It's just a few weeks into York's 2009 United Way Campaign and the University is on its way to reaching its campaign goal of $200,000.
"So far, we have raised just over $32,000 in funds from pledges and special events," says Yvette Munro, York's United Way Employee Campaign chair.
Munro, together with York Leadership Campaign Co-chairs Joanne Duklas, University registrar, and Schulich School of Business Professor Pat Bradshaw, are working to attract new donors and encourage previous donors to give a bit more.
This year’s theme is United We Can – United at York. "More than ever before, the need is greater. The economic downturn that has hit the financial sector and Canadian manufacturers over the past year is having a significant impact on communities and Toronto's most vulnerable people," says Munro. "The United Way is turning to its public and education sector partners to pitch in and help raise the needed funds to support the important work of over 200 health and social service agencies throughout the city."
This year's campaign team is asking all staff and faculty to make a pledge to help York reach its fundraising goal. The new online pledge program offers a quick and secure way to make a donation online through e-mail. Munro is quick to add that for those individuals who are more comfortable with a paper pledge, that option is still available. To receive a paper pledge form, contact her at the University Events & Community Relations (UECR) Office at S324 Ross Building, or by phone at ext. 77529.
"My thanks to everyone who has responded to our new online pledge request," says Munro. "There is still time for community members to respond to the online request which was sent out last week.
"We have an ambitious goal this year of reaching $200,000 and we still have a way to go," says Munro. "We have made very good progress so far."
Munro says the campaign team is still seeking volunteers, particularly workplace canvassers, to remind their colleagues to make online donations or to distribute information. "If you are interested in volunteering as a canvasser, please contact me at. ext. 77529 or by e-mail to ymunro@yorku.ca.
"It has been a fun-filled campaign. Let’s fill the thermometer in with York red and help the United Way of Greater Toronto," says Munro.
For more information, visit York University's United Way Web page on the UECR 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.