Brock University’s United Way Committee hopes to make life better for everyone in the local community with the launch of University’s 2022 United Way Campaign.

The annual employee workplace fundraising campaign kicked off Wednesday, Oct. 19 with a ceremonial flag raising and aims to raise $160,000 — enough to help about 3,200 individuals locally.

Funds raised will support 149 local United Way Niagara programs, collaborations and special initiatives that address issues such as poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, mental health and well-being, domestic violence, social isolation and disadvantaged youth and families in the Niagara region. More than 122,000 people receive support through these programs and initiatives each year.

“As we work together towards the University’s strategic priority of enhancing the life and vitality of our local region, it’s important that we take action to address social issues that impact the well-being of our community,” said interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lynn Wells in a campaign launch video.

Poverty affects 14.5 per cent of Niagara’s population, and one in five local children are living below the poverty line. One in four families across the region are at risk of homelessness.

Jocelyn Titone (BBA ’07), Communications Specialist and Brock’s United Way Campaign Staff Co-Chair, experienced food insecurity when she was a child and said it is one of several reasons why she continues to give to United Way.

“My mother came home one day with a box of canned goods from the local food bank. She had to choose between groceries and bills, so she sought help,” said Titone.

“Anyone can find themselves on hard times and I think it’s important we offer support by any means we can,” she said. “We’re all feeling the effects of inflation right now, but imagine what it’s like for someone who is living in poverty or experiencing a crisis.”

Faculty and staff can support the campaign by giving a one-time donation or an ongoing payroll contribution through Workday. Contributions can be designated to a United Way in any city or community in Canada, or to a registered charity of the donor’s choice.

The impact of employee contributions will be increased through matching programs:

• First-time donations of any amount will be matched dollar for dollar.
• First-time leadership donations of $1,200 or more, or increases of 10 per cent or more to leadership donations, will also be matched.

Employees who donate by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11 will be automatically entered into a draw to win a $100 gift card donated by the Brock Campus Store. Payroll contributions with no end date will also be included in the early bird draw. All new donors will be entered into a draw for a $100 Campus Store gift card at the end of the campaign in December.

This year’s campaign sees the return of more in-person activities, including the annual Souper Star Lunch presented by Aramark on Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Market Hall. Employees will sample and judge seven soups served by Faculty Deans before voting on the winner of the coveted Souper Bowl trophy. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased on University Tickets. The event is sponsored by Aramark and all proceeds will go to United Way.

Since 2003, the Brock community has raised more than $2.4 million for United Way. Last year’s campaign raised $149,843, making Brock United Way Niagara’s second-largest workplace campaign and top organization for leadership gifts.

“It’s important we continue to demonstrate our collective leadership and dedication to the local community,” said Colleen Whyte (BRLS ’97), Associate Professor with the Recreation and Leisure Department and Brock’s United Way Campaign Faculty Co-Chair. “If everyone at Brock gave what they could, even a small amount, it would add up to a huge impact for our neighbours in need of support. As United Way’s tagline says this year, better is possible.”

Every donation makes a difference:

• Giving $5 per paycheque (or $130 per year) provides emotional, on-scene support and assistance to five victims of domestic crimes.
• Giving $10 per paycheque (or $260 per year) helps 25 families in need of support with hot or frozen meals.
• Giving $20 (or $520 per year) per paycheque provides support to 25 individuals as they transition into permanent housing.

To learn more about Brock’s United Way campaign and to make a contribution, visit the United Way campaign SharePoint site.

Questions can be directed to Whyte at cwhyte@brocku.ca or Titone at jtitone@brocku.ca. To volunteer with Brock’s United Way Committee as a department canvasser, email Michelle Leone (BRLS ’05, MA ’08) at mleone@brocku.ca