Nov. 15, 2001
Vol . 22, No. 6
Nov. 15, 2001 Vol . 22, No. 6
By Marianne Meadahl
Change isn't always easy. Rob Cameron is so far encouraged by the campus response to changes made in this year's United Way campaign. But he concedes there's still a long way to go.
"The donors are coming over," he says, referring to a new continuous giving option that allows donors to carry on their pledges indefinitely. So far most of the more than 75 donors who've made pledges this year have signed up. Cameron says while the average pledge amount is higher this year, the number of donors so far is lower.
As of mid-November about $30,000 has been raised. Traditional fundraisers, including the annual book sale, bake sales, and yard sale, have this year contributed about $5,000.
Cameron says this year's efforts are focused on reaching out to donors individually about the minutes per week concept as well as utilizing the campaign's website at http://www.sfu.ca/united-way/ to donate. It's the first time donation cards were not distributed. He says the new approach will take time. "This campaign is about communicating a new way of giving. The change is not going to happen overnight."
Cameron says many donors have also taken advantage of new donation options linked to the campaign's theme, United Way 21. The options include donations of seven, 14 or 21 minutes of salary per week. The latter equals approximately one per cent of salary.
Cameron says the average donation is about 14 minutes, or close to $500 per year per donor. A large number of early pledges came from leadership donors, those who contribute higher amounts.
Those who want to target their donations to specific agencies can either send an email to united-way@sfu.ca for assistance or follow the links on the web site.
Cameron says cheques or credit card donations are better payment options when targeting funds.
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