Today@Dal

Each year throughout October and November, the usually mild-mannered faculties and departments at Dalhousie can suddenly become competitive when the mention of a certain bow-tied turtle comes up in conversation.

The United Way turtle, now an icon of our annual charity fundraiser, is the reward for the faculty or department with the greatest participation and for the unit that raises the greatest amount overall for the United Way. Each unit gets to host the turtle for six months.

“It’s wonderful to see the units challenging each other to become more involved in the campaign and to raise more money for the United Way. Many fun rivalries develop because everyone wants to host the United Way turtle,” said Jessica Corrigan, financial chair of the Dalhousie United Way steering committee. “I’m sure the workplace challenge contributed to the fact the we exceeded our fundraising goal this year. It’s a great motivator,” she said. This year’s fundraising goal was set at $160,000 and to date, $163, 691.95 has been raised.

In addition to hosting the turtle, the two winning units also receive a prize of $500 each to support student activities of their choosing.

Congratulations to this year’s winners. And look out next year, the runners-up are gaining on you!

UW campaign volunteers 2016-17.