As someone who has benefited from the donations to a United Way supported agency, John Dyson wanted to personally thank The University of Western Ontario community for making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
“Because of your contributions my life has changed so much and you’ve been able to reach out and support so many people in the community who would otherwise just be left without achieving their potential,” he says. “I just really want to say thank you.”
Dyson visited Western Wednesday for the unveiling of Western’s record-breaking gift of $590,383 to United Way of London & Middlesex. Dyson’s story is featured in a video for the local United Way campaign.
John Dyson and Western President Amit Chakma listen to the announcement of the university’s contribution to United Way of London & Middlesex on Wednesday in the Great Hall.
Western President Amit Chakma made the announcement on behalf of the university’s faculty, staff, retirees and students.
The total surpasses last year’s donation of $534,000, making it the largest employee-generated donation ever to the local United Way.
For Chakma, who arrived at Western last summer, this year’s United Way campaign was his first opportunity to lead the entire university community towards a single, targeted goal – one eclipsed by $40,000.
At the formal announcement in Western’s Great Hall, Chakma thanked and congratulated the more than 1,300 individual donors and 200-plus volunteers who drove the campus campaign well past its goal of $550,000, including retiree chair Peter Castle, faculty co-chair Julie McMullin, and staff co-chair Malcolm Ruddock.
“The Western community is made up of very generous people who are dedicated to supporting their community,” says Chakma. “I am extremely proud of all the students, faculty, staff and retirees at Western. You are all to be commended for your dedication and your very generous hearts.”
“Western’s ongoing commitment to our community is reflected in their exceptional United Way campaigns year after year,” says United Way’s CEO Andrew Lockie. “The generosity of Western’s faculty, staff, retirees and students is extraordinary, and the dollars they raise have great impact in creating lasting change in London and Middlesex.”
Since 1994, Western’s campus community has raised more than $6.3 million for the United Way of London & Middlesex.
Check out Western’s United Way campaign video.
