Giving to the United Way has become a tradition at York University. The University’s 2007 United Way campaign, which began Nov. 6, has raised $144,529.30 toward its goal of $190,000.
Members of York’s campaign team have been hard at work opening pledge envelopes and processing donations. "We are still receiving pledge cards every day," said Sue Levesque, York’s 2007 United Way Campaign Chair. "I hope we can meet our goal of raising $190,000 for the United Way. The campaign has been very successful so far and every donation is important for the United Way of Greater Toronto as it strives to provide social services to our neighbours and friends."
"I’ve spent a lot of time talking about the amount of money we’ve raised but as I’ve said before, the dollar value is only one measure of our success. Our campaign goal is certainly crucial, but an equally important measure of our efforts is the awareness and community pride we’ve generated," said Levesque. "I have seen so much kindness and generosity during this campaign – I’m always proudest of being a York person during these campaign weeks. Thank you everyone!"
Special event update
"Our special events were also a great success! I had so much fun. We raised close to $6000 from special events so far and I know there are numbers still coming in from various offices to add to that total," said Levesque.
Left: The second annual York University Clothing Swap received tremendous support from the York community
This year’s second annual York University Clothing Swap was another successful event benefiting the United Way. It took place on Wednesday, Nov. 28 in The Underground restaurant at the Student Centre on York’s Keele campus. There were lots of eager shoppers and swappers taking part.
Organized by Ijade Maxwell-Rodrigues, senior executive officer, Office of the President, the event raised nearly $300 for the United Way. “I thought it was another great year – a real swapping success!” There were a total of 75 participants and 18 volunteers who came out to stock their closets with great finds.
Right: Maxwell-Rodrigues (left) presents the clothing swap door prize to York student Yulia Korolitsky
The remaining clothing was donated to the New Circles clothing bank, a local service organization that supplies clothing to needy community members as well as repurposing the unusable pieces into material for sewing programs.
This year’s swap also featured a door prize of a gift basket, generously donated by Aramark Services and taken home by winner Yulia Korolitsky.
Campaign early bird prize draw results
Campaign donations submitted by Nov. 30, 2007 were entered into an early bird prize draw. The following individuals are the winners of the draw:
- Ivana Wolsegger, supervisor inquiries, Student Services, is the winner of tea and conversation with the President and Leadership Chairs.
- Lisa Guglietti, scholarship & bursary coordinator, Student Services, is the winner of two tickets to the Roger’s Cup Semi-Finals.
- Andrew Weaver, professor of English, Faculty of Arts, is the winner of the Tim Horton’s Coffee Maker.
- Beryl Pilkington, graduate program director, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, is the winner of the Sport York Instructional Course gift certificate.
- Edith Vezer, graduate program secretary, Dept. of Psychology, Faculty of Health, is the winner of lunch for two at The Underground.
"Many thanks to the Office of the President, Office of University Events and Community Relations, Aramark, Sport York and the Underground Restaurant for the donation of these grand prizes. Also, many thanks to door prize donors including: YUDC, Cayman Islands Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Emblem Florists and Churchill Cellars. Thanks go as well to Petal Foods (Michaelangelo’s) for their support of the Cup-A-Soup event and to Sodexho for their support of the President’s Annual Pancake Breakfast," said Levesque.
Donations to York’s 2007 United Way Campaign will go toward helping the United Way of Greater Toronto fund 200 health and social service agencies that deliver quality services and programs in employment support, healthcare support, hunger and homelessness prevention, neighbourhoods, newcomers, people with addictions, people with AIDS/HIV, people with disabilities, women who have been abused, seniors and young children.
"Let’s fill the ‘Y’ in with York red and help the United Way of Greater Toronto," said Levesque. "If you have not sent in your pledge card, please do and help York reach its 2007 goal of $190,000. We are almost there. Congratulations to everyone."
For more information, visit York University’s United Way Web page on the University Events & Community Relations Web site. Visit the United Way of Greater Toronto Web site to learn more about the campaign and the people who benefit from the organization.