Senior York University administrators, faculty deans and members of the President’s Student Ambassadors and the York Cares United Way Campaign team donned smiles, aprons and chef’s hats and had a flipping good time on Friday as they prepared stacks of pancakes to kick off the 2018 York Cares United Way Campaign.
For just $2, hungry community members at the Keele Campus converged on the Central Square Cafeteria, dug in and enjoyed piping hot pancakes, berry compote, whipped cream and coffee, all in support of the United Way. The pancake fixings, trimmings and coffee were donated by Aramark.
This year’s pancake breakfast was the largest yet, says organizer Mandi Hickman, who is the York Cares United Way Campaign employee lead. “The pancake breakfast raised $700.70 and 262 people came out to the event, which is the largest crowd yet.”
Included in the $2 admission was a ballot to win a York University wellness package, which included a toque, a water bottle with the new Lions logo and some striped York U socks. The lucky winner of the draw is York student Imran Hossain.
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.
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.
York Cares United Way Campaign activities
Pledge Drive
Friday, Oct. 26 to Friday, Nov. 30
Pledges comprise 95 per cent of York’s campaign. On Oct. 26, faculty and staff received an email from the UnitedWay@Work pledge tool. Email reminders will continue to be sent 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, York community members will 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 at https://www.unitedwaygt.org/up 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 faculty and staff to showcase their creativity and abilities outside of what they do at work. It is a great way to share hidden talents with colleagues. University community members are invited to 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.
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.
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.
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.