Flipping out for the United Way

Pancake breakfast with the York Mascots
Pancake breakfast with the York Mascots
a group of people sitting at a table with the York U mascot in the background
Faculty and staff came out bright and early to the Central Square cafeteria to enjoy pancakes and maple syrup.

The 2014 York Cares Campaign in support of the United Way Toronto officially launched Nov. 4. The goal of this year’s campaign is $200,000. Funds raised will go towards supporting the community programs and initiatives that are part of the United Way. York University’s campaign will run until Nov. 28.

As with previous years, the focus of the York Cares Campaign is participation. On top of a series of campus-wide events, activities and contests, York staff and faculty members each received personalized electronic pledge cards on Nov. 4, which can be used to make a donation to the United Way.

The 2014 campaign celebrated its official kickoff on Nov. 4 with the President’s Pancake Breakfast at which several hundreds of students, staff and faculty were served breakfast by members of the University’s senior leadership team. Guests at the breakfast also had the chance to win 100-level tickets to a Toronto Maple Leafs hockey game, courtesy of MBNA.

Above: From left, University Secretary  and General Counsel Maureen Armstrong with York Cares campaign co-Chairs Rhonda Lenton, vice-president academic and provost, and Jeff O'Hagan, vice-president advancement
Above: From left, University Secretary and General Counsel Maureen Armstrong with York Cares campaign co-Chairs Rhonda Lenton, vice-president academic and provost, and Jeff O’Hagan, vice-president advancement

The York Cares Campaign leadership co-chairs for this year are Jeff O’Hagan, vice-president advancement, and Rhonda Lenton, vice-president academic and provost.

“The York Cares Campaign is symbolic of the tremendous spirit of our students, staff, faculty and alumni, and of York University’s unique commitment to social responsibility,” O’Hagan said. “We at York recognize the ability and responsibility we have to effect real, positive change within our communities. And with a passion for giving back that is evident across the University, I’m excited to see what new heights we can reach with this year’s campaign.”

Members of York's administration flip some flapjacks for the United Way
Members of York’s administrative ranks flip some flapjacks for the United Way

Campaign organizers are hoping to surpass last year’s impressive result, which raised more than $180,000 in support of the United Way. This year’s campaign also comes on the heels of a successful showing for York at the Toronto CN Tower Stair Climb, where nearly 50 climbers from York University raised some $4,325 for United Way Toronto, well over their

Above: Several hundred University community members got up bright and early to enjoy pancakes as York U launched its 2014 York Cares Campaign in support of the United Way Toronto
Above: Several hundred University community members got up bright and early to enjoy pancakes as York U launched its 2014 York Cares Campaign in support of the United Way Toronto

$2,500 goal.

York Cares 2014 will come to a close on Nov. 25 with the Schulich French Toast Breakfast campaign wrap-up event. Final campaign results and the winners of participation prizes will be announced at the Schulich event.

Weekly e-mails outlining upcoming events taking place across the University will be arriving in staff and faculty e-mail.

For more information, visit the 2014 York Cares United Way Campaign website.

York Cares United Way Campaign winners receive their prizes

Kate Tschirhart and Deirdre Cappelli

Winners of the York Cares United Way draw received their prizes yesterday, including the grand prize winner of the iPad Mini complete with black leather case.

Lisa Gleva, Alan Middleton, Waynette Huerta, Frances Chan, Carolyn HealdFrom left: Lisa Gleva of the Division of Advancement holding the grand prize; Alan Middleton of the Schulich Executive Education Centre; Waynette Huerta of Campus Services & Business Operations and Frances Chan of the Faculty of Environmental Studies with their winning Las Nubes Conservation in the Cloud Forests of Costa Rica books; and Carolyn Heald of the Information & Privacy Office holding her prize of a York golf bag. Not shown are June Hill of the Peter F. Bronfman Business Library and Heather Campbell of the Department of English, who both won York scarves

As of yesterday morning, $149,914 has been raised through York Cares United Way Campaign pledges with a participation rate of eight per cent.

Although the official part of the campaign has ended, donations are still being accepted. Anyone who hasn’t yet made a Kate Tschirhart and Deirdre Cappellipledge can still do so through the online pledge system until the end of December.

Kate Tschirhart of the Division of Advancement hands grand prize winner Deirdre Cappelli an iPad Mini and case

For more information about what the United Way does, visit the Toronto United Way website.

