Denis Bachand, co-chair, 2003 University of Ottawa United Way Campaign
Mission accomplished! On November 12, the University of Ottawa 2003 United Way Campaign officially surpassed its $300,000 goal, which is the highest amount ever raised for United Way on our campus.
As the 2003 campaign co-chair, I’m now left with the rather pleasant task of thanking everyone who helped make this campaign a tremendous success. A large part of the credit goes to Rector Gilles Patry, whose unwavering and unconditional support for the campaign was a constant source of motivation and encouragement for volunteers and donors alike. Our appreciation also extends to the many deans and directors who lent their personal support to the campaign in their own sector.
A tip of the hat, as well, to our many sponsors who freely provided food, gifts, or services that were essential to the smooth running of campaign events.
I’m also extremely impressed by the overwhelming generosity of our retirees who contributed some $30,000, about 10 per cent of the campaign total. I feel that we are very fortunate to be able to count on people who continue to support our efforts in such a tangible way. It’s a very special relationship and we hope to build on it in the future.
This success is very much the result of the countless hours freely given by more than 145 volunteers who truly carried the load in their workplaces. They were our frontline workers and they came through in a brilliant fashion. Kudos to all!
And, of course, the campaign ran very well because of the people on our campus who came forward to make their financial pledge to ensure that we would meet our goal. What an inspiring show of community spirit! To all of our donors, I simply want to say: “Thank you. You really made a difference!” And that's what counts!
