Solidarity for Charity

Camosun College has started its annual United Way campaign. This year’s goal is to raise $85,000.00! The campaign runs from October 29, 2014 – November 23, 2014.

As part of this amazing campaign, myself and Sonja Kennedy, Labour Relations Specialist in Camosun College’s Human Resources department, have initiated a “Solidarity for Charity” segment whereby we will shave our heads if/when we reach our goal of $3000 in the campaign period. I have included our video that we shot to announce the campaign as well as a link to the webpage where people can donate. In just three days, we have already raised $500 – although I am a bit embarrassed to say that they have all come from Sonja’s connections

United Way donations can be directed in one of three ways:
1. All that kids can be – supporting kids and youth with resources to grow up healthy and transition into adulthood
2. From poverty to possibility – building individuals’ financial stability and independence through access to healthy food, affordable housing and employment
3. Strong communities – developing the capacity of people to care for themselves and families by creating opportunities and places for social interaction

We have chosen our campaign dollars to go to #1 All that kids can be – supporting kids and youth with resources to grow up healthy and transition into adulthood.

What we know is that growing can be tough. Not every parent has access to the essential building blocks to raise a healthy child. Too often, preschoolers are not ready to learn and children do not have a safe place to go after school. Alarming numbers of young people are not completing high school and are experiencing unemployment.

The goal is to help children and youth get on the right path to succeed in life by investing in their development from early childhood top young adulthood.

The strategy is to work to ensure that every infant grows into a healthy child; every child has the support he or she needs to do well in school; and every young person makes a successful transition into post-secondary or the work force.

These are all lofty goals but they are achievable. Please consider donating. Thank you for reading this email.

Warmest Regards,

Tony Nelson, President
CUPE Local 2081
Camosun College Support Staff