Each year the fundraising campaign for United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington backs a wide range of services and organizations providing support throughout the community.

Queen’s University’s campaign officially kicked off on Monday, Oct. 1 with a fundraising goal of $330,177 – a little tip of the cap to the university’s 177^th year. The Queen’s campaign, the largest workplace campaign for the United Way KFL&A, accounts for close to 10 per cent of the organization’s annual budget.

“The continued support of the Queen’s community makes us proud to volunteer and to continue to make a difference,” says James Ligthart, co-chair of the Queen’s United Way Campaign Committee with along with Kellie Hart. “The strength of our community is found in its ability to provide support to those who need our help.”

Students, staff and faculty – both active and retired – contribute greatly to the campaign through a number of ways, including special events, such as the Alma Mater Society barbecue, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 10 from 11 am to 1 pm at the corner of Union Street and University Avenue.

Last year, more than 58,000 people benefited from United Way KFL&A-funded programs.

“Every dollar donated helps to make a difference in our community,” says Tom Harris, Interim Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) and Executive Sponsor of the committee. “The United Way provides hope, a sense of belonging and dignity. From alleviating hunger and poverty, to providing support to women and children fleeing violence and abuse, the United Way’s programs  directly, and indirectly, benefit everyone in our community.”

Queen’s community members can back the United Way through payroll deduction, a one-time gift, credit card, cheque or cash. To make a donation online through the United Way’s ePledge system, simply go to queensu.ca/unitedway. Please note that if you donated last year and selected the auto-renewal action, no further action is required unless you would like to change your donation.