Fanshawe Beats Campaign Target With Record Donation of $72,620 to United Way of London & Middlesex!

Records are made to be broken! Faced with economic uncertainty and a slowing economy, the Fanshawe College family went the extra mile and capped off its 2008 United Way Campaign with a best-ever donation to the United Way of London & Middlesex.

On Thursday, January 22, 2009 in the James A. Colvin Atrium, Fanshawe College London Campus - with help from Mr. Sim, one member of the College's voice simulator family - presented a cheque for $72,620 to Bob Adams, CEO of the United Way of London & Middlesex and 2008 Campaign Cabinet Co-Chair, John Black, Recording Secretary CPP, EI, WSIB, Advocate, CAW - Local 27.

Left to right: Marilyn Robinson and Dave Smith, Fanshawe College London Campus 2008 United Way Campaign Co-Chairs; Fanshawe President Howard Rundle; Mr. Sim; John Black, United Way London & Middlesex Cabinet Co-Chair, CAW Local 27; Sandra Detering, Fanshawe College Sponsored Employee; Bob Adams, CEO, United Way of London & Middlesex.

This year's donation significantly surpassed Fanshawe's initial target of $65,000.

"I am very proud of Fanshawe for coming through when our community needs us most," said Fanshawe College President Howard Rundle. "Despite the current economic situation, our students, staff, retirees and partners made a point of going above and beyond in their giving. I want to thank everyone who contributed to our campaign, and to congratulate the United Way for another very successful year."

Once again, Fanshawe's total is the product of many unique initiatives. The Campaign launched with a chili cook-off sponsored by the Fanshawe Student Union, Chartwells and the School of Tourism and Hospitality that earned $1,800. In the following weeks, more than 100 volunteers and canvassers raised money through raffles for prizes including executive parking and the opportunity to be Fanshawe President for a day, a re-gifting event, fundraising lunches, a bottle sale, and many other projects. Fanshawe Athletics also donated gate fees from a November varsity basketball game against Niagara College and Fanshawe students participated in the annual United Way StairClimb.

"Students have always supported Fanshawe's United Way Campaign, but this year we wanted to do something extra," said Fanshawe Student Union President Jonathan Hillis. "The chili cook-off was a great success, and we were proud to give back through several other events. I think the campaign was rewarding for all of the students who participated."

The 2008 Campaign donation brings Fanshawe's total United Way contribution to more than half a million dollars since 1992.

"We always appreciate the generous support we receive from Fanshawe College," said Bob Adams, CEO of the United Way of London & Middlesex. "Every year, staff and students find ways to reach higher and grow their campaign. Their work is especially welcome this year, with so many families feeling the effects of the economic slowdown."

Staff and students at Fanshawe's campuses in Oxford, Norfolk and Elgin Counties also worked hard to raise money for their respective United Way campaigns.

"Fanshawe College has a long record of service to the United Way and our community partners," said Chuck Hounsell, Chair of the 2008 United Way Campaign. "Fanshawe's people have set a fine example of commitment, creativity, and generosity for other organizations to follow. We are grateful to them for this outstanding donation."