From turning the campus red for a day, to hot chocolate pop-up shops, to plasma car races, to senior leadership showing off their dance moves, the UWaterloo campus community clearly knows how to have fun while supporting the United Way Kitchener-Waterloo & Area.
In fact, for many on campus, the University of Waterloo's United Way campaign period is special because of the events. It’s a time for people who work together to have a little fun, blow off a little steam, and act a little goofy all in the name of a good cause. These events are as important as the donations themselves: they raise awareness about important issues, and they help build community spirit in our work environment within and between campus groups.
Over 55 events raised over $24,000 for the campaign
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Things got started when the university went red for United Way at the beginning of October. Check out the Storify to see the day unfold.
- Human Resources and Advancement held weekly events, with HR Yoga at Lunch and Jersday Thursdays hosted every Thursday in October
- The offices of the President, the Provost, and the Secretariat got together to hold the last barbecue of the year as well as a silent auction
- The Dean of Arts office held Plasma Car Races, and the Faculty of Engineering hosted a Mystery Item Silent Auction
- And, of course there was St. Paul’s University College and their dare challenge. This challenge saw senior leadership at St. Paul’s agreeing to certain dares. Jars were then put out and the community voted with their loose change for the dare that they wanted to see completed. Watch the winner, Principal Graham Brown, share his dance moves!
Each area on campus brings creativity and unique ideas to their United Way events. We connected with a few of the departments to learn more about their favourite events.
“In HR, we host quite a few events, but my favourite is our month-end potluck. We ask staff to contribute to the potluck, and if they do, they pay a reduced price for their lunch. It always lands on Hallowe’en so we dress up, host a costume contest and enjoy a delicious lunch together as a department."
Rachal Fountain, Human Resources United Way area representative
“The Housing and Residences team enjoyed planning our Oktoberfest BBQ and bake sale. Both events were great opportunities to bring our large Housing family together and a fun and festive way to raise money for a great cause.”
Krystal Kowalski, Housing and Residence United Way area representative
“One of the most anticipated events in the Dean of Arts Office was the Plasma Car Races. The races attracted many participants and spectators, including the Dean and Associate Deans. My partner in crime, Jennifer Book, turned our hallway into a mini raceway. All participants were amazing sports and put put in a valiant effort."
Juli-Ann Sannuto, Dean of Arts United Way area representative
