Queen's United Way campaign team members Shelley Aylesworth-Spink, staff co-chair, Sherri Ferris, labour co-chair, Allison Bailey, human resources staff, Sandra Valente, human resources staff, and Nick Graham, faculty co-chair, help unveil the thermometer. The university's campaign goal this year is $315,000.

Queen’s launches its United Way campaign this week with the goal of raising $315,000 to support social services and programs in the local community.

The university is the single largest contributor to the community campaign of the United Way serving Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (KFLA).

“The generosity of the Queen’s community for the United Way means that many, many people can get the help they need in Kingston and the area,” says staff co-chair Shelley Aylesworth-Spink.

The United Way serving KFLA impacts the lives of thousands of people every year by providing funds to a network of social service and health agencies.

“The campaign is a really great way for us to contribute to our community,” says faculty co-chair Nick Graham.

Sherri Ferris, the labour co-chair, believes the United Way helps many exceptional organizations especially groups that assist children and youth.

“The United Way supports a lot of good programs for children and youth who are underprivileged and need that extra helping hand,” she says.

Queen’s retirees are also well aware of the United Way’s impact and continue to contribute to the university campaign.

“In the 2009 annual campaign, the retirees group responded once again with a very generous increased level of donations, providing much needed help for many members of our community,” says Carl Hamacher, co-chair for the retirees.

Students plan to get involved in the campaign again this year by organizing and volunteering at a number of fundraising events.

“It is important for Queen’s students to gain awareness about the needs in the community and also make a positive impact as Kingston is our home for the next four years,” says student co-chair Leia de Guzman.

Campaign information and pledge cards are going out in campus mail this week. As well, the date for the annual United Way barbeque will be announced in the coming weeks.

A campaign video has been posted to YouTube. Throughout the campaign, the Queen’s News Centre will feature profiles of Queen’s faculty, staff, retirees and students volunteering at local United Way agencies.