Fanshawe College Makes Its Highest-Ever United Way Donation

Fanshawe College staff and students have dug deep and made the largest contribution in the College's history to United Way. At a celebration today, Mr. Paul Seed, United Way Campaign Cabinet Chair was presented with a cheque for $106,413 by Fanshawe College President Dr. Howard Rundle. Varsity athletes from the Fanshawe Athletic Program were on hand to support the big announcement. To applause and fanfare, they revealed the contribution numbers on their jerseys.

This exceeded the College's campaign contribution last year and is the second consecutive year Fanshawe has surpassed the $100,000 mark. It also represents the total contribution to United Way agencies in Fanshawe's four counties – London/Middlesex, Haldimand/Norfolk, Oxford and Elgin/St. Thomas. United Way of London/Middlesex will receive $99,000.

The campaign would not have been such a success without the assistance of more than 100 volunteers canvassing and organizing special events. Fanshawe staff and students planned silent auctions, online bingos, "re-gifting" sales, a polar bear swim and many other events. A penny drive was held at the London Campus last week and was an overwhelming success – more than $1,000 in coins was raised. Staff and students dug into their pockets and emptied their desks, while telling stories of the impact the United Way has had on them.

"Recognizing the need within our communities, staff and students from all campuses of Fanshawe College rose to the challenge," said Dr. Rundle. "We are very proud of the collective contribution we will be making to help provide services for children, families and individuals within our regions."

For the past several years, the College has encouraged "leadership giving." "Leaders" are donors who give at least $1,000 to the campaign. This year Fanshawe had 43 Leadership donors, including twelve new Leaders. Some of the contributions will be matched by an anonymous donor through the United Way Challenge Grant. While the matching funds will not be included in the College's total, they represent a further $12,688 donated to the United Way as a result of our giving.

"As we are all aware, our region is experiencing tremendous challenges and the Fanshawe College community has responded generously," says United Way CEO Andrew Lockie. "They recognize that change starts one person at a time and when we come together we can build a better community for us all."

Fanshawe staff member Joanne Archer will be presented with a United Way Labour Appreciation award on Thursday, January 19, 2012. Joanne has been involved with United Way as a canvasser and volunteer for several years. The awards night will highlight the role organized labour plays in the success of United Way's annual campaign.