Loyalist College students and staff kicked off their annual campaign in support of the United Way of Quinte with a Pancake Breakfast on October 11th in the College cafeteria. More than 230 students and staff enjoyed pancakes, maple syrup, bacon, coffee and juice, served by fellow students and College leaders. The 16th annual event raised $1,300, including a donation from the Rotary Club of Quinte Sunrise. All proceeds went to the United Way, thanks to generous donations from Bib’s Meats, Findlay Foods, Reid’s Dairy, Club 213 and Aramark, the College’s food services provider.
Second-year Loyalist Culinary Management student Tyanne Sim is served pancakes by College President Maureen Piercy at the 16th annual Pancake Breakfast on October 11th, which raised $1,300 in support of the United Way of Quinte. Photo by photojournalism student Marta Iwanek.
On October 18th, fundraising efforts continued with the third annual United Way Campus Truckload Sale for students and staff in the cafeteria. Organized by students in the Loyalist Post-Graduate Public Relations program, the sale was set up to allow shoppers to easily pick up and purchase previously-ordered Procter & Gamble merchandise. The sale raised a total of $15,386 for the United Way of Quinte.
“Being involved in planning and implementing these fundraising initiatives has been very rewarding,” said Public Relations student Alexander Smith. “I’ve learned a lot about the benefits of bringing the College community together to meet the rising need for support services.”
On Friday, November 2nd, students in the Police Foundations program will be hosting the annual 8 km Police Run in support of the United Way campaign. Starting at 10 a.m., the run will generate additional pledges from students, staff and the community.
Many faculty and staff members will also donate through a payroll deduction option or a one-time contribution. To provide employees with information on how the United Way of Quinte is helping to support the community, Executive Director Judi Gilbert is hosting informal coffee sessions at the College.
“The United Way of Quinte services 42 agencies and over 80 programs in Hastings and Prince Edward County,” explained Judi. “Last year, an astounding 55,000 people utilized one or more agency services in the region.”
In 2011, the organization raised $1.807 million, its largest increase in ten years. Of that total, 72 percent was contributed by workplace campaigns, like the one at Loyalist.
“Workplace campaigns are a significant source of support,” said Judi. “We are thrilled with the commitment we’ve received to date and we’re confident that with the help of organizations like the College, we will meet our goal of 1.925 million in 2012. We are proud that 86 cents of every dollar donated stays in Hastings and Prince Edward County.”
Campaign Chair Dave Allen added that, “The hundreds of volunteers working on this campaign really says a great deal about our community and the fundraising support required in our region.” He thanked the College and the Rotary Club of Quinte Sunrise for their support and said, “Together, we make this region one of the best anywhere.”