The kick-off for Georgian’s annual United Way fundraising campaign will take place with a free breakfast at the Orillia Campus on Wednesday, Oct. 28 in The Den and one at the Barrie Campus on Thursday, Oct. 29 in The Last Class. Both events start at 8 a.m. 

RSVP to Mike Zecchino, Orillia Campus, at ext. 3007 or Hank Thibideau, Barrie Campus, at ext. 5284 to register.

Support from Georgian employees over the years has helped provide safe and independent living for seniors with disabilities, nutritious breakfasts for hungry children in our schools and support services for those in need. In spite of these achievements, the need continues to increase, as does demand for funding.

Last year alone, there were more than 72,600 visits to food banks throughout Simcoe County.

The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the region is around $806 per month, but the Ontario Works Housing Shelter allowance for a person with one dependent is just $549 per month. Currently, there are more than 4,500 households on wait lists for rent-geared-to-income housing. Estimated wait times for these units range from two to 16 years.

The United Way urgently requires the support of College staff in meeting this year’s goal of $1.6 million. Georgian’s fundraising goal is $10,000.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Employees will soon receive a brochure detailing how they can help support the 2009 United Way of Greater Simcoe County fundraising campaign.

Staff may contribute in a single payment or through payroll deduction starting in the first pay period of 2010.

Your donation to the United Way of Greater Simcoe County will help 34 member agencies including YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka, Simcoe Community Services, Hospice Simcoe, Family Services York Region and Community Link North Simcoe. Donations are tax deductible.

Donations will be accepted and pledge forms will be available at the Oct. 28 and 29 breakfasts. Speakers will include Georgian President and CEO Brian Tamblyn, an agency representative from the United Way of Greater Simcoe County, and Students’ Administrative Council (SAC) presidents from both campuses.

Georgian has designated November as United Way Month and SAC will celebrate United Way Day on Thursday, Nov. 26. Read next week’s Capsule for further details.

To learn more about the United Way of Greater Simcoe County, visit www.unitedwaysimcoecounty.on.ca.

UPCOMING UNITED WAY EVENTS

• A draw for two preferred parking spots at the Barrie Campus will be held Nov. 28 at noon. The draw is open to staff members who return a United Way pledge form and students who purchase a PAWS for United Way card (on sale at the Barrie Campus throughout November).
• Collections for a Time for Change will take place throughout November at the Barrie Campus.
• The Midland Campus Penny Auction will run the week of Nov. 17, with a draw on Nov. 21. Contact Cindy Bergey at cbergey@georgianc.on.ca for details.