Dalhousie’s 90th year of partnership with the United Way will officially kick off on Wednesday, October 14.
Dal has been a longtime participant in this annual fundraising campaign to support the United Way’s work in our communities. Last year, the university raised more than $150,000.
The kick-off will include a BBQ on the Upper Quad, Studley Campus starting at noon. All employees are invited to attend. Lawrence Scanlan, author of the 2015 Dal Reads book, A Year of Living Generously, will be on hand to talk about the power of giving back.
“I look forward to officially kicking off what I know will be an outstanding United Way campaign at pilipiliÂţ»,” says Richard Florizone, Dal president. “Both Dalhousie and United Way believe strongly in supporting our communities, and providing our community members with opportunities to thrive. Together, we are making Halifax greater."
Learn more:
Your donation to the United Way goes a long way
United Way Halifax and United Way Colchester County raise most of their funds through workplace donations and individual and corporate contributions.
Donations to Dal’s United Way campaign will go directly to the United Way’s work in the community. For example, donations made by faculty and staff on the Truro campus will benefit United Way Colchester County. Similarly, donations from faculty and staff on Dalhousie’s Halifax campuses will be directed to United Way Halifax (unless you would prefer to donate to United Way Colchester County, which is also permitted).
“United Way has a long history of bringing together people to help address the needs of our community,” says Shelley Miller, resource development officer for United Way Halifax. “Dalhousie has played a huge role in that history, and continues to rise to the challenge of working together to build a stronger, healthier Halifax for all.”
United Way by the numbers
- 21 programs have been funded by United Way Halifax in 2015 to support basic needs and help people move from a life of poverty to one of possibility.
- $1.3 million has been invested by United Way Halifax into programs focused on building strong healthy neighbourhoods for Halifax residents.
- 72 community partner programs have been funded by the United Way Halifax 2015.
- Over 600 youth in Halifax have been supported by leadership development, peer mentoring and mental health provided by programs that were funded by United Way Halifax.
“Dal’s partnership with the United Way has a long history that we’re very proud of,” says Katherine Frank, co-chair of the 2015 United Way Campaign and assistant vice-president, Human Resources. “It really speaks to our employees’ commitment to service and helping others who are less fortunate in our communities.”
Walking a mile in someone else’s shoes
Being able to count on Dal’s support each year means that United Way can commit to supporting a wide variety of programs.
One such program is Living on the Edge. It gives participants the opportunity to walk for a month in the shoes of a Haligonian trying to survive on little or no income facing real-life obstacles that occur along the way. They assume a role as a teen, mom, dad or grandparent. The goal is for participants to experience an unfamiliar reality and better understand the barriers faced by families and individuals living with low income.
Trisha Alyward, administrative assistant, Human Resources, recently had the opportunity to attend one of the United Way’s Living on the Edge session.
Trisha’s character was Greg Guten, a 25-year old male, recently out of jail who lived with his girlfriend and her young child. They started off living in a shelter after having been evicted for not paying their rent. Greg’s wages were garnished to pay child support for a son he fathered in high school.
Greg worked 34 hours a week, and was paid $174/week (after taxes and garnishment).
Expenses included:
Rent: $117.50/month
Utilities: $100/month
Clothing: $25/month
Food: $40/month
Transportation: $100/month
Miscellaneous: $45/month
Greg’s salary, combined with his expenses did not leave much left over every month.
“I felt a sense of frustration during the process — that my hands were tied. Instead of spending weekends doing 'family time,' I would go line up at the bank or super centre to try to get there before work,” says Trisha. “I didn’t buy food for the equivalent of two weeks, and received a card saying I was malnourished. Some participants spoke about having to sell things, or being so concerned about paying bills that they didn’t know where their children were.”
Programs such as this provide an impactful way to experience what many face every day, and grasp poverty with a new perspective.
“The hint of frustration I felt made me want to make sure others didn’t feel that way,” says Trisha. “The fact that organizations like the United Way are here to help is extremely motivating.”
All Dalhousie employees are welcome to attend our official kick off on Wednesday, October 14, 12 noon, Studley quad, as we celebrate past accomplishments and launch this year’s campaign. More information about pilipiliÂţ»â€™s United Way Campaign can be found .