This year, United Way of London & Middlesex member agencies, numbering close to 40 and offering more than 80 programs, will count on the generosity of the local community.
Showing off Western’s United Way goal of $550,000 are President Amit Chakma, campus United Way co-chairs Julie McMullin (faculty) and Malcolm Ruddock (staff), USC president Emily Rowe and Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry employee campaign coordinator Joan Estabrooks.
With this past year’s economic downturn having hit the region hard, United Way agencies find themselves asked to assist a greater number of area residents.
The London and District Distress Centre has been swamped, receiving more calls this past year than in any in its 40-year history.
“The community, right now, requires support in a way that it hasn’t required in a long time,” says United Way CEO Andrew Lockie. “I have had the opportunity to be in the community and it’s striking to see the need that has been created because of our economic circumstances.”
Hoping to help the United Way attain their 2009 goal of $7.4 million, Western unveiled a campaign goal of $550,000 to a full house at The Spoke Oct. 16.
For seven years in a row Western has increased its United Way donation, last year bringing in a record-breaking $534,008. Western President Amit Chakma says Western has a strong tradition of supporting the local United Way campaign, and it is important to continue to play a leadership role.
“I’m proud to be part of such a caring organization, and I plan to continue my own tradition of giving to the United Way, which is something I have done for many years,” says Chakma, noting over the last 15 years, faculty, staff, retirees and students have raised a total of $5.7 million, making Western one of the largest organizational contributors in the city.
“Members of Western’s campus community and their family and friends have endured their own challenges over the past year, which is all the more reason why it is so important for those of us able to contribute, to do so,” adds Chakma.
“No gift is too small, every little bit helps. Your participation is what makes a difference.”
Julie McMullin, Associate Dean in the Faculty of Social Science, called on the campus to have an impact in the community.
“Now more than ever we need your help,” says McMullin, co-chair of Western’s United Way campaign with Malcolm Ruddock, Director of Employee and Advancement Communications. “You can make a real change in your community.”
United Way’s history with Western is long, proud and significant, says Lockie. One of the important messages he feels the university is carrying right now is that Western and the community of London is one and the same – sharing the need to assist the community.
“The United Way, I believe, is having a very real, measurable and important impact on the community.”
