As the largest supporter of social services in Toronto, the United Way Greater Toronto is dedicated to creating opportunities that people need to improve their lives and build a better future.
Every year, the York University community engages in the York Cares United Way Campaign to raise much-needed funding for the United Way Greater Toronto.
York Cares Campaign goals
Last year, the campaign raised almost $175,000, placing York University in the top 15 per cent of all Toronto employee campaigns. This year, campaign organizers are aiming to raise $180,000. Once again, healthy competition across York’s campuses is encouraged. The coveted York Cares Participation Challenge trophy will be awarded to the division or Faculty that demonstrates the most participation in this year’s campaign.
Why donate to the United Way Greater Toronto?
- It is a local catalyst of social change.
- It is an effective community fund that targets funds where they are needed most in the city.
- The campaign helps to build team spirit internally.
- Engagement in the campaign demonstrates York University’s commitment to social justice.
Join the campaign team and help kick off the campaign with the York Cares United Way Pancake Breakfast on Friday, Oct. 26 in the Central Square Cafeteria from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
2018 York Cares United Way Campaign Committee
This diverse, cross-campus committee includes the following staff, faculty and students:
- Mandi Hickman, York Cares employee lead
- Nadia Dar, York Cares employee co-lead
- Lillian Chan
- Kelly Chen
- Stephen Childs
- Maureen D’Souza
- Aneta Gasiorowska
- Alexandra Karacsony
- Lorraine Myrie
- Zachary Nichols
- Jeanine Papacharalambous
- Ijade Maxwell Rodrigues
- Shawna Teper
- Karen Traboulay
- Jessica Yeh
This year, the committee welcomes the president’s student ambassadors to the committee.
Leadership Chairs:
- Lisa Philipps, provost and vice-president academic;
- Paul McDonald, dean, Faculty of Health; and
- Jeff O’Hagan, vice-president advancement.
Campaign Events
Campaign Kickoff and Pancake Breakfast
Friday, Oct. 26
Central Square Cafeteria
8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
The campaign will kick off with the United Way Pancake Breakfast in Central Square. For $2, you can enjoy a delicious stack of pancakes paired with tea or coffee and learn more about the United Way and the York Cares Campaign. Come out and cheer on senior leaders along with the York Cares Committee and student ambassadors as they flip pancakes for an important cause. This is the official launch of the campaign. On this day, you can expect an email outlining how you can make a difference in your community.
Pledge Drive
Friday, Oct. 26 to Friday, Nov. 30
Pledges comprise 95 per cent of York’s campaign. On Oct. 26, you will receive an email from the UnitedWay@Work pledge tool. We will continue to send email reminders over the course of the pledge drive from this tool. Each Faculty and division can compete for the coveted York Cares Participation Challenge trophy, which celebrates the team at York that has the highest rate of participation in the campaign. It isn’t the dollars that count here, it is the decision to participate.
CN Tower Climb
Saturday, Nov. 24
6 to 10 a.m.
On Saturday, Nov. 24, we’ll climb 1,776 steps to the top of the CN Tower and help communities rise from poverty to possibility. Students, staff and faculty are encouraged to register with the York University-York Cares team as a way of taking positive action and showing our local love. Register under “York University-York Cares” by Saturday, Nov. 16 and receive a York U T-shirt to ensure that the red and white spirit is seen and felt loud and proud!
Silent Auction
Nov. 14 and Nov. 15, noon to 2 p.m.
Big Egg Meeting Room, West Office Building
The York Cares United Way Campaign Silent Auction provides an opportunity for you to showcase your creativity and abilities outside of what you do at work. It is a great way to share your hidden talents with your colleagues. If you can’t donate, you can always bid on one of the many items that will be available. Contact yucares@yorku.ca for more details.
Some of the auction items last year included: a one-year planetary membership to the Ontario Science Centre; a 10-piece Lagostina Ticino cookware set; a gift card to Harry Rosen; a private, behind-the-scenes tour of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory for six people; guitar lessons; a spin class with your choice of music; a police ride-along; hand-blown glass ornaments; baked goods; prepared lunches for a week; knitted items; a photo shoot; teacup candles; original art; and much more.
For more information, visit the York Cares United Way Campaign website.
To see how your donation helps those in need, view the 2018 “Show Your Local Love” campaign video now.