The United Way reduces poverty, supports children and families, and strengthens neighbourhoods across Windsor-Essex, UWindsor president Douglas Kneale told supporters and volunteers of the charity at event Monday to launch its campus fundraising campaign.

“You are ambassadors for the University, making us active and caring partners in the community,” he said. “Thank you so much for the example you are setting by being United Way supporters.”

Mike Kisch, first vice-president of Unifor Local 2548, which represents more than 60 bargaining units including three on the UWindsor campus, spoke about his own experience.

“I know all too well the positive impact the United Way can have on a family,” said Kisch. “When we lost our son Holden in 2014, the agencies the United Way funded literally kept my family together.”

He joined officials from the University and the charity to raise the United Way flag on a pole outside Chrysler Hall Tower, where it will fly until the campaign’s close November 30. The organizing committee has set a goal of drawing donations from 500 faculty and staff, up significantly from 331 in 2017.

Those who pledge or donate by November 28 will be eligible for a prize draw offering:

• an iPad Mini tablet computer;
• an extra vacation day;
• a six-month campus parking pass;
• a one-year membership to the Forge Fitness Centre;
• a three-play subscription to the University Players; and
• a pair of tickets to a School of Creative Arts concert.

Connie Beaudoin, secretary to the law librarian, won a draw for an extra vacation day following the flag-raising.

Volunteer canvassers have been distributing pledge cards; UWindsor employees will also receive a donation request soon in the email inboxes.

Another opportunity to support the campaign is the Great Faculty Soup-Off Challenge, which will feature a taste of eight soups for an $8 ticket and a chance to vote for a favourite, November 28 in the student centre.