Dal community celebrates successful United Way campaign

- February 11, 2016

The Dal Tiger, showing his support for United Way. (File photo: Danny Abriel)
The Dal Tiger, showing his support for United Way. (File photo: Danny Abriel)

Donations and volunteers are two key elements to any successful fundraising campaign.

Each year, the Dalhousie community steps up to the plate and generously donates both time and money to the university’s annual United Way campaign. Without this great support system, the campaign would not be the success it continues to be each year.

“It fills me with immense pride to see our campuses come together each year to make a difference in Halifax and in Colchester County,” says Richard Florizone, Dal president. “Dalhousie has been working with the United Way for 90 years and it is a relationship that has endured because of Dal’s unwavering commitment to see individuals and families within the community thrive.”

The campaign kicked off in October, and volunteers got to work right away, organizing 50/50 draws, bake sales, casual days and, of course, gathering donations from their fellow colleagues. It officially concluded in January with a luncheon hosted by Dr. Florizone to recognize all the efforts of the campaign’s volunteers.

“The support of the Dalhousie United Way volunteers for 2015 was one of the best years ever,” says Monica Baccardax, campaign volunteer coordinator.  “They took time out of their busy schedules to reach out to their colleagues and went above and beyond to ensure donors had the information and tools to pledge towards such a great cause.”

Exceeding goals


This year, the university not only met its anticipated goal of raising $155,000 but exceeded it, contributing over $157,000 to the United Way.

“We had a really great group of Employee Campaign Coordinators this year, led by Monica,” says Michael Conrad, campaign co-chair, “I could sense from the first meeting that our team would make an exceptional effort this year. From the wonderful launch to the Volunteer Recognition luncheon with Dr. Florizone, the campaign was a big success”

The money that Dal raised goes directly to supporting the work that the United Way does in the community. For example, donations made by faculty and staff on the Truro campus benefit United Way Colchester County, while donations on Dalhousie’s Halifax campuses are directed to United Way Halifax.

“We are thrilled that Dalhousie has once again stepped up for our community,” says Sara Napier, president and CEO, United Way Halifax. “Your support will go a long way towards our dream of making Halifax the best city. Thank you so much for opening your hearts and giving back to those who need it most.”

An added bonus to this annual event was the opportunity to win great prizes by simply making a donation. This year’s lucky winners were:

  • Cali Smith, Office of the Assistant Vice President, Information Technology Services
    • Early Bird Prize: An outdoor, reserved parking spot for one year
  • Paul Bentzen, Department of Biology
    • Two five-event subscriptions to the Fountain School of Performing Arts' 2015-16 season
  • Dr. Jeffrey Roy, Faculty of Management, School of Public Administration
    • Bundle Prize package: Two $50 gift certificates to the Dalhousie Arts Centre, a $75 gift card from the Dal Bookstore and 15 prepaid meals from Food Services
  • Heather McLeod, Medical Education
    • $1,000 tuition credit toward any of the programs at the College of Continuing Education
  • Michael Hendsbee, Human Resources 
    • An iPad from Information Technology Services
  • Sandra Toze, Information Management
    • A candlelight dinner for two from the University Club

Dalhousie’s faculties and departments also get in on the action, banding together and participating in the workplace challenge. The winners receive bragging rights for the year.

  • Most money raised: Faculty of Medicine
  • Highest participation rate: The staff in the President's Office

To learn more about Dalhousie’s United Way campaign, please visit dal.ca/unitedway.


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