Queen’s University has the biggest workplace campaign for the United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington, and this year has set its highest-ever fundraising goal – $475,000.

The overall goal $3,808,000. The Queen’s target accounts for more than 10 per cent of the overall campaign.

The Queen’s community gave like never before throughout the pandemic raising more than $465,000 last year, topping the previous record of $455,000 set in 2020.

The funds raised helped the United Way as it assisted nearly 74,000 members of the community – single parents, abused women, families, young children and teenagers, the elderly, the physically challenged, the homeless, and more – via a network of agencies and programs.

“The United Way plays a critical role in ensuring the health and well-being of our community by funding programs and services that benefit thousands of people,” says Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane, a Campaign Cabinet member for the United Way KFL&A. “Queen’s is an important partner in this work and I am pleased to support the United Way not only with my donation, but also with my time as a member of the Campaign Cabinet. I encourage everyone in the Queen’s community to contribute to United Way in any way they can. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of many.”

Queen’s staff, faculty, and retirees are leaders in the community having the largest workplace and retiree campaign within the region. A recent report by Deloitte showed that Queen’s community members annually raise well over $1 million to support local causes while students put in thousands of volunteer hours with local agencies and programs

“Queen’s plays an important role in the annual campaign and through its community members volunteering and supporting others,” says Bhavana Varma, President and CEO of United Way KFL&A. “These have been challenging years and we are so grateful that the Queen’s community has   stepped forward to support the essential work being done by frontline agencies to support our family, friends, and neighbours who are struggling in vulnerable situations.”

To join the campaign and donate, visit the Queen’s United Way site and follow the instructions. Previous donors who have accepted automatic renewal can also use this link to increase their annual pledge.