Most Successful Trent University United Way Campaign Raises $103,400 for Those in Need
Staff, faculty and retirees help to surpass 2017/18 fundraising target by more than $23,000
Trent University’s faculty, staff and retirees came together to help smash the University’s previous records for both fundraising goal and total funds raised for the annual United Way campaign, raising $103,400 for those in need locally.
“Each year, I’m blown away by the Trent community’s response to our United Way campaign. Building on the success of last year’s $77,000 record-breaking campaign, we posted a challenge to go even further and raise $80,000 this year,” said Julie Davis, vice-president, External Relations & Advancement at Trent University, and education sector chair of the United Way cabinet. “I’m always impressed by the commitment our retirees, faculty and staff show to the Peterborough region, and I’m proud of the role Trent plays in supporting our community.”
Launched in October with a kick-off BBQ, Trent’s United Way campaign was supported by many employee-led special events, including a chili cook-off, white elephant tables, and a gift basket raffle before the holidays. These special events were paired with donations from retirees and employees.
“Trent University’s 2017 campaign achievement is both humbling and awe inspiring. The leadership and commitment of this organization is a shining example of indefatigable spirit to build community,” said Jim Russell, CEO, United Way of Peterborough and District. “We congratulate the Trent University community on this accomplishment.”
Trent’s campaign committee is made up of Linda Smith, staff co-chair, Dr. Susan Wurtele, faculty co-chair, Kathy Fife, retiree co-chair, and Alison Scholl, campaign coordinator. Trent University was also well represented in the United Way cabinet. In addition to Ms. Davis, recent Trent alumna Dorcas Mensah filled the youth ambassador position; Marcus Harvey, executive director of the Trent University Faculty Association, served as the cabinet’s Labour representative; while this year’s campaign chair, Neil Morton ’89 and vice-chair, Robert Gauvreau ’01, are both Trent alumni.
Trent University has supported the United Way since 1965 and has raised more than $1.9 million for the organization. The United Way is a community-based, not-for-profit umbrella organization that distributes donations to a number of local agencies and supports programs and services in Peterborough City and County, helping move those in need from poverty to possibility.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
For more information contact:
Kate Weersink, communications & media relations officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6180 or kateweersink@trentu.ca