Brock’s seven Faculties served up friendly competition — and hot soup — during the University’s annual lunchtime fundraiser for United Way Niagara.

Held Wednesday, Oct. 29, the Souper Star event officially kicked off Brock’s 2025 United Way Niagara employee fundraising campaign. With more than $2.9 million raised since 2003, this year’s campaign aims to break through the $3 million total fundraising milestone.

“The United Way campaign is just one of the many ways Brock has given back to Niagara over the years,” said Brock United Way Campaign Committee Co-Chair Koreen McCullough, Academic Administrator in the Department of Communications, Popular Culture and Film. “Every dollar we’ve raised has helped to transform the lives of people right here in our community.”

With support from campaigns like Brock’s, United Way Niagara funds life-changing programs and initiatives addressing poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, mental illness, addiction and gender-based violence across the region.

Every donation makes a difference:

• Giving $5 per paycheque (or $130 per year) can provide mental health and community supports for a vulnerable adult.
• Giving $10 per paycheque (or $260 per year) can provide 10 hours of counselling for survivors of domestic abuse and violence.
• Giving $20 per paycheque (or $520 per year) can provide 180 people in need with a nutritious meal.

The official campaign will run until the end of December. Employees can set up a payroll contribution through Workday or make a one-time donation through the United Way Niagara website.

Thanks to in-kind sponsorship from Brock’s Dining Services partner Aramark Canada, proceeds from Souper Star will be added to Brock’s 2025 campaign.

The fundraiser welcomed about 120 employees to sample nine soups prepared by Brock Dining Services chefs and vote on their favourite option. As well as seven soups served by Faculty Deans and representatives, this year’s event also featured soups served by the Brock United Way Campaign Committee and representatives from Student Services.

The Faculty of Social Sciences took home the Souper Bowl trophy, which is awarded to the winning Faculty, for Chef Harland Yeo’s Reuben soup.

Brock United Way Campaign Committee Co-Chair Jenna Moorhead, Community Experience Co-ordinator with Student Life and Success, said the event is a great example of the campus community coming together to make a difference.

“Brock’s sense of community is what makes the University such a great place to work and study,” she said. “Together, we can meet our goal of passing the $3 million mark.”

Visit Brock’s United Way Campaign SharePoint site to learn more about the campaign, including how to join the committee, and follow the United Way Campaign community on Viva Engage for event and campaign updates.