York University community members demonstrated strong support for the United Way of Toronto and York Region by raising more than $184,000 during the 2016 York Cares Workplace Campaign.
The funds raised during the campaign, which ran Nov. 2 to Dec. 31, 2016, will be directed to programs supported by the United Way in Toronto and York Region.
Pancake breakfast in support of United Way
Close to $5,000 was raised through on-campus special events, including a week of fun activities from the Provost’s office, a taste test of samosas from Osgoode and a silent auction at the West Office Building. A group of students supported the cause by organizing a bake sale in the Ross Building and more than $3,000 was raised from the CN Tower Climb.
The impact of leadership donors (individuals who have donated $1,200 or more to the campaign, and whose donations make up more than 75 per cent of total pledge donations) was celebrated on Jan. 30 at the Schulich Dining Room with a Leadership Appreciation Breakfast. This annual event included a special guest, a former refugee who now works at the Jane Finch Community Centre (an organization funded by the United Way) as a settlement worker.
Jeff O’Hagan, Rhonda Lenton and Lorne Sossin were the leadership chairs and Mandi Hickman was the employee chair for the 2016 campaign.
Organizers are currently recruiting members to join the York Cares Committee. Those interested can contact Mandi Hickman at ahickman@yorku.ca for more details. We need your help to make the 2017 the best year yet!
The York U community raised $184,608 on behalf of the United Way Toronto and York Region, which is an increase over the 2015 campaign total.