Student volunteers grilled hamburgers and hotdogs at Tuesday’s barbecue to kick-off Queen’s 2013 campaign for the United Way.

Last week the university announced its goal of raising $341,000 in support of the vital community services that are funded through the United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington. Locally, support to the United Way directly benefits more than 85,000 people in the Kingston area by alleviating the effects of poverty and hunger, offering support to women and children fleeing domestic abuse, and providing many other crucial services.

The Queen’s impact on the United Way’s annual fundraising efforts is substantial, with roughly 15 per cent of all dollars raised in the Kingston area coming from the university's campaign. Queen’s staff and faculty can contribute to the campaign by simply returning the donation form found in a recent letter sent out across campus, or by contacting human resources by email or telephone (613-533--6000 ext. 32070).