The Queen’s campaign for the United Way is nearly two-thirds of the way to its goal, with students, staff, faculty, and retirees contributing $230,000 so far. Queen’s goal is to raise $370,000 in support of the 50 local agencies funded by the United Way.

“As the largest workplace contributor to the local United Way campaign, support from individuals at Queen’s is absolutely critical to our community,” says Nick Graham (School of Computing), the Queen’s campaign’s faculty co-chair. “Our support helps provide hope and dignity for the more than 74,000 people in our community who benefit from the services of United Way member agencies.”

Last year the United Way helped nearly 25,000 children and youth by providing supports for their physical and mental wellbeing, through agencies such as Pathways to Education and the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston and Area. It also helped meet the basic human needs of 16,000 individuals and families, by providing housing stability and food security through agencies like Kingston Home Base Non-Profit Housing and the Kingston Youth Shelter. 

“Ultimately the United Way is about building a stronger, more inclusive community by helping people reach their full potential,” says Kellie Hart, Manager of Internal Audit and one of the campaign’s staff volunteers. “It’s truly inspiring to think about how many people’s lives are touched by the United Way, thanks to our support here at Queen’s.”

“Ultimately the United Way is about building a stronger, more inclusive community by helping people reach their full potential."

- Kellie Hart, Manager of Internal Audit and United Way campaign volunteer.

New to Queen’s this year is a paperless campaign, allowing staff and faculty to pledge their support online. The option to give conveniently by payroll deduction is still there, and the online pledge tool lets you easily manage your contribution.

Queen’s students have also been very active this year in support the United Way campaign. On Nov. 21 students volunteers will be participating in a “Day of Caring,” where they will lend a hand at the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Kingston. On Nov. 29 volunteers will go door to door as part of a food and clothing drive. Staff and faculty are also welcome to participate in these initiatives, and can contact unitedway@ams.queensu.ca for more details.