The launch of the 2019 United Way campaign announced Brock’s increase of $25,000 to 2018’s goal, with an aim to raise $170,000. Last year, Brock employees donated a record-setting $186,000 to United Way Niagara, $41,000 more than the goal of $145,000.

The sold-out Souper Star Lunch in Market Hall Wednesday, Oct. 2 paired Faculty deans with Sodexo chefs in support of United Way Niagara, where 180 Brock faculty and staff voted for their favourite soup.

The Faculty of Mathematics & Science won the day with its Jerked Yucca & Sweet Potato soup. Dean Ejaz Ahmed and Cheryl McCormick, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, teamed up with Sodexo chef Ron Davis to win the Souper Bowl trophy.

Runners-up were the Faculty of Education, which served Smokey Bacon & Shrimp Bisque and the Faculty of Humanities with Potato Leek soup.

“The United Way is a great way to have truly local impact in a community where there’s plenty of need,” said Sandy Howe, Brock’s United Way Committee Co-Chair.

Faculty and staff can set up their contributions online until the end of November. Employees who donate online by Friday, Oct. 4 at noon will be entered in a draw to win an early bird prize package of six bottles of wine and wine accessories.

United Way Niagara, which aims to raise $5.25 million in 2019, supports more than 129,000 people each year through the 111 local programs and special initiatives it funds across the Niagara region. About half of the funds raised for United Way supported programs come from employee payroll contribution campaigns like Brock’s.

“Through the United Way, this provides us all with an opportunity to make significant contributions to individuals who at times need help, our assistance, but most of all, our support,” said Brock President Gervan Fearon, who sits on United Way Niagara’s Board of Directors. “This is a wonderful opportunity to be able to make a contribution to the lives and the betterment of so many individuals across the entire region.”

One in three people in Niagara will use a United Way funded program in their lifetime. Contributions from the Brock community support initiatives that aim to move people out of poverty, encourage children and youth to reach their full potential, and enhance the quality of life of adults with disabilities and those in crisis.

Every donation makes a difference. Just $1 per week or $52 per year can give a family all the kitchen and bathroom supplies needed to set up a new home. A contribution of $5 per week or $260 per year can help to send 10 kids back to school with a full backpack, or provide five children with a one-on-one literacy program.

Brock’s United Way campaign committee is confident faculty and staff will reach this year’s goal.

“I’m so excited to kick off this year,” said Howe. “I think when we go after an increase in participation and have a passion across all of our employees on campus, we can far exceed last year’s campaign. The possibility we have together is really powerful.”

The Souper Star Lunch is first of several initiatives that will support the United Way during Brock’s campaign. Trivia Night, another favourite among faculty and staff, is Friday, Nov. 8 at Club Roma in St. Catharines. Tickets are $25 and tables can accommodate eight people.