A successful Souper Tuesday

Campus celebrity chefs and United Way WRC CEO serving up soup for United Way.

Campus celebrity chefs Rob Esselment, Jim Rush, Maureen Jones and the United Way Waterloo Region Communities CEO Joan Fisk (second from left) serving up soup for United Way.

A message from the University of Waterloo United Way campaign

Originally published in the Daily Bulletin on November 12, 2019.

On Tuesday, November 5 the campus came together to support United Way at Souper Thursday. This third annual event raised just over $1,200 for the United Way.

We had a great afternoon full of tasty homemade soup, networking, and learning about the community resources and programs United Way supports. We’d like to give a special thank you to all of our celebrity chefs, we couldn’t have done it without you.

Check out all of the photos from the campaign on Facebook and remember, it’s not too late to make your 2019 donation.


Soup's On - it's Souper Tuesday

President Feridun Hamdullahpur and Provost Jim Rush serve soup to students.

A message from the University of Waterloo United Way Campaign.

Originally published in the Daily Bulletin on November 5, 2019.

Join us in the STC atrium today from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today for Souper Tuesday. Grab a healthy lunch and support your community by purchasing a bowl of soup (for $5) served by campus celebrity chefs. Whether you are participating in the Thrive Walk for Mental Health first, or just coming by for a tasty lunch with coworkers, we thank you for your support.

Proceeds from the lunch will go to United Way Waterloo Region Communities, which supports organizations in our community working to support vulnerable children and youth, fight poverty, and empower neighbourhoods. Some of these organizations focus on mental health – like KW Counselling. Visit their website to learn more about United Way’s partner agencies.

If you are interested in giving directly to United Way now or in the future, please visit our website for directions.


Campaign month is almost over, but there's still time to give

The University of Waterloo sign wrapped in red.

A message from the University of Waterloo United Way campaign.

Originally published in the Daily Bulletin on October 31, 2019.

As we come to the end of campaign month, the University of Waterloo’s United Way campaign is at 73 percent of our $250,000 goal. We need your help to reach our campus goal and there’s still time to give.

If you attended one of the many campaign events – bake sales, silent auctions, and more – we thank you for your contributions. Supporting the campaign through on-campus events is a wonderful way to participate, but giving through payroll is an easy way to support your neighbours all year long.

A gift of even $10 a month makes an impact on your community and contributes to efforts to support youth, fight poverty, and build communities.

Whether you’ve already made a donation, or are thinking of making a donation, we sincerely thank you.


Can you tell me how to get to Senate Street?

The University's deans dressed as Sesame Street characters.

A message from the University of Waterloo United Way campaign.

Originally published in the Daily Bulletin on October 22, 2019.

At yesterday’s Senate meeting, the University’s six deans marched into senate in Sesame Street costumes. Dancing to the tune of Sunny Days, the Deans encouraged full Executive Council participation in the United Way campaign.

This is the fourth year the deans have dressed up in support of the campaign – the characters joining their repertoire from Sesame Street are:

  • Lili Liu, Dean of Applied Health Sciences as Cookie Monster
  • Sheila Ager, Dean of Arts as Ernestina, an adaptation of the original Ernie
  • Pearl Sullivan, Dean of Engineering as Oscar the Grouch
  • Jean Andrey, Dean of Environment as Bertha, an adaptation of the original Bert
  • Stephen Watt, Dean of Math, who was in his element as Count von Count
  • Bob Lemieux, Dean of Science, as Elmo

The deans were dressed this way in support of the United Way campaign and paraded around campus to show their support and encourage campus-wide participation in the campaign. The 2019 campus campaign’s goal is $250,000, and the campaign volunteers need help from the campus community to reach that goal! Donations can be made via epledge.

Watch out for photos of the parade on the Campaign’s Facebook album.


Go Red day is over, but the United Way campaign has just begun

Members of the Master of Public Service program wearing red for the United Way.

The Master of Public Service team dressed up to support the United Way campaign kickoff.

A message from the United Way campaign.

Originally published in the Daily Bulletin on October 2, 2019.

‘Go Red’ Day may be over and campus colours back to normal, but our 2019 United Way campaign is just getting started!

Earlier this week, students, staff and faculty helped us kick off the campaign by decorating the campus red and dressing in their best red outfits. You can check out all the photos from the day on Facebook. Thanks to the campus community for this amazing show of support!

