenty of time to make a pledge card donation. Please forward your completed pledge card to Danielle Chateau, care of the United Way Campaign office, by the end of November.
"If you haven’t yet made your donation and wish to help lift our total over the top, it's not too late to have your contribution count," said Chateau. "Help fill the 'Y' with red!" For further campaign information please contact Chateau, community relations officer and this year’s campaign Chair, at dchateau@yorku.ca.