For the seventh straight year, The University of Western Ontario has increased its United Way of London & Middlesex donation – this year bringing in a record-breaking $534,008.
President Paul Davenport holds a football gift commemorating his leadership in raising $5.7 million for United Way during his 15-year tenure at the university.
With some razzle-dazzle help Monday from members of the Yates Cup champion Western Mustangs, the university unveiled its support for the community charity. President Paul Davenport acted as ‘quarterback’, tossing a football featuring the dollars raised.
“We are in a time when the economy is so uncertain, yet our community has stepped up and said that the needs of London are important to us,” says Davenport. “This is the largest amount ever raised by Western, a stunning total for a difficult year.”
Davenport thanked three Western leaders who led the campaign – retiree chair Peter Castle, faculty co-chair Julie McMullin and staff co-chair Malcolm Ruddock.
“The work done by the chairs is so vitally important and is at the heart of our success,” he says. “These are folks that are respected not only by their co-workers here at Western, but the community as a whole.”
For United Way of London & Middlesex CEO Bob Adams, the continued success of Western’s campaign was no surprise in spite of a difficult economy.
“What fabulous results,” says Adams, noting intake for services at the United Way such as family and children issues and mental health concerns are up 25 to 30 per cent. “This generosity will allow United Way to have real impact in the areas we serve.
“The commitment I see at Western is not just a one-time donation each year to the United Way, but something I see on an ongoing basis. The work being done here on a daily basis impacts our community in so many ways.”
Because this is the last campaign Davenport will ‘quarterback’ for Western, as he retires at the end of June, the university presented him with a reminder of the amount raised at Western for United Way since 1994 – a football with the number $5.7 million.
“For the last 15 years, Paul has offered advice, guidance and support not only here at Western, but for the entire London community,” says Adams. “The work he has done is truly remarkable.”
Downplaying his role, Davenport turned the spotlight on the Western community for the success with the United Way over the years.
“I have played a relatively small role in our tremendous success over the years,” says Davenport. “It is the hundreds of volunteers – the students, staff, faculty and retirees – that are the ones I want to celebrate. We believe in the goals of the United Way, and we believe in the power that comes when a group of good people work together to take action that brings hope and a stronger future to others.”