Laurier United Way fundraising campaign exceeds goal for second straight year

Dec. 8, 2020

For the second straight year, Wilfrid Laurier University has exceeded its annual fundraising goal in support of Brant United Way and United Way Waterloo Region Communities.

More than $84,800 was raised during the month-long campaign in October – $2,100 over the university’s goal – thanks to the generosity of Laurier faculty and staff donors. The 2020 campaign total demonstrates Laurier’s continuing commitment to help its communities thrive, especially during challenging times.

Funds raised will help Brant United Way and United Way Waterloo Region Communities provide basic needs such as food and shelter, mental health supports, and programs to mitigate the effects of isolation. Programs and organizations that benefit from United Way-funded support include Nova Vita, Volunteer Action Centre Waterloo Region, Soup for the Soul, and Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region.

“The Laurier community has come together once again in support of the United Way campaign,” says Pam Cant, Laurier’s chief human resources and equity officer and United Way campaign committee co-chair. “The generosity of our faculty and staff, many who give year after year, is so appreciated and impactful for people in need within our communities.”

With many employees working from home, Laurier’s United Way committee was unable to hold traditional in-person fundraising events, which in the past included a SOUP-er lunch at the university’s Brantford campus and a campaign kick-off lunch at Wilf’s on the Waterloo campus. This year, virtual presentations, an early-bird donor prize draw, and a virtual pumpkin-carving competition were held to raise awareness and support for the campaign.

“We are incredibly grateful to Laurier’s United Way campaign committee members for their continued commitment to the campaign and helping those in need in our communities,” says Bridget McMahon, assistant vice-president: alumni and community engagement and United Way campaign committee co-chair. “Our committee members worked hard to overcome challenges that fundraising in this environment creates. We are most thankful to them for all of their efforts to ensure the success of the campaign in this remote environment, and to the Laurier community for responding with such generosity.”

Laurier’s United Way campaign committee extends its gratitude and thanks to all donors who supported the 2020 campaign.