The Niagara College community has smashed another record in support of United Way Niagara.
Announced at NC’s Holiday Celebration on December 14, the 2021 NC Cares United Way campaign raised just over $50,000, which represents a new fundraising milestone for the College. This is the second year in a row that NC has celebrated a new campaign record.
At the outdoor celebration, NC President Sean Kennedy expressed his gratitude to college staff and faculty for their generous show of support.
“When it comes to supporting those in need, the Niagara College community shows up and rises to the challenge,” said Kennedy. “This banner year for our United Way campaign is a tribute to the amazing work of our campaign committee and to the spirit of caring and giving of our college community.”
Funds for the 2021 campaign were raised through staff and faculty pledges and revenue from a variety of fundraising activities co-ordinated by NC’s School of Environment and Horticulture, the NC Student Administrative Council in partnership with Mother Parkers Coffee, the Teaching Greenhouse and Community Employment Services.
Alysha Angrilli, United Way Niagara’s Assistant Manager of Annual Giving, accepted the donation at the Dec. 14 celebration. She thanked college supporters and explained how their contributions make a lasting impact in the community by helping to fund essential programs and services related to food insecurity, poor living situations, domestic violence and more.
“Our partnership with Niagara College is essential to ensuring that community members can access much-needed support, whenever and wherever they need it,” said Angrilli. “The Niagara College campaign plays a huge role in keeping our 216 programs and 26 special initiatives running – helping our community recover, rebuild, and do better than normal.”
Angrilli also shared that NC is a long-time supporter of the United Way, launching its first campaign in 1991 and raising over $850,000 to date.
“We, at United Way Niagara, are truly inspired by the employees, volunteers, and community leaders at Niagara College, who have come together in support of vulnerable people in our community,” she said. “Together, we are changing our community in positive and lasting ways!”
NC’s United Way campaign committee, led by Co-chairs Michele O’Keefe (Associate Director, Athletics and Recreation) and Shelley Panetta (Associate Director, Marketing) would like to acknowledge the kindness of all 2021 campaign supporters.
“The success of this year’s campaign is a testament to our college community’s generosity and shows how great things are possible when we work together,” said Panetta. “Thank you to everyone who contributed to the 2021 campaign, including the departments who organized fundraising initiatives. Your efforts will help United Way Niagara continue their important work.”
The College looks forward to supporting the United Way again next year when it launches its 2022 workplace campaign. Details will be available on the NC Cares website later next year.
For more information about United Way Niagara, visit unitedwayniagara.org.
