Diana Panter believes there are a million reasons to donate to Brock’s United Way campaign.

But for the purpose of meeting this year’s goal, there are close to $10,000 reasons.

The 2014 campaign has raised more than $120,000 (93%) for the United Way St. Catharines and District, which funds 66 programs delivered by 39 agencies.

Support from the Brock community has once again been generous, and Panter is hoping a final push will help meet its target of $130,000.

“I think we have a very generous community here, and we’re always overwhelmed at how supportive people are when our campaign comes around,” said Panter, Brock’s United Way staff co-chair. “They always seem to answer the call.”

Brock’s United Way committee is hosting its annual campaign and wrap-up event Dec. 9 at Market Hall at 2 p.m. Coffee and cake will be served as a gesture of appreciation to donors, volunteers, committee members and supporters.

Those in attendance can also win a $50 Campus Store gift card, $25 Brock card and the grand prize of a parking pass upgrade.

While the majority of money raised comes from one-time donations and payroll contributions, Brock’s United Way fundraising events have been very popular over the years.

The Souper Star lunch once again sold out, the inaugural Spin-A-Thon raised over $1,000, and Trivia Night raised almost $4000, more money than in previous years.

With one in four people in Niagara using a United Way program in their lifetime, the campaign remains critical to the community.

“When you think about the population of Niagara, there’s a little over 430,000 people, so that’s a lot of people in Niagara who are dependent on their services, and most of the people who rely on them do so because they are either in poverty or could be seniors or have serious health problems,” Panter said. “There are a million reasons why to donate to the campaign, and we’re so lucky and privileged to be in good health and have employment and work at a great place like Brock University. It’s great to give back.”