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York Cares United Way Campaign kicks off Nov. 2

York Cares United Way Campaign

It’s that time of year again when the York University community comes together to support the United Way Greater Toronto, an organization that partners with 280 local agencies working to help vulnerable members of our community facing crisis with shelter, housing, literacy, food, social isolation, legal and health services.

York University has partnerships with many United Way-funded agencies, where some of our students complete internships, placements and have been hired to work. These agencies include:

  • 360 Kids
  • 519 Church street Community Centre
  • Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services
  • Big Brother Big Sisters
  • Fred Victor
  • Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation (CERA)
  • For Youth Initiative
  • CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals
  • CMHA Toronto
  • Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
  • East Metro Youth Services
  • Circle of Care
  • Community Living
  • Jane Finch Community & Family Centre

This is a challenging year and many people in our community are struggling. The GTA is the poverty capital of Canada and many families and individuals have been pushed further into crisis by the COVID-19 pandemic. The social services sector is stretching beyond its limits to serve the community but help is needed to keep our friends and neighbours strong, connected and supported now and through the years to come.

York University is committed to creating positive change for our students, communities and the world, and this campaign is a key example of what York stands for. This year’s campaign runs from Nov. 2 to Dec. 2 with a goal to raise $150,000. Each York University staff and faculty member will receive an email with their own personalized electronic pledge form on Nov. 2. Email reminders will continue to be sent to staff and faculty over the course of the pledge drive.

Gifts made to United Way Greater Toronto (not designated to other organizations) before Dec. 31 will be matched, dollar for dollar*. Those who make a gift of $10,000 or more to United Way Greater Toronto for the first time before Dec. 31, will have their gift matched by the Harquail Family**.

*Up to maximum of $2.2 million
**Up to a maximum of $1 million

Staff and faculty members can designate their gift to York University’s Emergency COVID-19 Student Relief fund. To do so, visit your personalized donation link and select the option to designate your gift to another charity. Enter “York University – Emergency COVID-19 Student Relief fund” in the charity search field. Enter “York University – Emergency COVID-19 Student Relief fund” in the new charity name field. Finally, enter 11930 6736 RR0001 in the charity number field followed by the designation amount.

Questions and inquiries can be directed to yucares@yorku.ca.

For more information and to see stories of people who faced barriers and overcame them, visit https://www.yorku.ca/alumniandfriends/united-way/.

GetUP – United Way Greater Toronto’s virtual physical challenge

Don’t forget to GetUP to help raise funds for individuals and families experiencing poverty. Register for GetUP and participate in a physical activity of your choosing for 280 minutes over a 14-day period. Funds raised through this virtual challenge will support 280 community agencies. Join the “York University-York Cares” team or register your own team, just be sure to indicate that York University is your school or workplace and include York University in the team name. Register now or visit www.unitedwaygt.org/getup for more information.

The power of education: York University celebrates Bratty Family’s $10M gift to Markham Centre Campus

Bratty Family Atrium FEATURED image by Diamond Schmitt Architects
Bratty Family Atrium FEATURED image by Diamond Schmitt Architects

Chris Bratty knows the power of education. It was instilled in him from a very young age – first by his grandparents who immigrated to Canada from Italy in the 1920s, and later by his father Rudy Bratty, a prominent GTA lawyer and real estate developer.

Bratty Family Atrium announcement with Rhonda Lenton and Chris Bratty
The Bratty Family Atrium was unveiled Friday during a special event that announced a $10M donation towards the construction of the Markham Centre Campus. Featured in this image are York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton and Chris Bratty

“My grandparents’ biggest regret was that they never got to go to school,” Bratty says. “And so, when my dad showed acumen towards his studies, my grandparents made sure he continued on to postsecondary and even law school.”

It’s no wonder that Rudy Bratty brought that same attitude towards raising his kids.

“For my dad, education was so important because it helps us understand different perspectives. It’s the best tool we have for conflict resolution,” says his son.

Over the years, the Bratty name has become synonymous with real estate development in Southern Ontario and indeed throughout Canada. In addition to achievements in law and real estate, Rudy Bratty is a York University alumnus at Osgoode Hall, and the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate in 2017. The Bratty Family are also notable philanthropists and have supported York University for decades.

Bratty Family Atrium image by Diamond Schmitt Architects
An artist’s concept drawing of the Bratty Family Atrium in the Markham Centre Campus. Image by Diamond Schmitt Architects

On Oct. 16, York University announced the latest and most significant gift from the R. P. Bratty Family Foundation – a $10M donation towards the construction of the Markham Centre Campus.

“York University is incredibly grateful to the Bratty family and the R.P. Bratty Family Foundation for their generous gift toward the future Markham Centre Campus, and their visionary leadership as supporters of higher education,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton.

