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United Way campaign past its half-way point By Nathan Howes OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Team Oakville has pulled ahead of f the halfway mark towards its $4-million fundraising campaign that ends this month. Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, CEO and president of Sheridan College and chair of this year's United Way of Oakville (UWO) campaign, recently announced it had reached 51 per cent of its goal so far. As of Wednesday, the team was at 58 per cent, according to a United Way spokesperson. "Our community needs the support of the wonderful agencies that United Way supports. We've got to make sure we reach that goal," said Zabudsky. "We are seeing some wonderful responses from great organizations throughout the community. But, obviously, there is a great deal of work still to be done." Funds are needed to support more than 30 social service agencies that assist residents in need. This year's target is based on need and numbers previously seen. Some of the agencies funded by UWO include the Halton Trauma Centre, Community Living Oakville, CNIB, Big Brothers Big Sisters of f Halton, Oakville Distress Centre, St. John Ambulance, Oakville Parent-Child Centre, among others. "This is not just an arbitrary total, we need these dollars to ensure that the work of the agencies we support can continue and doesn't have to be cut back. There is still work to be done and (everyone) has a role to play," said Zabudsky. Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn acknowledged that Oakville has a reputation of f being a community where "the streets are paved with gold and everybody is living this wonderful life," but said that simply isn't true. "In some respects, it's a sadder day when we talk about some of the things we need to do. Some of the reasons why we have these organizations aren't reflected because of the very creative display Sheridan has done," said Flynn. "When you set an ambitious goal of $4 million, you're really putting yourself f out there. You're saying, `not only will we do this, but we hope to exceed it.' You're just over halfway there." Sheridan has its own target of raising $75,000 for the UWO campaign with school-wide initiatives that ran last month. The college also reached half of f its goal ­ most of it attained on the first day, said Jen Loker, UWO director of f resource development. "There is an aggressive increase in their goal for them this year and as for us at a community level. Jeff started with a leadership presentation for donors who give a $1,000 or more," said Loker. "With that support and his pertarot card readings and caricature drawings, among others. Virtual merchandising students decorated the B-wing hallway with displays of some of the UWO-supported agencies. "(They) are really wonderfully provocative (and) fabulous work of our students," said Zabudsky. A final tally of the funds collected by the end of December will be announced Jan. 24 in conjunction with an event at Sheridan theatre, Loker said. "Across the community, a number of corporations, schools, and businesses are running United Way campaigns that involve the public, their employees, as well as corporation contributions," said Loker. UWO services more than 30,000 people in the community each year across agencies that support more than 60 different programs. The agencies focus on strengthening families, supporting independence and well-being seniors, those in crisis and promoting self-sufficiency in individuals, among others. "Talk to your neighbours, talk to your friends, talk to your acquaintances because the United Way is about an investment in the community. It creates a healthy community for all of us who live and work in this wonderful community," said Zabudsky. For information or to make a donation, visit www.uwoakville.org. Nathan Howes can be reached at howesna@ sheridanc.on.ca or followed on Twitter at @ HowesNathan. 3 · Thursday, December 8, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com JAMES HOGGETT / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER MORE THAN HALFWAY THERE: Sheridan College President and United Way of Oakville Campaign Cabinet Chair, Jeff Zabudsky (left), presents this year's progress with help from Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn. As of the end of November, the campaign, which wraps up this month, had surpassed the half-way mark of its goal. sonal support, they were able to kick off their $75,000 goal already at 30 per cent on the first day." "Their kick off event was selling cinnamon buns ­ it's a cultural event around here, everyone looks forward to the cinnamon bun sales. Yesterday (Nov. 24) they had a big spaghetti lunch, which are all special event fundraisers," she added. Other student-led activities include popcorn and cotton candy sales, manicures, hand massages, Better than Granite... 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