United Way campaign enters final stretch

As this year's United Way campaign draws to a close, donations continue to add up and push the total closer to the goal of $220,000.

As of press time, the total amount of donations collected was more than $180,000, which is more than 80 per cent toward the goal.

"The campaign is going well," says UVic campus campaign chair Dr. Ron Skelton. "Thousands of people in the Victoria area will benefit from the generosity of our donors, who have each given about 15 per cent more than last year. One group that deserves special mention is the retirees, who contribute through UVic despite being mostly off campus."

Support from students has been stronger than ever before, adds Skelton, with nearly $10,000 coming in from student societies and online donations.

The Hearts and Hands Craft Fair and raffle baskets full of crafts raised about $1,360. Student Stefan Atalick won the online draw and received over $150 worth of cash cards and gift certificates for campus businesses.

The official end of UVic's campaign is Dec. 14, although the United Way of Greater Victoria will continue accepting donations until Dec. 31 for this year's campaign.

The last day to buy tickets for the iPod mini raffle is Dec. 4, with the draw taking place the next day. The deadline for the other prize draws is Dec. 12. The grand prize for pledgers is an Acer Travelmate laptop from the UVic computer store. New pledgers have a chance to win a Malahat Park Retreat and a $50 Smile Card from Thrifty Foods, and retirees can win a Discovery Coast Pass from BC Ferries.

For more information and details on all prizes, visit unitedway.uvic.ca. All draws take place Dec. 14.