Campus organization raises over half a million dollars
While most cringe at the thought of fundraising, the folks at United Way seem to love it. Last semester, this organization at the University of Guelph reached their goal of raising over $600,000 in support of community groups. This sounds great, but readers are perhaps left wondering what exactly what happens with United Way’s heaps of cash.
United Way supports community charity groups and organizations by designing and implementing large fundraising campaigns. Subsequently, the monies raised are distributed to charitable groups. This process is highly dependant on each community’s needs. United Way completes research to fully determine trends in a community to specify their needs. In particular, the money is used to fund programs rather than the charities themselves. Student Co-Chair Remy Marlatt notes this to be her favourite part about working with United Way, as “this allows funds to make the biggest impact.”
At U of G, the United Way group centralized their fundraising focus on the months of September to December. Intentionally, United Way timed this intensive fundraising period to maintain campus excitement and to prevent a bothersome presence. United Way exists specifically for fundraising. As soon as a campaign had ended, a team of dedicated individuals begins planning the next fundraising endeavour.
Marlatt helps to coordinate donations from students through a variety of means, but she notes that her favourite initiative has become the lecture auctions. These auctions took place throughout last semester; students in the particular classes were to collectively raise a certain amount of money as a donation to United Way. When the class reached the fundraising goal, their professor would give a lecture on the student’s topic of choice.
With only a few short months to reach their ambitious goal of raising $600 000, it is understandable that the enthusiastic individuals involved at United Way faced their fair share of stress. A yearly concern is that reality of budget concerns for the typical university student, as well as influencing factors affecting one’s willingness to donate.
Nonetheless, every year, the students and staff of the University of Guelph continue to come through. Last semester, United Way surpassed its goal by raising $616 910. Convincingly, U of G knows how to rally together for a good cause.
On behalf of United Way Guelph, Marlatt would like to thank the University of Guelph Steering Committee for United Way for their hard work and endless dedication. Additionally, an extended appreciation goes out to any individual who supported United Way Guelph in reaching their impressive goal for 2014.