Members of the AMS United Way committee presented the charity with a cheque at a campaign wrap-up breakfast on November 29.

A campus-wide campaign involving faculty, staff, retirees and students has raised $345,000 for the United Way. The amount surpasses the original fundraising goal by $20,000. While fundraising initiatives on campus continue, representatives from the Queen’s team presented the charity with a cheque at a campaign wrap-up breakfast on November 29. The Queen’s campaign is the largest United Way workplace campaign in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington.

The Alma Mater Society (AMS) United Way Committee has been hosting fundraising events on campus since the campaign kicked off in October, including barbeques, bake sales and food drives. The team also had the opportunity to do some volunteering in the community, including painting the hallway at a United Way youth agency.

AMS Committee chair Victoria Rauseo, who worked as a volunteer on last year’s committee, says she’s enjoyed steering this year’s team.

“Applying to be the chair was the best decision I’ve made in my four years at Queen’s,” says Ms Rauseo. “It’s been an amazing experience. I love volunteering my time, and going out into the community to see how our donations are helping out those in need.”

Shelley Aylesworth-Spink, Executive Assistant for the Vice-Principal (Advancement), has been active in supporting the staff and faculty component of the campaign. She says the Queen’s campaign makes an enormous difference in the lives of people in our community.

“Every single dollar helps the 85,000 people in our area access community services and support,” says Ms Aylesworth-Spink. “The needs are huge, and by giving to the United Way members of the Queen’s community show they care about each other.”

The AMS expects to continue its fundraising initiatives into the winter term. Queen’s staff and faculty members interested in signing up for payroll deduction pledges or in making a one-time contribution to the campaign can contact Ms Aylesworth-Spink at ext. 77914.