Brock University’s 2021 United Way Campaign has already raised enough funds to help 2,781 people in Niagara — and there is still time to donate and make an even bigger impact.

A total of $137,090 has been raised to date, which puts the employee fundraising campaign firmly on track to reaching its goal of supporting 3,200 people before the campaign officially closes Friday, Dec. 31.

“It is so heartening to see the continued generosity from our Brock community in these challenging times,” said Colleen Whyte, Brock’s United Way campaign faculty co-chair and Associate Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies. “Everyone on the United Way committee brainstormed creative ways to connect with donors this year, and these combined efforts will help make 2022 a little bit brighter for those who need it most.”

There were 30 unique presentations made across campus by committee members this year, with the goal of sharing information about the United Way with as many areas of the University as possible. Due to the hybrid working environment in place across campus, that meant everything from scheduling time in virtual team meetings to participating in outdoor morning huddles. That sometimes included some late nights and early mornings to accommodate the University’s many shift workers.

“Our committee members and group of 17 canvassers went above and beyond to help us secure 72 new donors, which is an amazing achievement that surpasses our team goal of reaching one new donor each,” said Jocelyn Titone, United Way Campaign staff co-chair and Communications Specialist with University Marketing and Communications. “These efforts, paired with the success of the first ever drive-through pasta dinner fundraiser, showcase the commitment and ingenuity of our committee and the giving spirit of our friends and colleagues at Brock.”

The campaign also launched two donor incentive draws this year, with one new donor winner and one early bird winner each receiving a $100 gift card donated by the Campus Store.

Faculty and staff can still support the campaign by giving a one-time donation or an ongoing payroll contribution through Workday.

Any donation — no matter the size — can make a difference to those in need.

One in seven Niagara residents currently live in poverty (including one in four children) and at least 60,000 local people regularly struggle to afford healthy food. Giving $10 per week ($520 a year) to the United Way provides emergency food for 17 families. Giving $1 per week ($52 a year) helps one person secure and maintain an income.

There are also two matching programs this year, which will enable all donations to meet an even larger need in the community. First-time donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000 through the MNP New Donor Match, and first-time leadership donations of $1,200 or more will be matched through the Wineries of Niagara Leadership Challenge.

Contributions can be designated to a United Way in any city or community in Canada and can also be designated to a registered charity of the donor’s choice.

To learn more about Brock’s United Way campaign and the more than 200 local United Way Niagara programs and initiatives it supports, visit the United Way campaign SharePoint site.

Any questions can be directed to Whyte at cwhyte@brocku.ca or Titone at jtitone@brocku.ca