For more information about the York Cares United Way Campaign, or to request a personalized donation link, contact yucares@yorku.ca.

Schulich French Toast Breakfast a sweet success

Ruku Sandhu performs dance called Bharatha Natyam

Chandni Samal and Adarsha Datta MBA studentsThe Schulich French Toast Breakfast, a highlight of York University’s United Way campaign, took place on Tuesday where talented students performed for a full house in the CIBC Marketplace.

From left, Chandni Samal and Adarsha Datta, both MBA students at Schulich, enjoy breakfast before dashing off to classes

It was another successful event with $948 being raised one toonie at a time for the United Way.

“The United Way Toronto helps strengthen individuals, families and communities by supporting services that improve peoples’ lives,” said Sharon Chisholm, chair, 2013 Schulich United Way Committee. “The annual Schulich French Toast Breakfast is our way of contributing to the betterment of our community and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who came out to support this worthy cause on Tuesday. Special thanks to our talented student musicians, energetic ambassadors and dedicated United Way Ruku Sandhu performs Indian danceCommittee members who worked tirelessly to make this day such a huge success.”

Schulich student Ruku Sandhu performs a classical Indian dance know as BharathaNatyam

Since the York Cares United Way Campaign kick-off, more than 330 members of the York community have contributed more than $147,000 through the on-line pledge system.

“This is remarkable progress. The community of faculty and staff here at York University are highly committed to social justice, and support of the United Way campaign is just one way that we work together to make our communities stronger,” said Jeff O’Hagan, leadership co-chair of the York Cares campaign.

Anyone who has yet to contribute can still do so. The personalized online pledge form will be active until the end of December. So far, eight per cent of the York University community has made a pledge – this year’s goal is to achieve Aaron Teelucksingha participation rate of 13 per cent.

“Thanks to all who have supported this campaign so far,” said O’Hagan. “United Way’s work in building stronger communities is important and York’s campaign goes a long way to support that work.”

Schulich iBBA student Aaron Teelucksingh performs at the breakfast in support of the United Way

Prize draws were held for those who had made their pledge to the campaign during the first two weeks.  The grand prize, an iPad Mini and black leather case, was won by Deirdre Capelli of the Registrar’s Office & Student Financial Services.

Carolyn Heald of the Information & Privacy Office won a York golf bag, while June Hill of the Peter F. Bronfman Business Library and Heather Campbell of the Department of English both won York scarves to keep them warm this winter.

Alan Middleton of the Schulich Executive Education Centre, Waynette Huerta of Campus Services & Business Operations and Bruno Benavides and Alfredo Rodriguez performFrances Chan of the Faculty of Environmental Studies each won a copy of the book, Las Nubes Conservation in the Cloud Forests of Costa Rica.

Bruno Benavides and Alfredo Rodriguez perform at the Schulich French Toast Breakfast

There were also several door prizes awarded to those who came and enjoyed the morning’s breakfast. For those wondering if they won a prize in yesterday’s door prizes, here are the winning numbers: 266362, 266366, 266444, 266520, 266552, 266610, 266676, 266854, 266858, 266892, 266952 and 266988. Contact Sharon Chisholm at ext. 22428.

In addition, the Faculty of Health also held a breakfast and lunch Tuesday in support of the campaign for all those who made their way through Vari Hall Rotunda. There were coffee, bagels, sandwiches and more, which raised an additional $481 for the campaign.Students from Faculty of Health serve food in support of United Way

Faculty of Health students serve up breakfast and lunch in Vari Hall. From left, Hosay Saboor, Tzippy Bernstein, Jacob Schlosser, Navita Singh, Insiyah Kanjee, Kasthoory Thirugnanasampanthar, Haleema Butt, Urshian Khalid, Cherise Mead, Vishali Arumugam, Zabeda oumer-Haji and Sophie Harding

For more information about what the United Way does, visit the Toronto United Way website.

For more information about the York Cares United Way Campaign, or to request a personalized donation link, contact yucares@yorku.ca.

 

Breakfast and lunch in Vari Hall Tuesday in support of United Way

United Way logo

Have breakfast and/or lunch in support of the York Cares United Way Campaign today (Tuesday).