To honour the contributions of the Bratty Family, York University is naming the new atrium in the Markham Centre Campus “The Bratty Family Atrium.”

Set to open in fall 2023, the MCC will be the first public university campus in York Region, which is among the fastest-growing communities in Canada. York University will offer employer-aligned degree programs, certificates and other credentials – with a rich array of experiential education activities – in high demand areas such as business and entrepreneurship, data analytics, new media and communications.

Markham Centre Campus FEATURED image
The Markham Centre Campus

“This contribution will not only support the MCC’s ability to provide a high-quality student learning experience in newly emerging and high demand programs but facilitate the research, innovation and creative activities contributing to York’s larger mission to build inclusive and resilient communities in one of the fastest-growing regions in Canada,” said Lenton.

For the Bratty Family, supporting this growth in Markham is deeply important.

Chris Bratty speaks to guests about his family's longstanding appreciation for the power of higher education to advance lives
Chris Bratty speaks to guests about the Bratty family’s long-standing commitment to higher education and fostering innovation and creativity in young people

“York Region is underserved in terms of universities,” says Bratty. “That’s why we’re so proud to partner with York University to make this campus possible in Markham. This will be a significant building block for downtown core of Markham specifically and we hope it will attract businesses and cultural centres to the region.”

The family’s motivations go deeper. They hope that by helping support education in Markham, they can help foster some of the innovation and creativity that comes from young people who are just beginning their journey to higher education.

“This innovation and creativity are best enabled by presence of the MCC and the countless young people attending the University who will interact in the community and help to shape it in a unique way,” Bratty says. “And that’s the true power of education.”

York Cares United Way campaign extended to Dec. 16

The 2019 York Cares United Way Campaign has been extended. The pledge drive makes up the bulk of the funds raised within the York Cares United Way campaign. Staff and faculty have to date raised more than $93,000. Help is still needed to reaching the campaign’s fundraising goal of $180,000, so the United Way Greater Toronto can continue to fund local organizations making a difference in the lives of friends, families, neighbours and colleagues.

The last day to contribute to the campaign is Dec. 16. The York community continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to social justice and community engagement by participating in the campaign.

Your personalized link to the pledge form will be sent on Dec. 11 and the final email will go out on Dec 16. It’s easy to donate through payroll or by making a one-time gift. Every dollar counts.

For further inspiration, watch this video to see how the United Way has inspired Rose.

Here is how you can change lives today and tomorrow:

  • $5 provides one meal to someone who is experiencing homelessness, giving them refuge in a safe environment.
  • $50 provides a frost prevention kit for two people experiencing homelessness, including a scarf, toque, gloves and pocket warmers.
  • $260 provides 10 people with 10 weeks of guidance on how to support a family member or friend struggling with mental health issues.

Spotlight on York contributions:

  • Parking and Transportation team organized a 50:50 draw helping to raise $1,600.50
  • Office of the Provost & Vice-President Academic hosted a waffle and popcorn sale, wine pull and jeans week helping to raise $1,401
  • Division of Advancement hosted a silent auction which raised $1,676.

For more, email yucares@yorku.ca.

York Cares Campaign set to host exciting events in support of United Way

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. This year’s goal is to raise $180,000. Take part in the effort by attending the upcoming Silent Auction, or the Waffles and Wine Pull. Organizers invite the University community members to come and support these events.

Silent Auction

The Division of Advancement will host its annual silent auction on Nov. 20 and 21 from 12 to 2 p.m. in Room 135 (the Big Egg), West Office Building. Some of the items up for auction include: original art, one-year planetary membership to the Ontario Science Centre, range of hand-blown glass, tickets to Reptilia, sewn items, baked and savory goods, handmade jewelry, Apple iPad, DeLonghi deep fryer and more. 

Homemade Waffles and Wine Pull

The Office of the Provost & Vice-President Academic will host its Waffle Sale and Wine Pull on Friday, Nov 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the ninth floor kitchen, Kaneff Tower. Waffles will be prepared by their very own all-star waffle master, Richard Ooi. There will be limited bottles of wine and liquors, so come early to grab a bottle. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Pancake Breakfast and winner of the prize announced

From left: Lisa Brown (staff), Priyaan Lall (president’s student ambassador), Sarah Flicker (faculty), Davina Potkidis (president’s student ambassador) and Aldo DiMarcantonio (staff)

The annual pancake breakfast took place morning of Nov. 15 with the help of Aramark and many staff and student volunteers. It was a great success, drawing in more than 230 attendees and raising more than $565.

The winner of the York Lion S’well water bottle is Mia Hershkowitz, research grant manager.