Each year, our campus community makes an incredible effort for the United Way campaign. Last year, we surpassed our goal, raising over $297,000! This year, we’re hoping to do that again – together, we can meet and surpass our $250,000 goal and continue to make a difference in our community.

Wondering how you can get involved and give back?

Making a donation through e-Pledge is the easiest way to support United Way Waterloo Region Communities. To make it even simpler, you can set up an ongoing donation via payroll – even $10/month makes a difference. You can also connect with your area’s United Way Ambassador to learn what your unit is doing this month. Don’t have an Ambassador in your area? It’s not too late to volunteer for the 2019 campaign!

Make sure to mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 5 and join on-campus celebrity chefs serving soup in STC for Souper Tuesday. Warm up with a bowl of soup in support of United Way. You can get tickets from your area’s Ambassador, or in MC 2010 (minimum suggested donation: $5).


Black and gold has gone red

The University of Waterloo sign wrapped in red for United Way kickoff.

The University of Waterloo sign wrapped in red for the United Way kickoff.

A message from the United Way campaign.

Originally published in the Daily Bulletin on October 1, 2019.

Did you notice something different when you arrived on campus this morning? That’s because campus is ‘going red’ today to celebrate the launch of the 2019 United Way campaign.

We can’t wait to see all the pops of red on campus in support of the campaign – share your photos on Twitter or Instagram with #UWUnitedWay – your engagement is the key to another successful campaign!

To help us kick off the campaign, we asked members of the campus community to share why they support the campaign. We hope you’ll also consider supporting the United Way and make a donation via e-Pledge.

Every year, our campus community comes together for the month of October to have some fun and help us meet our campaign goal of $250,000. Keep an eye out for auctions, bake sales, costume contests, cook-offs, and pie-in-the face events!

Make sure you check out campus-wide events as they are posted throughout October, or connect with your area’s Ambassador to find out what they have planned. If you don’t have an Ambassador in your area, or just want to get involved, we’d love to work together! Learn about the role and sign up on our website.


United Way supporters prepare for 2019 kickoff

Feridun Hamdullahpur speaks with attendees at the United Way kickoff launch.

A message from the University of Waterloo United Way campaign.

Originally published in the Daily Bulletin on September 26, 2019.

On Tuesday, United Way champions from across campus came together for lunch, networking and to learn about the 2019 campaign events and goals. The air was buzzing with inspiration and ideas for a successful campaign!

We heard from Feridun Hamdullahpur, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo, Joan Fisk, CEO of United Way Waterloo Region Communities, and Mallory Boyer, Resource Development Manager at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo Region. They explained why our investment in the community is important to the University and highlighted the key areas of impact that your investments are targeted towards. Mallory Boyer discussed the immense impact that funding from the United Way has on organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping them to deliver essential services to youths in our community.

This year’s campaign focuses on three key areas:

  • Supporting Vulnerable Children and Youth
  • Fighting Poverty
  • Empowering Neighbourhoods

With a goal of $250,000 for this year’s campaign, the continuing support of our campus community is essential to our success. Please consider participating in any way you can – whether by donating financially or giving your time to host an event in your department or unit in support of the United Way.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming campaign events:

  • Campaign Kickoff is Tuesday, October 1. Help us turn the campus red by dressing up and decorating your office. Don’t forget to share your photos using #UWUnitedWay!
  • Souper Tuesday is Tuesday, November 5. Campus ‘celebrity chefs’ will be serving three types of homemade soup (including a vegan and gluten free option) in the STC lobby 11:30 – 1:30.

United Way Campaign to kick off with President's Lunch

President Feridun Hamdullahpur speaks at the 2018 United Way campaign kickoff lunch.

A message from the University of Waterloo United Way Campaign.

Originally published in the Daily Bulletin on September 24, 2019.

As we get ready for the University of Waterloo’s United Way campaign launch on October 1, we’re excited to have some of our key campaign supporters come together today for the President’s United Way Campaign Kickoff Lunch.

Campaign supporters, including volunteers, Friend+ level donors and senior campus leaders will come together to get inspired for the 2019 campaign. With the help of campus leaders and a United Way speaker, attendees will learn about the many ways the University supports the United Way and the impact that support has on our community.

We want to thank everyone who will be attending the kickoff lunch and supporting this year’s campaign.

Don’t forget to mark Tuesday, October 1 in your calendar for the campus-wide campaign launch. Help us turn the campus red by dressing up or decorating your office! Don’t forget to share photos with #UWUnitedWay.

