Every penny counts for the United Way campaign

by Lynda Hills

Geography lab instructor John Newcomb with his department's United Way penny collection.

Students, staff and faculty braved the wet weather to support UVic's United Way Barbeque at the campus fountain Oct. 5, raising almost $1,500 for the campus campaign.

"We're delighted with the interest and widespread involvement in this year's campaign," says campus campaign chair Dr. Rebecca Grant (business). "We've had strong pledge support and a host of new fundraising activities by students, faculty and staff alike."

At press time, UVic had raised $102,106—51 per cent of its target. Although the popular United Way book sale is over, other events are underway or upcoming.

The history department has challenged all other departments to roll as many pennies as possible for the campaign. "Things are heating up and there's fierce competition around campus," says Karen McIvor, department secretary.

Individual departments can roll their own pennies and take the rolls to the accounting department where they'll receive a deposit slip in exchange for the donation. Donna Trenholm in the dean of humanities office will collect and tally the slips. To date, over 13,000 pennies have been collected by various departments.

This year the United Way campaign will include a raffle for an iPod mini. Tickets are available at the bookstore, the library, the Computer Store, the SUB, or the University Centre for $1 each or 12 for $10.

Student groups are encouraged to get further involved and think of their own challenge. Every student group that raises at least $500 between now and Dec. 2 will be entered into a draw for an HP Digital Camera courtesy of the UVic Computer Store.
Start your Christmas shopping early at the Hearts and Hands Craft Fair in the University Centre lobby on Nov. 16. Raffle tickets for a basket bursting with goodies will be available at the fair. Health services is also offering a raffle basket.

On Dec 15 the school of physical education will sponsor an old-fashioned fitness class from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the McKinnon dance studio. Admission is by donation and all proceeds will go to the United Way. Recently, the school raised $50 during the Turkey Trot Fun Run. To learn how the school is promoting fitness and supporting the United Way visit steps.uvic.ca.

Donors still have a chance to win a BC Ferries vacation package with a digital camera; a Dunsmuir Lodge getaway; a framed Richard Hunt painting; and a coveted red reserved parking pass for the 2005-06 parking year.

"The support of various CUPE locals and the PEA, combined with the generosity of the university community has been marvelous," says Grant. "We're ahead of last year even though we've increased our target by 12 per cent. The need in Greater Victoria has never been more pressing, and I know UVic will meet the challenge."