The Faculty of Health is inviting everyone to enjoy a bagel for $2, a sandwich for $3.50 and a coffee for $1.50. Breakfast will be available from 8 to 11am, followed by lunch from 11am to 2pm, in Vari Hall Rotunda, Keele campus (while supplies last).

In addition, with each purchase your name will be entered into a draw for a free lunch buffet for two at the Schulich Executive Dining Room (a $50 value).

Through its important work building strong communities that support people as they move from a life of poverty to one of possibility, the United Way is integral to the life of our city.

The event is sponsored by the Underground Restaurant, the Great Canadian Bagel and the Schulich Executive Learning Centre.

Donate to York Cares United Way Campaign by 4pm Monday for chance to win iPad Mini

United Way logo

There’s still time for you to make a minimum donation of $1/week ($52/year) to the York Cares United Way Campaign by 4pm on Monday, Nov. 25 for your chance to win.

The grand prize draw will take place on Tuesday. Nov. 26 at the Schulich School of Business French Toast Breakfast. The prizes United Way gifts to be wonto be won include Las Nubes: Conservation in the Cloud Forests of Costa Rica books, York knit scarves, a York U Golf Bag and an iPad Mini with a black leather case.

Check your inbox for your e-mail from York Cares and click on your personalized link to make your donation and check on the status of the campaign. You can see participation by unit by looking at the “my campaign” tab.

The goal this year is to achieve a participation rate at York of 13 per cent up from 11 per cent last year. That represents a total of 564 faculty and staff.

For more information about what the United Way does, visit the Toronto United Way website.

For more information about the York Cares United Way Campaign, contact yucares@yorku.ca.

York Cares United Way Campaign announces early bird draw winner

United Way sign

It pays to donate early. The York Cares United Way Campaign today announced the winner of this year’s early bird draw.

Haideh Moghissi, a professor in the Department of Equity Studies, Faculty of Liberal Arts & United Way drawProfessional Studies, is taking home a bag full of York swag, including a sweatshirt, T-shirt and ball cap.

From right, Debra Crooks, administrative assistant, Division of Advancement, draws the winning name from a hat held by Kate Tschirhart, development coordinator, Division of Advancement

There’s still time for you – make a minimum donation of $1/week ($52/year) to the York Cares United Way Campaign by 4pm on Monday, Nov. 25 for your chance to win.

The grand prize draw will take place on Tuesday. Nov. 26 at the Schulich School of Business French Toast Breakfast. The prizes to be won include Las Nubes: Conservation in the Cloud Forests of Costa Rica books, York knit scarves, a York U Golf Bag and an iPad Mini with a black leather case.

Haideh MoghissiCheck your inbox for your e-mail from York Cares and click on your personalized link to make your donation and check on the status of our campaign. You can see participation by unit by looking at the “my campaign” tab.

Haideh Moghissi

The goal this year is to boost York’s participation to 13 per cent from 11 per cent last year. As of Tuesday afternoon, the York Cares Campaign is at 4.4 per cent towards its goal of achieving 13 per cent participation from faculty and staff.

For more information about what the United Way does, visit the Toronto United Way website.

For more information about the York Cares United Way Campaign, contact yucares@yorku.ca.

Celebrate launch of York Cares United Way Campaign today

York Cares United Way Campaign will launch with a rally in the Student Centre Food Court Monday, Nov. 4 at noon. All faculty, staff and students are welcome to attend and enjoy a cupcake.

York President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri and Vice-President Academic & Provost Rhonda Lenton, United Way campaign co-chair, will welcome guests from the United Way Toronto to talk about the impact the United Way has on communities and individuals.

Come celebrate the more than 15 students who participated in the CN Tower Stair Climb “Showing some Altitude” earlier this month in support of the United Way.

Celebrate launch of York Cares United Way Campaign Monday

York Cares United Way Campaign will launch with a rally in the Student Centre Food Court Monday, Nov. 4 at noon. All faculty, staff and students are welcome to attend and enjoy a cupcake.

York President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri and Vice-President Academic & Provost Rhonda Lenton, United Way campaign co-chair, will welcome guests from the United Way Toronto to talk about the impact the United Way has on communities and individuals.

Come celebrate the more than 15 students who participated in the CN Tower Stair Climb “Showing some Altitude” earlier this month in support of the United Way.

York Cares United Way Campaign launches with rally in Student Centre Monday

UWLaunch2York Cares United Way Campaign will launch with a rally in the Student Centre Food Court Monday.