For more information on the campaign, or to find out how to make a contribution, visit the York Cares United Way Campaign website.

Share your pictures using the hashtag #yucares when you attend any of the York Cares United Way Campaign events.

York Cares United Way Campaign announces Pancake Breakfast and silent auction

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. This year’s goal is to raise $180,000.

There are several ways to contribute to the campaign.

2019 York Cares United Way Campaign Pancake Breakfast

Show your support of social services in the GTA by attending the annual York Cares United Way Campaign Pancake Breakfast, taking place Nov. 15 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Central Square Cafeteria. For only $2 you can enjoy delicious pancakes and a hot beverage. This is an opportunity to learn more about the United Way Greater Toronto while supporting a good cause and learning more about the campaign. Come out and cheer on our senior leaders along with our York Cares United Way Campaign committee and student ambassadors as they flip pancakes for an important cause. This event is supported by Aramark.

2019 York Cares United Way Campaign Silent Auction

On Nov. 20 and 21, the Division of Advancement will host its annual Silent Auction in support of the 2019 York Cares United Way Campaign. This is an event where you can donate and bid on exciting prizes and showcase your creativity, skills and ability in areas of interest outside of work. It is a great way to share hidden talents with your colleagues, while helping to raise funds for United Way of Greater Toronto, which includes Peel, Toronto and York Region.

Let the campaign team know if you have an item you would like to add to the exciting line up of products, skills, talents, services available for auction.

Some examples of items you can contribute are:

• home baked treats and other delicious baked goods,
• art,
• services (photography, tutoring, coaching, etc.),
• handmade candles, jewelry, charms and bookmarks,
• resume, cover letter and LinkedIn review,
• vintage designer handbags,
• household items (small electronics, kitchenware, etc.).

Confirm your donation by end of day on Nov. 15 by emailing yucares@yorku.ca.

The auction will be held from 12 to 2 pm, Nov. 20 and 21 in room 135 Big Egg, West Office Building.

Spotlight on contributions

The York University community has already made incredible contributions to the campaign, including:

• OIPA: Vice-Provost Academic Halloween Event

Office of Institutional Planning and Analysis

On Oct. 31, the Office of Institutional Planning and Analysis (OIPA) hosted its inaugural Halloween event supporting the York Cares United Way Campaign by raising $219 for United Way Greater Toronto. Staff participated by dressing up in various costumes for a chance to win prizes and played zombie survival.

• CN Tower Climb

CN Tower Climb participants

Nov. 2 marked the annual CN Tower Climb, where staff, students and prospective students climbed 1,776 steps to the top of the CN Tower to raise funds to the United Way.

For more information on the campaign, or to find out how to make a contribution, visit the York Cares United Way Campaign website.

Share your pictures using the hashtag #yucares when you attend any of the York Cares United Way Campaign events.

York Cares United Way Campaign kicks off Nov. 6

York Cares call to action

It’s that time of year again! The annual York Cares United Way Campaign will run from Nov. 6 to Dec. 6 in support of United Way Greater Toronto fueling youth for success through opportunities, connections and access.

The United Way Greater Toronto is a local catalyst of social change by supporting 270 poverty-fighting extraordinary community agencies. As the largest private-sector 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. Their work is fueled by groundbreaking research and powerful partnerships, which allow them to identify gaps and responsibly mobilize volunteer and financial resources for the most direct impact: effecting positive and lasting change, right here where we all live, work and raise our families.

Each year, the York University community comes together to support the campaign and raises funds in support of local agencies and programming. Some of these programs impact York University’s programs and students directly.

This year’s goal is to raise $180,000. Staff and faculty will be emailed their customized donation links starting Nov. 6 with follow-up emails sent every Wednesday until the end of the campaign.

This year the Alice and Grant Burton Challenge Gift will match all new leadership donations ($1,200-plus) or increases to leadership donations, made to the United Way (not gifts made to other charities). Let’s work together to raise $180,000!

Click on this link to read Lolley’s story: https://www.unitedwaygt.org/show-your-local-love/lolley.

Click here to learn about The #UNIGNORABLE Tower: https://www.unitedwaygt.org/.

Climb 1,776 steps up the CN Tower to kick off York Cares United Way Campaign

Woman walking up steps

Have you ever wanted to climb the CN Tower? Do you have an aptitude for altitude? If so, this is the opportunity for you to prove yourself, represent York University, support your city and have fun too!

The United Way Greater Toronto is hosting the annual CN Tower Climb on Nov. 2.

Each year, the York University community comes together in support of the United Way’s uprising of care to benefit important local agencies and programs – some of which impact York University’s programs and students directly. Join us in rising to the challenge of climbing up 1,776 stairs to reach the top of the CN Tower on Nov. 2. Register under the “York University-York Cares” team to ensure that the red and white spirit is heard loud and proud. If you have any questions, email yucares@yorku.ca.

