UBC Reports | Vol. 47 | No. 20 | December 13, 2001

Campus campaign shoots above goal

A donation of $40,000 to the 2001 UBC United Way campaign from an anonymous UBC employee has vaulted this year's total well beyond the targeted goal of $395,000.

As of last week, total donations stood at just over $422,000.

"Who knows what might have touched this individual," says UBC United Way campaign chair, Michelle McCaughran. "It reflects someone's strong commitment to our community and we are very grateful."

UBC's commitment to the United Way campaign has grown steadily over the years, but the increase of the campaign goal to $395,000 from $340,000 the previous year marked the largest increase to date. According to McCaughran, many of the 2001 campaign organizers thought that the 15 per cent increase was a touch ambitious. As it turns out, it wasn't.

"To raise the bar that high took a committed volunteer group," says McCaughran. "To exceed that objective took more than one person; it took our entire UBC community, including the Alma Mater Society as well as support from many of the deans, and for that we should all be very proud."

A total of 195 volunteers contributed their time to the 2001 UBC United Way campaign, including 42 UBC faculty, staff and students who served on the organizing committee. The campaign wrapped up Nov. 30, although Financial Services will continue accepting pledge forms until Dec. 31.

An umbrella organization with 104 member agencies and 32 affiliates spread throughout the Lower Mainland, the United Way supports health-care and rehabilitation services, crisis and emergency services, care for seniors, community services, and provides assistance to families and individuals.