The annual York Cares United Way Campaign took place between Oct. 31, 2017 and Dec. 31, 2017 and was a success, raising $173,688 for the United Way of Toronto & York Region. The funds raised during the campaign will be directed to support social services in the community, some of which impact York University programs and students directly.
The United Way is the largest non-governmental supporter of social services in the region, and operates in more than 100 communities. It is dedicated to creating the opportunities people need to improve their lives and build a better future. Its work is fueled by groundbreaking research and powerful partnerships, which allows it to identify gaps and responsibly mobilize volunteer and financial resources for the most direct impact: effecting positive and lasting change where we all live, work and raise our families.
Several on-campus events held from Oct. 31 to Dec. 20 raised roughly $5,661, including the President’s Pancake breakfast, silent auctions, a wine pull, soup, waffle and candy gram sales, a 50/50 draw and more.
Faculty and staff had the opportunity to donate through customized donation links. There were 225 participants who donated a total of $168,026.44 using their link. Of these donors, 62 contributed at the leadership level (individual donation of $1,200 or more), totaling $127,860.48. Overall, the 2017 Campaign raised 94 per cent of its $185,000 goal.
A thank-you breakfast for all leadership donors will take place on Feb. 1, 2018, and a save-the-date notice was sent on Dec. 21, 2017. Those invited are encouraged to respond to the invitation.
Jeff O’Hagan, Vice-President Advancement; Lisa Phillips, Interim Vice-President Academic & Provost; and Lorne Sossin, Dean, Osgoode Hall Law School were the chairs of the campaign and on the York Cares Leadership Committee.
The York Cares Leadership Committee would like to thank all those who participated and donated to the campaign, and thank all those who devoted their time and effort to making the campaign a success.