Students connect with Kingston community through United Way

In the News
December 1, 2011 –

Students connect with Kingston community through United Way

Queen’s students continue to find creative ways to support the local United Way fundraising
campaign.

“I was drawn towards United Way because of
the immediate connection to the community,” says Alma Mater Society
(AMS) United Way Committee co-chair Heather Lawton. “It was nice to be able to give
back to those in need so close to home.”

Ms Lawton’s involvement with the United Way began when she was in high school where she had the opportunity to see firsthand the kind of impact she could make on her local community. When she came to Queen’s, she wanted to foster that connection between the community and the campus.

The AMS United Way Committee is dedicated to involving students, faculty and staff in an effort to give back to the Kingston community. Members volunteer to fundraise for the United Way campaign and participate in outreach work.

“Queen’s and its students are a significant part of Kingston,” says co-chair Jordan Lee. “The United Way has helped me give back to a place that has become my home.”

Adding to their annual events such as their barbeque, Days of Caring, and “United Wayoga,” the AMS United Way Committee is hosting a food and clothing drive on December 3. Volunteers will go door-to-door in the university district collecting donations. They will also host an Amazing Race-style “Prize Chase” throughout the year to raise awareness about the United Way committee. Students can get updates on Twitter for clues that will lead them towards various prizes.

Queen’s staff, faculty, students and retirees have raised $290,000 to date for the United Way serving Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington. Pledge cards have been sent to campus mailboxes and they can be dropped off to the Human Resources Department in Fleming Hall, Stewart-Pollock Wing.