If you want to get involved with the campaign, volunteer to be a United Way Ambassador!


Gearing up for the 2019 United Way Campaign

University Relations staff members go red for the United Way.

University Relations staff went red for the 2018 campaign.

A message from the University of Waterloo United Way campaign.

Originally published in the Daily Bulletin on September 18, 2019.

As we prepare for the 2019 University of Waterloo United Way campaign launch, we’re excited to have campaign supporters from senior campus leaders to volunteers and Friend+ level donors at one event on Tuesday, September 24. Once again, we will come together to generate excitement for the 2019 campaign, learn about the many ways the University supports the United Way, and to share ideas to make this year’s campaign a success.

We want to thank everyone who will be attending the kickoff lunch and supporting this year’s campaign.

Don’t forget to mark Tuesday, October 1 in your calendar for campaign launch. Help us turn the campus red by dressing up and decorating your office! Don’t forget to share any pops of red you see on campus with #UWUnitedWay.

Do you want to get involved with the campaign? Volunteer to be an ambassador.


United Way Campaign annual report launches today

Feridun Hamdullahpur and Jim Rush serve soup while wearing United Way aprons.

University of Waterloo President Feridun Hamdullahpur and Vice-President, Academic & Provost Jim Rush serve soup to students for the United Way.

A message from the University of Waterloo United Way campaign.

Originally published in the Daily Bulletin on September 13, 2019.

As we start to gear up for the 2019 United Way campaign on campus, we’d like to share our appreciation for the hard work, support and enthusiasm from our campus community – committee members, volunteers, and donors – during our 2018 campaign. Whether you attended an event, executed a fundraising activity within your department, or made a donation, every little bit helps. Your support helped to raise over $297,000 for the 2018 campaign. Read the full report online.

Our Impact:

  • Over 450 individual donors gave to United Way (employees, retirees and students).
  • 94 new donors supported the campaign – that’s just over 20 percent of our 454 total donors!
  • Our Ambassadors executed 81 events, contributing over $30,000 to our campaign.

Event highlights:

Impact of your investment:

In 2018, our campaign efforts contributed 4.7 percent of the United Way Waterloo Region Communities’ total campaign results. These donations are helping to:

  • Fund programs to help those in need of counselling and mental health services
  • Support programs helping youth enhance their social and educational skills
  • Fund programs connecting local immigrants to their community
  • Support programs that help those living in poverty in our community

As we look ahead to our 2019 campaign, we don’t want to forget our “every little bit counts” sentiment. By coming together as a campus community, we can conquer this year’s challenge. We’d love to have your support in reaching our 2019 goal of $250,000. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for our campaign kickoff on October 1, and watch your inbox and mailbox for more details!

If you’d like to make a contribution or learn about volunteering as part of the University of Waterloo’s United Way campaign, contact the United Way office at united.way@uwaterloo.ca.


March in Support of United Way September 20

Waterloo volunteers holding UW-branded umbrellas.

A message from the United Way campaign.

Originally published in the Daily Bulletin on September 4, 2019.

The University of Waterloo’s United Way campaign is looking for groups and individuals from across campus to join the United Way’s Umbrella March on Friday, September 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The 3km walk begins at Waterloo Public Square at 11:30 and proceeds down King street, ending at Carl Zehr Square with a delicious harvest lunch from Borealis Grille and Bar. This is the second year that our campus community will be participating and we’re hoping to see participation from across campus. The campus United Way campaign is covering the participation cost, but participants will be responsible for transportation to and from the event.

Sign up online as an individual or gather a few colleagues on campus to join you. Please register by September 9 to receive further details.


United Way campaign seeks volunteers

AHS participates in pancake Tuesday to raise money for Unitedway

A message from the University of Waterloo United Way campaign.

Originally published in the Daily Bulletin on August 19, 2019.

Do you…

  • Care about your community?
  • Want to engage with colleagues across campus?
  • Love new opportunities for personal and professional development?

If you said yes to any (or all) of these statements, we want you to volunteer for the university’s 2019 United Way campaign!

Here’s what volunteering with us means:

As a United Way Ambassador, your job is to support your department/unit during the campaign and encourage fundraising efforts and donations. You can run events in your department, team up with another department, or simply share information with your colleagues – it’s up to you! The full role description is available online, but don’t forget that your time commitment is easy to modify to what works best for you and your office.

Interested? Sign up to volunteer as an Ambassador by filling out our online form.