One hundred professors. It's approximately the number of new academic staff who joined the University of Ottawa this fall. It's also the number of new donors from among faculty ranks that Denis Bachand, co-chair of uOttawa's 2004 United Way Campaign, would like to recruit.
“We have about 410 professors who already give to United Way,” Bachand says. “Together they contributed over 40 per cent of the $330,000 total raised for United Way on campus last year. It's impressive and it shows the depth of generosity of our academic staff.”
A professor in the Department of Communications, Bachand believes that it's possible to increase the number of donations from professors, whose rate of participation to the campaign has traditionally been lower than that of support staff.
The 2004 United Way Campaign on campus will run from October 13 to October 29 with a goal of $345,000 – an increase of $15,000 over the amount raised in 2003.
“If we could convince another 100 professors to give $10 a paycheque for United Way, we could raise $25,000 more, which put us over the top,” Bachand says. “It's a big challenge, but I'm convinced that professors are up to it.”
The campaign committee is also seeking to increase the overall participation rate to the campaign and to recruit 10 more leaders - people who give a $1,000 or more a year to United Way. Last year there were 79 leaders on campus.
Bachand adds: “The big question is not just how much you should give to United Way but why.”
“We sometimes hear an argument that goes something like this: ‘I already pay taxes to support a number of social services so why should I give more? Let the government do it .’”
“My answer is that it's not just about money. Volunteers enrich our community. Through their personal commitment they manage to touch other people's lives in a uniquely meaningful way and to effect positive change. Volunteerism is an essential part of a vibrant society.”
“United Way Ottawa supports 200 programs in our community,” Bachand says. “Without our help the volunteer organizations that run these programs cannot continue.”
“If you're looking for an example of the impact of volunteers you need look no further than here, at the University of Ottawa, where 155 volunteer coordinators and canvassers have mobilized to ensure that we reach our campaign goal. If anything, it's a great team-building effort.”
