A spirited show of community support

October 25, 2004

A spirited show of community support

by Keri Irwin

	2004 Challenge participants celebrate another great event, raising a record amount for the Dalhousie Campaign. (Nick Pearce, 123 Photo)

A chilly fall day couldn't dampen the spirits during the third annual Dalhousie United Way Challenge.

Faculty, staff and students from across campus turned out on the field of dreams (also known as the Wickwire Field) on Oct. 13 to raise awareness and funds for the United Way.

A representative from the Metro United Way was on hand to kick off this year's games, which included such crowd favourites as the putting contest and straw javelin toss, as well as some great new additions including musical chairs for 100 participants, an 8 person legged race and lawn bowling. Teams were able to test out their fancy footwork as they sprinted and attempted to score on soccer coach Graham Chandler. Throughout the competition, Team "AdminComPoops" remained focused and fierce, as they battled thirteen other contending teams. In the end, they surfaced with top honours and the highly coveted United Way Challenge title and plaque, donated by Nova Trophy and the President's Office.

	Special Events Co-chair, Lisa Caddell, joins members of the Student Services Super Heroes team, after they captured the award for Best Costumes. (Nick Pearce, 123 Photo)

A group of caped crusaders - also known as the Student Services Super Heroes - were rewarded for their creativity. They carried home the award for Best Costumes, despite strong competition from scarecrows, pumpkins and Mary's little lambs. All teams finished the hour-long session with smiles, pizza and cheers from the Tiger mascot for a job well done.

Each participant contributed $3 with registrations resulting in a total of $297. Dalhousie Athletics provided a canteen service that participants indulged in with a donation of their spare change. Karen Dodge, from Administrative Computing, won the 50/50 draw and donated her winnings back to the campaign. The $69 from the 50/50 draw coupled with canteen sales of $86.90 brought the total to $452.90 generated for Dalhousie's United Way Campaign - a great addition to this year's campaign.

The United Way helps to build an extraordinary community as it brings resources together and invests in programs that make a difference and positively shape our community. This year's campaign kicked off on October 6 and will continue until October 29, the official end date for Dalhousie's drive.

The goal for 2004 is to achieve $180,000 and this can only be achieved with your support. Get involved, enjoy the festivities and please consider giving a donation by filling out and submitting your pledge sheet to help to realize our goal. For more information on Dalhousie's United Way Campaign go on line to www.dal.ca/unitedway. Let's all help build a stronger community!