Showing support for United Way year‑round

Dalhousie's United Way campaign is presently underway, and has raised $57,454.68 to-date since kicking off on October 17. But the university's commitment to the cause extends beyond the yearly effort each fall.

Back in June, for example, folks from the Faculty of Management stepped away from their desks and stepped into the community.

They weeded garden beds and put in a vegetable patch at St. Stephen’s School. They cleaned and painted a wrap-around veranda at Spencer House Seniors Centre. They tidied a storage space and reorganized a library of children’s books at Wee Care Centre, then painted a large classroom and bookshelves.

“Everybody was so invigorated from it,” says Anna Cranston, director of Management Career Services. “You know, you can have a team building activity and get away from campus, but doing something like this is so much better—it’s special when you do something for other people.”

In all, more than 50 people participated and divided their labour among the three sites identified by the United Way.

Ms. Cranston relates that the year before, a smaller group had spent the day sprucing up a women’s shelter. “Everyone who took part felt so energized, I knew we definitely wanted to do it again.”

And again. There are plans to participate in the next United Way Day of Caring too.

“When people get together, they can get a lot done and there’s pride in the accomplishment,” says Ms. Cranston.

Don't forget to give

There are a couple of ways to donate to Dalhousie's United Way campaign.

• Online at Dal's secure donation website. (note: go to the bottom and click your payment option before entering a dollar amount)
• Paper form: If you prefer this option, just let your area coordinator know and they can bring you a form.
  

REMINDER: Those faculty and staff who donate by Saturday, Oct. 29 are entered to win a reserved, outdoor parking spot donated by the President's Office for 12 months, or a year's worth of bus passes. Other early bird prizes are available too.

Also, keep an eye out for information on university-wide UW campaign events this fall for other fun ways to contribute. Learn more at the campaign website or connect on Facebook or Twitter.