The University of Western Ontario has set its largest ever United Way goal – at $600,000 – but sponsored employee Alex Kulczycki is convinced, as in years past, the campus community will step up and meet the challenge.
“Our students, staff, faculty and retirees always seem to amaze me when it comes to giving back to their community,” says Kulczycki, noting last year’s record-breaking total of $590,383 was more than $40,000 over the campaign goal.
“No matter what the challenge, the Western community always seems to answer the bell and make a tremendous difference in the London and Middlesex communities. I think (the goal) is attainable.”
The university’s rate of employees-to-donors is lower than other major employeers in the city such as General Dynamics, Toronto-Dominion Bank and London Life. If these numbers can grow, says Kulczycki, so to will the fundraising totals.
In an attempt to boost the number of new donors, Michael Coleby, Great Hall Catering assistant director and executive chef, has put out a delectable challenge. For every new donor to this year’s Western campaign (minimum of $10 per month or $120 one-time donation) he will give them a $40 gift certificate for Michael’s.
“Michael is such a strong supporter of United Way and toward the end of last year we were talking about doing something to get new donors,” Kulczycki says. “This is a huge incentive on Michael’s part and one that will hopefully keep these donors on as United Way supporters.”
To be eligible, new donors need to have their pledge to their department or faculty employee campaign coordinator by Nov. 5. Kulczycki will then deliver the gift certificate to each new donor.
In his second year as the university’s sponsored employee, it didn’t take much to convince Kulczycki to return once again. “I spent four months last year learning what our community’s needs are and meeting, staff, volunteers and clients that have been so appreciative of the funding they get from United Way and I really want to work harder for those people,” he says, noting that having Richard Ivey School of Business Dean Carol Stephenson as the chair for the city-wide campaign – which set its goal at $8 million – is a blessing for him.
“The fact Carol is on board for this year’s campaign, I feel, will make a huge difference,” he says. “I find her enthusiasm for the campaign and her understanding of what needs to be accomplished invigorating. It makes you want to go that extra mile.”
Employee donation forms are expected to go out this week across campus, with an early bird draw deadline of Nov. 5. For more information on the campaign, contact your department employee campaign coordinator or e-mail Kulczycki at akulczycki@uwlondon.on.ca or alex@uwo.ca.