UVic 2008 United Way campus campaign kicks off

Fourth-year co-op student David Zhao (computer engineering), foreground, joins Garry Sagert, director of UVic Online, on a horizontal bungee race at this year’s UVic United Way BBQ kick-off. photo: Beth Doman

Twa-a-a-ang! That’s the sound of this year’s kick-off to the UVic United Way campaign. On Sept. 23, the annual campaign BBQ got off to a fast start with a pre-lunch horizontal bungee “jump.”

Burgers and other goodies were on sale with proceeds going to the UVic 2008 United Way campaign, and lunch-goers were also welcome by donation to tether up and try their luck on the bungee cord, all for a good cause.

The United Way of Greater Victoria assists people in need in our communities, with a keen focus on community-identified priorities related to: housing for the homeless, low income and working poor; mental health and addiction; and family and community well-being.

A few dollars make a huge difference. For $120, five low-income single parents can receive food vouchers for their families, while $240 will buy 20 mats for shelters during cold weather outreach. Monthly payroll deductions can quickly add up for someone in need in our region.

“Every year, UVic sets itself a goal for United Way giving,” says Mark Roman, chair for the 2008 campaign steering team and UVic’s chief information officer. “This year, we’ve got our sights set on raising $265,00 by Nov. 30. That’ll go a long way to helping the United Way meet its goal of $6.7 million this year. And we also want to have fun.”

Other events will include an annual book sale and craft fair. The annual Engineering Students’ Society VW Bug Push has already taken place: a group of engineering students pushed a VW beetle car around Ring Road on Sept. 28 to raise awareness and funds for the United Way.

This year’s campus campaign can’t be held back by anything, least of all a couple of bungee cords, so get ready for even more activities in the coming months. There is also a chance to win season tickets courtesy of Victoria Salmon Kings and a MacBook donated by the UVic Computer Store. In addition, daily draw prizes are available from Oct. 6 to Nov. 28 if you fill in a paper pledge form. For more information, visit http://unitedway.uvic.ca and www.uwgv.ca.