Niagara College hopes to collect big sum for United Way

By JOHN PETROWSKI
Staff Writer

‘Tis the season for giving. Niagara College’s donors are out in full force as part of the Change Starts Here United Way of South Niagara campaign, which began Oct. 22.

Last year, the staff and students raised around $23,000 to donate to the various agencies United Way supports throughout the community.

David Jastrubecki, Campus Security and Parking, is a member of the United Way committee here.

He says there are many ways to donate.

“[We] are hoping that staff and students will come forward. Forms are available at the security offices, and staff are urged to donate directly through payroll.”

This year, the South Niagara campaign is being led by alumni graduate Natasha Smagata, who had received support in the past from one of United Way’s many funded services.

Smagata used the services of the Adolescent Family Support Services of Niagara in 2009.

A recent graduate of the Office Administration Executive Co-op program at the college, Smagata says that being the lead of this year’s campaign really means a lot.

“This is my way of saying thank-you. I want to assure people that their money is going to a good cause,” says Smagata.

Now an employee of the Niagara Region, Smagata says that there are always events within the community and that donating time to help speaks volumes.

“Even if you don’t have any money, show up to these events. There’s always something happening in hopes to raise money.”

The college hopes to raise over $25,000 by the conclusion of the campaign on Dec. 9.

A fundraising barbeque was held yesterday and offered great prizes and a 60/40 draw.

To donate to the United Way, pleasevisit: https://enterprisesystems.niagaracollege.ca/FormsRFUnitedWay.