What does United Way do? Raises and strategically invests funds Provides leadership and support to the non-profit sector Helps agencies operate more efficiently Bring people together to find long-term solutions to community priorities Solicits involvement within in their communities and connects volunteers and those in need with those around them.

Lessons in Life

By Lorraine Redford

Imagine that you have just moved to a new country, without any relatives or friends, and you are living on a fairly restricted budget. Then imagine that your home is destroyed by a fire. With no community contacts, you feel completely alone and without hope. Where would you go if this happened to you?

Luckily for 580 McMaster students – displaced since a fire broke out in Brandon Hall residence in the early morning hours of Saturday, October 18th – someone else took charge and sorted out their living arrangements. Many of the students found places to crash with friends they had made within the first 6 weeks of school. Others were lucky enough to live close enough to home to go there. But there were many who spent several nights sleeping on a cot with their peers at one of the gyms in the Ivor Wynne Centre. This evacuation centre was run by the Canadian Red Cross. And guess which organization provides funding and support to the Canadian Red Cross? The United Way.

On Monday, October 20, students from McMaster residences participated in the Inter-Residence Council (IRC) Stairwalk for United Way. Students who participate in this event are required to walk up and down the stairs in each of McMaster’s residences, which amounts to more than 60 flights of stairs. This year, Brandon Hall and its 11 flights of stairs remained closed off with police tape and Security Services at the entrances. Yet the Stairwalk continued, and it raised over $1,600 for McMaster’s United Way campaign. There were valuable additional lessons to be learned.

			Did you know? United Way is a Major Funder, not a charity – largest funder outside of federal & provincial governments, of social and health-related services in Burlington & Greater Hamilton. United Way is committed to the following priorities: Poverty Prevention and Reduction Strengthening Neighbourhoods Supporting Seniors In 2007, United Way invested over $4.75 million in more than 134 programs and services at 77 agencies

Says United Way Campaign Manager for McMaster University, Miriam Gracey, “I was most impressed by stories I heard from the Stairwalk participants about students from Brandon Hall sleeping in the common areas or on the floors of other Residences; students sharing their clothing and food to help their friends… Everyone had banded together to make a difference. I pointed out that many of them had experienced just how quickly someone can become homeless through no fault of their own.  A terrible tragedy, like an arson fire, can put people out of their home in an instant.  I think for many, this was the first time that their lives have been touched in any way by homelessness, or by the rapidity with which life circumstances can change.  However, this is when the money the students have raised, and invested with United Way, can impact people’s lives.”

At a recent reception for United Way’s Leaders & Friends, United Way CEO Darrel Skidmore addressed the crowd with some compelling words: “The United Way is well known, but it is not known well. Many people would be hard pressed to list 10 agencies funded by the United Way”. Skidmore admitted that he had difficulty asking people and organizations for money in his first year on the job. But there was a fundamental shift for him when he started thinking about it this way – he wasn’t asking for himself but he was speaking for and asking on behalf of those who could not speak for themselves.

Our recent needs on campus have demonstrated that funds going to United Way help agencies to assist any people in need, including some at McMaster. At McMaster’s opening campaign kick-off ceremony this year, President Peter George provided heartfelt remarks on the relevance of United Way and McMaster’s annual campaign. “By contributing to United Way, you are making a lasting impact on individuals in our community who are in need, reducing the need for more intrusive and costly services, and enhancing their chances for a successful future. Perhaps even a future at McMaster University”,

Last year marked 80 years of helping agencies to provide programs to people in need. When the campaign for Burlington and Greater-Hamilton first started in 1927, 19 agencies benefited from the $106,000 raised. This year, McMaster’s campaign alone has set a target of $210,000. Consider donating to this worthy cause this year. For what amounts to the price of a cup of coffee a day, you can help change the life of someone in your community.

A community is not truly great until it is great for everyone!
 

			Related Links
			View the many local agencies http://www.uwaybh.ca/united-way-agencies.php that are helped by your donation to United Way Up to date information on McMaster’s United Way campaign http://www.workingatmcmaster.ca/uway/ Want to get involved? Email us at: working@mcmaster.ca Read some compelling stories of people who have overcome many of life challenges using United Way funded services: http://www.workingatmcmaster.ca/link.php?link=employee-volunteering United+Way+Testimonials

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