The event will take place Nov. 4 at noon. All faculty, staff and students are welcome to attend and enjoy a cupcake.

York student Alessia Pham at the CN Tower Stair Climb in support of the United Way

York President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri and Vice-President Academic & Provost Rhonda Lenton, United Way Leadership co-chair, will welcome guests from the United Way Toronto to talk about the impact the United Way has on communities and individuals.

It is also a celebration of the more than 15 students who participated in the CN Tower Stair Climb “Showing some Altitude” – 1776 steps to the top – recently in support of the United Way. York student Alessia Pham completed the climb in about 16 minutes.

UWLaunch

The goal this year is to achieve a donation participation rate 13 per cent, which is 564 faculty and staff contributing.

Visit the United Way Toronto website for more information on the city’s overall campaign.

York students climbed 1776 steps in the “Showing some Altitude” CN Tower Stair Climb recently to show their support of the United Way 2013 campaign

Thanksgiving with Angus Anderson workshop raises funds for the United Way

Well known at York University for his work in event planning, but few people know of Angus Anderson’s artistry when it comes to floral arrangements and event décor. Anderson, who is the coordinator of special events in the Office of the President, is the creator of many of the stunning floral displays that grace special events on campus.

On Tuesday, Oct. 8, 37 staff members donated $12 to the United Way for an opportunity to participate in “Thanksgiving with Angus Anderson”, a workshop devoted to harvest décor. In total, the small event raised $331.50 for next month’s United Way campaign.

Over their lunch hour, the staff learned how to set a simple, elegant Thanksgiving table and watched as Anderson transformed a pumpkin into a stunning centrepiece. Also on display were a variety of arrangements and table settings.

They enjoyed a cup of savoury pumpkin soup and a fresh roll donated by The Underground restaurant and finished their lunch with  decorated sugar cookies that were donated by Daniel & Daniel, a Toronto-based caterer.

Two floral arrangements created by Anderson were raffled as door prizes. The lucky winners were Lisa Gleva, director, principal gifts & university development, Advancement Division, and Kathy Thomas, executive assistant to the dean, Faculty of Health.

Angus Anderson’s  Simple Pumpkin Floral Arrangement

Supplies

Three or four dollar store assorted dollar store floral picks, sprays or stems in harvest colours (one pick should have autumn leaves)
Small red apple, washed and polished
A selection of mini pumpkins and gourds
A small or medium pumpkin
A small or medium potted flower (Mum or daisy)
A coat hanger
Pliers
Plastic bag or tin foil for lining the bottom of the pumpkin (optional)

Method

Hollow out the pumpkin (reserve the seeds and flesh for soup)
Line the bottom of the pumpkin cavity with a small circle of plastic or tin foil (optional)
Insert the Oasis floral foam into the pumpkin cavity
Remove the flower from its pot and insert into the pumpkin cavity, push down into the Oasis foam
Using pliers, deconstruct the floral picks, sprays and stems and sort
Using pliers, cut the coat hanger into three or four lengths (15 centimetres long, which is equal to approx. six inches)
Insert the coat hanger lengths into the base of the apple and the mini pumpkins and gourds
Then, at the base of the flower, insert the deconstructed picks, sprays and stems, the apple and mini pumpkins and gourds
Water the arrangement
Anderson says it should keep for seven to 10 days.

(The extra mini pumpkins can be hollowed out and are ideal for nesting votive candles.)

Enjoy.

The Underground’s Savoury Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients

2 medium pumpkins
Olive oil (about 1/4 cup)
8 carrots, sliced
4 quarts of vegetarian stock
1 large onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon each of allspice and nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
3 heads of celery, chopped
2 bay leaves

Method

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cut and hollow pumpkins and then cut into chunks. Leave the skin on and toss in half of the olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread on a cookie sheet or in a shallow casserole dish. Roast until soft, (about 35 minutes).

While the pumpkin is roasting, finely chop the carrots, onions and celery, and sauté in the remaining olive oil until translucent.

Remove pumpkin from the oven and peel off the skin. Add the pumpkin to the sauté along with the bay leaves. Stir well to coat the pumpkin and vegetables with the spices. Add the vegetarian stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for one hour. Stirring every so often.

Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes. Using a hand blender, blend all ingredients and adjust seasoning and spices to taste.