Our People

Volunteer Spotlight

University of Waterloo Registrar, Cathy Newell Kelly, listens quietly as members of her team enthusiastically recount the lively spirit of competition that infused the hallways of the Registrar’s Office last October.

Cathy isn’t quiet because she doesn’t have anything to contribute; she just knows that allowing her team to take an idea and run with it leads to great results. That’s how she set her unit up for successful fundraising during the United Way campaign. Cathy issued an open challenge to the RO units: the team that raised the most funds/person during campaign would win a fully catered lunch, cooked and served by all of the unit heads.

Once the challenge was issued, RO teams came together to brainstorm unique fundraising ideas. Everything from pie-in-the-face contests to breakfast smoothies were on offer, and regular updates on individual team progress ensured the momentum continued all month.

The incentive of being served lunch by the ‘bosses’ encouraged teams to go beyond their comfort zones and saw a large unit like the RO bringing colleagues together across units. “It was a great way to raise funds for an important cause, but it also gave us a chance to get to know colleagues that we didn’t know as well,” said Heather Rellinger, Records Assistant, Applied Health Sciences & Mathematics, and a member of the winning unit. “We were all coming together with the same cause in mind.”

The range of activities offered by the RO meant that everyone could find a way to get involved. “I was very impressed by the participation in our office and was pleasantly surprised at the group that won. They were small but mighty and I think that just reinforces the idea that every little bit can count,” said Cathy.

As for the prize, the RO unit heads fully delivered. “It felt like we were off campus in an upscale restaurant, everything from the food to the centrepieces and candles was amazing,” said Rita Hadaya, Records Assistant, Applied Health Sciences & Mathematics. “Fine dining should leave you wanting more, and this experience definitely left us wanting more,” said Anita Roussy, Records Assistant, Applied Health Sciences & Mathematics. “We’re already dreaming up ideas for 2019’s campaign because we want to win the challenge again.”

When asked what advice they have for other units when it comes to fundraising ideas, Anita, Rita and Heather encouraged employees to be creative and try different things. “It’s a great opportunity to have a lot of fun and bring your colleagues together beyond everyday work,” said Heather.

In 2019 the Registrar’s Office raised $1,500 for United Way, with the Applied Health Sciences & Mathematics Records team contributing 20% of the total with their fundraising.

Cheers to the winning team! Math and AHS Records team: Heather Rellinger, Jane Kinsie, Rita Hadaya, Henrietta Lemstra, and Anita Roussy

 The serving team included Andre Jardin, Tina Roberts, Maureen Jones, Nancy Heide, Cathy Newell-Kelly, Mary Lynn Benninger, Debbie Knepper, and David Bean

Volunteer listing