University community aims to raise $95,000 for Regina United Way Campaign

Posted: October 12, 2011 12:00 p.m.

The U of R United Way campaign kicks off. In the back row are: Shannon Barnes (United Way Campaign Intern); Philip Charrier (U of R Co-chair, Department of History); Anne Schmiedge (United Way Campaign Intern) and Melissa Blackhurst (VP Student Affairs, URSU). In the front row are: Miranda Pearson (U of R Co-chair, Office of Resource Planning) and Wendy Whitebear (U of R Co-chair, Department of Economics).
The U of R United Way campaign kicks off. In the back row are: Shannon Barnes (United Way Campaign Intern); Philip Charrier (U of R Co-chair, Department of History); Anne Schmiedge (United Way Campaign Intern) and Melissa Blackhurst (VP Student Affairs, URSU). In the front row are: Miranda Pearson (U of R Co-chair, Office of Resource Planning) and Wendy Whitebear (U of R Co-chair, Department of Economics). Photo: U of R Photography Dept.

The University of Regina kicked off its ambitious 2011 Regina United Way Campaign with a colourful noon hour event by the Riddell Centre food court.

"It was busy," exclaims campaign co-chair Miranda Pearson. "A number of staff came by to tell us they had already filled out their pledge forms. Generous students and staff also put their pocket change into our donation jar."

Organizers are hoping to raise $95,000 throughout the 2011 campaign. That's $5,000 more than last year. 

"We always set a challenging, yet attainable goal, as we contribute to the city-wide goal of the United Way of Regina."

Pearson and her fellow co-chairs, Philip Charrier and Wendy Whitebear, emphasize that being a part of the United Way campaign gives the University a chance to give back to the community that supports it. Being involved also affirms that the University community is committed to addressing poverty, injustice and hardship in Regina.

The University of Regina Students' Union (URSU) gave the campaign a head start with $1,586 raised by events held during Welcome Week. A number of other events are planned during the 2011 campaign, Pearson adds, including a yoga event on October 14 and the URSU-sponsored Pumpkin Drop on October 28.

The United Way of Regina is a local non-profit organization working with and supporting 33 partner agencies that address the priority areas of early life, education, income and social inclusion.