Dal鈥檚 annual is off to a strong start with a flurry of activity on all four campuses. There is, however, a fair distance to go before we reach our $200,000 fundraising goal. If you have yet to make your gift, consider these five reasons to donate to United Way this year:
1. Support an established, accountable organization
United Way has a long history of community commitment. Since 1925 and 1950 respectively, United Way Halifax and United Way Colchester County have maintained strong reputations as transparent, honest organizations.
Like all United Ways, both Halifax and Colchester County chapters select funded agencies based on their alignment with community needs and require those agencies to report on their progress.
and have identified key impact strategies they see as essential in moving people from poverty to possibility and building healthy communities.
鈥淒onors can rest assured that their dollars will go to support these impact areas,鈥� explains Shelley Miller, resource development officer at United Way Halifax.
2. Local programs rely on Dal donations
Community organizations across HRM and Colchester County rely on donations from United Way to support their programming.
鈥淪imply put, many of the programs supported by United Way would not run without donations from institutions like Dal,鈥� says Miller. 鈥淒al鈥檚 donations make more programs possible.鈥�
3. Donations are tax deductible
When you donate to a charitable organization or a non-profit group, the amount you donate is tax deductible. When you give through payroll deduction, your donation will appear on your T-4, so you don鈥檛 have to scramble for receipts come tax season. Just like in life, you get back some of what you give.
4. Giving feels great
Doing good feels good. Research has shown that there are psychological and emotional benefits to giving, evoking an unparalleled feeling of warmth and goodwill.
5. Strengthen your community
With United Way, the money you donate helps people in your neighbourhood. This may include friends, family members, or even yourself. (.)
鈥淵ou鈥檇 be surprised to see how many community programs are supported by United Way,鈥� says Miller. 鈥淐hances are good that you or someone you know has accessed a program supported by United Way, likely without even knowing it.鈥�
Do you live in Spryfield? Your neighbours might spend their weekends at the . Do you have an elderly relative in the HRM? Perhaps they鈥檝e enjoyed Bingo or karaoke at . You may have even attended a retreat at . All of these organizations are supported by United Way.
鈥淗RM and Colchester County are better because of Dal鈥檚 generous donations,鈥� said Miller. 鈥淲e hope you鈥檒l consider being part of it.鈥�
To donate to Dalhousie鈥檚 United Way campaign, .