Do you enjoy a bit of friendly competition? How about representing your college, club or group to see who can help show the most local love and make a huge difference for local communities like the York community? Share your pictures using the hashtag #yucares.

Volunteer for the 2019 York Cares United Way Campaign

York Cares call to action

Volunteers are needed!

The York Cares United Way Campaign Committee is currently seeking volunteers to join York University’s 2019 campaign.

The United Way of Greater Toronto is a local catalyst of social change, with more than 200 organizations receiving its funding. These are organizations that provide critical programming and services to adults, youth and children across the region, including the York University community.

The United Way is a partner of York University. York’s students are regularly placed in United Way-funded agencies to complete experiential portions of their programs. The University continues to engage in important social research that informs the priority-setting of the United Way.

This year, the York Cares United Way Campaign will launch in November, and it needs volunteers to help support inter-Faculty activities, represent the campaign by encouraging participation, and support the annual pancake breakfast and other events such as the auction.

If you are interested in sharing your time for this worthy cause, contact yucares@yorku.ca.

President Rhonda L. Lenton’s 2018-19 annual report reflects University progress on track

Impact President's Annual Report 2018/2019

The following is a message from York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton:

The students, faculty and staff of York have accomplished a great deal over the past year, as we work together as a community to fulfill the priorities and objectives of our University Academic Plan (UAP). I am delighted to share Impact: President’s Annual Report 2018/2019 with you as an update on our community’s progress.

President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton

The report begins with the shared vision that guides our work as a university. Underpinning that vision are four pillars: access, connectedness, excellence and impact. Our vision and pillars in turn inform our priorities as an institution, outlined in the UAP and operationalized through our Integrated Resource Planning process. I am pleased to report that almost all of our actions are on track or have been completed as we approach the end of the current UAP in 2020.

In these pages, you will see the progression from vision and pillars to concrete plans and extraordinary results. Over the past year, we have continued to strengthen our unique role in Canada’s higher education sector: a world-class, research-intensive university that emphasizes access for a diverse student body while building a sustained engagement with the local and international communities we serve.

I have the great honour of being the president and vice-chancellor of this institution and I want to thank you for your contributions to our shared success. I look forward to our continued work together.

Rhonda L. Lenton, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor

It’s a wrap: York University exceeds its United Way Campaign goal

The York Cares United Way Campaign is an annual event that showcases the collective effort of faculty, staff and students who come together to support the community. The 2018 campaign ran from Oct. 26 to Dec. 31, 2018, and had a very successful run, raising $189,882 through personal pledges and team-building activities. Leadership gifts of $1,200 or more accounted for $137,000 of the total contribution to the United Way.

Bottles of wine wrapped in plain brown paper await the wine pull, which was held by the Office of the Provost & Vice-President Academic

“York University has surpassed its original campaign goal of $180,000,” said York University’s employee campaign lead, Mandi Hickman. “The funds raised during the campaign will be directed to support social services in the community, some of which impact University community members. Thank you to the York community for making 2018 one of York’s most successful United Way campaigns yet!”

Several key events held during the campaign raised awareness of the United Way in addition to raising funds. The CN Tower featured the hearty efforts of 45 climbers and raised $4,508. Special events on campus, including the United Way Pancake Breakfast, a silent auction, a wine pull and a soup and roll lunch raised $9,082.55.

York Cares United Way Campaign Pancake Breakfast

Hickman said the York Cares Committee was instrumental in the success of the 2018 campaign. The committee members were Lillian Chan, Stephen Childs, Maureen D’Souza, Aneta Gasiorowska, Lorraine Myrie, Zachary Nichols, Jeanine Papacharalambous, Karen Traboulay and Jessica Yeh. The employee campaign co-lead was Nadia Dar. Student leadership Chairs were Dena Mattson and Kelly Fung. The campaign leadership Chairs were Lisa Philipps, vice-president academic and provost; Paul McDonald, dean of the Faculty of Health; and York University’s vice-president advancement, Jeff O’Hagan.

Dressing up for the United Way

The United Way of Greater Toronto considers York University to be one of its top contributors. “This year was no exception,” said Hickman. “In fact, year over year, York University ranks among the top 15 per cent of all workplace campaigns in the Greater Toronto Area.”

This year, York University was recognized for demonstrating its commitment to changing local lives through its workplace campaign and was designated a Gold Organization by the United Way of Greater Toronto.

“On behalf of the York Cares United Way Campaign team, thank you to everyone at York University for supporting the campaign,” said Hickman.