The University of Western Ontario will be working hard to raise its largest ever United Way fundraising goal – $600,000 – revealed today at the campaign launch at The Spoke.
Janice Deakin, Provost and Vice-President (Academic), says while she has only been at Western a few months, the excitement around the United Way campaign is evident.
“I have learned quickly that Western has a great tradition of leadership when it comes to the United Way,” she says, noting Western’s fundraising total last year of $590,383.
But she adds there are alarming statistics she has learned about the London community that need to be addressed.
She spoke of 1 in 5 London children living below the poverty level; youth unemployment in London 20 per cent higher than the provincial average; and how while London has the highest per capita population of refugees, more than 50 per cent live at or below the poverty level.
“These are disturbing statistics to hear and we need to respond in a strong way to these social challenges,” says Deakin.
Andrew Lockie, United Way of London & Middlesex CEO, says if any group can help meet these needs – and the city-wide campaign goal of $8 million – it’s Western.
“I want to thank all those at Western who play an important role in helping the United Way. There is no London without Western and no Western without London. We are one in the same,’ he says. “It’s exciting to run a campaign, but the real reason we do this is because London needs us to. We’re going to do it because we have to do it, and we won’t get there without our partners at Western.”
Western sponsored employee Alex Kulczycki says while the campaign has already reached the $50,000 mark, there is still a lot of work ahead. But he is convinced students, staff, faculty and retirees will come through yet again.
“This is the time for the Western community to shine,” says Kulczycki. “We put out the call each year, and every time Western shows what it’s made of. It’s about helping our own community, our own neighbours and our own friends.”
Kulczycki adds 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.