Dal co‑op student leads a United front in Dal campaign

Ian Heystee is seeing red this October – but it’s not what you think.

Heystee, a third-year Dalhousie Commerce student currently on his co-op term, is acting as loaned representative (a.k.a. campaign manager) for this year’s United Way campaign at Dalhousie's Halifax campuses.

“I’m responsible for managing the campaign and making sure everything runs smoothly,” says Heystee, explaining his role. “That’s includes everything from running training sessions for area coordinators, fielding questions from volunteers and potential donors, setting up engagement tables for our daily events on campus and lugging apples. Lots of apples.”

Heystee, who’s no stranger to the world of philanthropy (he’s previously worked with Free the Children, Me to We and Canada World Youth), was drawn to work with United Way “because of what they are doing locally in our community.”

Making a difference in Halifax

Currently, United Way Halifax helps support 55 local agencies, which support over 100 programs ranging from leadership programs for teens to meal programs for seniors – and everything in between. When you make a donation to United Way’s Community Fund, United Way staff identify the agency most in need at that time, and direct your donation accordingly.

“We’re basically the mutual fund of charitable giving,” explains Shelley Miller, resource development officer at United Way Halifax.

The Dalhousie campaign to support United Way Halifax officially kicks off on Wednesday, October 10 at 12 p.m. in the Tupper Link. Dalhousie faculty, staff and students are encouraged to join Dalhousie United Way volunteers on-site as they issue a rallying cry to the community and embark on their yearly campus campaign.

Dalhousie's Agricultural Campus will be hosting its own campaign for the Colchester United Way. The campaign runs October 29 to November 5, with a kickoff luncheon on October 23 at Jenkins.

Meeting Dal's $200,000 goal

This year’s campaign marks a big departure from years’ past: deans and professors, accompanied by Dalhousie United Way volunteers, will be visiting a different building on campus each morning, armed with bushels of apples, information and pledge forms so that individuals can start their day off right. Concentrating on a two-and-a-half week campaign period from October 10 to 26, campaign organizers encourage people to donate early.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to see our booth, ask any questions they might have, and donate easily and conveniently,” says Heystee, who remains confident Dalhousie will meet its fundraising goal of $200,000.

To see when the Dalhousie United Way Campaign will be in a building near you, visit the full schedule online.

Individuals who donate within the October 10-26 timeframe will be automatically entered to win one of the United Way participation prizes, which include:

• A reserved outdoor parking spot (or one-year bus pass).
• A three-month family membership to Dalplex.
• Two tickets to any upcoming DalTheatre production.
• A candlelit dinner for two at the University Club.
• A wine-tasting experience with sommeliers and Dalhousie faculty Allan Paulson and Roger McLeod.
  
• 2,500 Air Miles.

Dalhousie is one of United Way's largest community partners in Halifax. Funds raised during the campaign will stay within the Halifax community and go to those most in need, because healthy people make healthy communities.

Donations to the United Way can be made by visiting the United Way secure donation website, which allows one-time donations via Visa or Mastercard, payroll deduction. Paper pledge forms are also available online and from your area coordinators. 

Learn more at the Dalhousie United Way website.