UBC staff member Cia Harms won't let anything break her habit of giving to the United Way campaign each year.
"I feel it is the least that I can do to help out in the community," says the Faculty of Dentistry Orthodontics Clinic co-ordinator.
Even though she has been battling for the past year to resolve issues with her leaky condo and is mindful of current labour negotiations as a member of CUPE Local 116, the long-time donor to the UBC United Way Campaign has never wavered from giving what she can to the annual campaign.
"It is always stressful writing big cheques," says Harms, referring to the financial strain that her condo situation has placed on her pocketbook. "But I feel strongly about giving to the United Way."
"There are all kinds of other charities out there and I do give to them but I feel the United Way is a good umbrella organization that covers many other organizations in need," she says. "I only wish I could give more."
It is donor dedication such as this that has campus campaign organizers strongly optimistic that they will reach this year's target of $300,000. Already, donors have pledged more than 60 per cent of the targeted amount.
"It's looking very good right now," says Eilis Courtney, chair of the 1999 UBC United Way Campaign. "We're up on what we did last year at this point but it is still important for people to keep getting those pledges in."
United Way fund-raising events will continue on campus with donations accepted until Dec. 31.
Upcoming events include:
A garage sale at Gage Residence on Nov. 18 in the Mary Murrin Lounge from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A tavern night on Nov. 30 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Fred's Tavern at the Dakota Hotel hosted by the Creative Writing Program. For $5 ($3 for students) guests get snacks, two beverages and poetry readings by Creative Writing students.
The party was donated by the program's secretary, Pat Rose, who won the party for 300 people earlier this year.
"I just thought it would be nice to make it a party for everybody," she says.
Courtney reminds donors that the final draw will take place on Dec. 10 with prizes such as accommodation and ski passes for Sun Peaks Resort, Vancouver Grizzlies tickets, and Cypress Mountain ski passes up for grabs.
As well, the grand prize draw for two Canadian Airlines tickets to any of the carrier's destinations worldwide will also be made on Dec. 10. Raffle tickets for the draw are available for $5 at the War Memorial Gym equipment dispensary or through the campaign office.
For event tickets, information about upcoming activities and updates on this year's campaign, phone the campaign office at 604-822-8929 or visit the Web site at www.unitedway.ubc.ca.