At a time when community support is more critical than ever, Niagara College has raised over $45,900 – #NCTogether – for essential community programs and initiatives through its first-ever virtual NC Cares United Way workplace campaign.
The 2020 campaign, which wrapped up at NC’s virtual Holiday Reception in December, saw an increase of over 12 percent in funds raised from the 2019 campaign, surpassing its $40,000 goal and setting a new record for the College.
Campaign co-chairs Shelley Panetta, director, Marketing and Student Recruitment, and Michele O’Keefe, associate director, Athletics and Recreation, said the success of the campaign is a shining example of the College’s NC DNA.
“While we know the need in our community will continue to be significant pressured by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are proud to have surpassed our 2020 campaign goal to support an immediate and urgent need in our community,” said Panetta. “This fundraising effort is one of countless ways the NC DNA shines bright.”
This year, faculty and staff donated through online payroll deductions and electronic pledge forms, raising an incredible $23,393 on the first day of the campaign, which kicked off virtually at the College’s Niagara Day staff celebration on October 28.
A handful of fundraising initiatives also contributed to the overall total and included, but were not limited to, intradepartmental fundraising activities by NC Community Employment Services, a virtual wine tasting experience hosted by the NC Teaching Winery, and the NC Teaching Greenhouse’s poinsettia sale fundraiser, which offered online sales and curbside pickup.
“We are proud of the way our college community pivoted to continue NC’s legacy of giving to the United Way,” said O’Keefe. “From day one of the campaign staff and faculty rallied together to help make a positive impact for our community and we thank everyone for their generosity and dedication.”
Niagara College is a long-time supporter of the United Way, launching its first campaign in 1991 and raising over $800,000 for the charitable organization since.
“While it was not a typical year and definitely not a typical campaign, we, at United Way Niagara, are incredibly grateful and proud of our longstanding partnership with Niagara College,” said Alysha Angrilli, campaign manager (acting), United Way Niagara. “The pandemic certainly changed the way we fundraise, but what did not change, is Niagara College’s commitment to making a difference in the Niagara region.”
Angrilli noted that according to local 211 data, the need for access to food, mental health counselling, employment supports, and emergency services has doubled since the beginning of the pandemic.
“What is truly inspiring is Niagara College employees have pulled together and stepped up to do everything they could to help ensure no one falls through the cracks,” she said. “This support is essential in keeping more than 100 programs and special initiatives running for those who need them the most. These programs improve the lives of over 118,000 people in our region and help tackle critical issues such as: domestic violence, social isolation, homelessness, mental illness, food insecurity and poverty.”
For more information about United Way Niagara, visit unitedwayniagara.org.
Panetta and O’Keefe look forward to co-chairing the 2021 campaign alongside the college’s dedicated volunteer committee. Stay tuned for updates on the NC Cares United Way workplace campaign website.
