Our community is currently facing multiple challenges, such as skyrocketing housing, food and living costs. Too many are struggling to make ends meet.
But together, with grit and determination, we can help meet the challenges of today and build a stronger GTA. As a public institution with ties to multiple local communities, we know how important it is to give back.
That’s why we’re excited to share that we surpassed our annual campaign goal of raising $100,000, with a total of $101,300, for those who need it most.
United Way Greater Toronto tirelessly fights to build strong neighbourhoods where everyone has what they need to thrive—food, shelter, mental health supports, and access to opportunities and connections—by directing funds within a network of over 300 appropriate agencies and services that help over 1.8 million people.
We ask all GBC employees to support this important work.
Join us to build a strong GTA now and for the future. Any way we can.
Ways to support the campaign
There are many ways to be part of George Brown’s United Way Campaign! You can make a payroll deduction donation via the dedicated emails we send you, volunteer your time, or participate in one of the college-wide events and initiatives!
Donation emails
You should receive weekly emails from our campaign committee during the campaign that share more details on the necessities of United Way's work. These emails contain a specialized donation button that connects you to GBC's contributions towards the @Work campaign, which count towards our goal of $100,000. Here are some instructions to complete your donation:
- If you haven't signed up already, it will ask you to, and you must use your GBC email address for it to work with payroll deductions.
- You can choose to donate either by payroll deduction (you choose the duration) or a one-time credit card transaction.
- You can also choose whether you'd like the funds to go to United Way for them to distribute amongst their 300 service organizations, or you can choose a specific charity that holds more meaning for you.
By even setting up a payroll deduction of $2, your support can help your neighbours access the support they need.
CN Tower Stair Climb
They came, they climbed, they conquered all 1,776 steps of the CN Tower! GBC's "GBClimbers" — employees and students from across the college — teamed up on Saturday, November 9, to scale 144 flights of stairs in support of United Way. These brave souls raised over $11,000 towards the campaign.
Satisfying meals
Our delicious Pancake Brunches continued to be a hit this year on October 30th! With a new variety of toppings and additional dietary accommodations, all three campuses garnered huge success with lineups and interest in how to support community development, securing over $3,000 in donations.
Teams also may wish to share specialty meals, like how the Research & Innovation Team raised over $200 in donations for homemade Kelewele Spicy Fried Plantain!
Another trusty fundraising option is running a bake sale, like how the Lab School at the Nelson Mandela Public School, part of our Early Childhood Education program, raised over $200 for their goodies.
Charitable sales
Especially at the end of the year, it's so important to give back where we can and to be considerate of the items we own and gift to one another. Charitable sales are a great way to go and involve whole departments! For example, the Centre for Preparatory & Liberal Studies and the School of English as a Second Language once again hosted their successful annual Barage Sale (a bake sale, garage sale, and raffle prizes) on November 28th, raising over $6,000!
Share your expertise
At George Brown, we know specialties. A great way to raise money is by offering your talented services, like how the School of Makeup and Esthetics have raised over $600 from manicure, pedicure, and spa treatments, or how the Fashion Exchange is selling handcrafted blankets.
Helping Hands donations at the Campus Store
GBC's Campus Stores are a great place to share your support in person! You can find our unique Helping Hands design on t-shirts and toques for sale, or donate any denomination to the campaign at the register. Those who donate at the register can write their name on one of our Helping Hand donation recognition cards posted around the stores.
Download Teams Backgrounds
United Way Mural Background
United Way Office Background
United Way Photo Background
Your donations make a huge impact on people in our communities
Demica's Story
After a financial stumbling block put her education on hold, Demica wasn’t sure what to do. She accessed an employment program through a United Way-funded agency that put her on a new career path.
Syed's Story
Syed struggled to find a full-time job when he first arrived in the GTA. Then a United Way initiative connected him to the training and experience he needed to start a career in the trades.
Diana's Story
When Diana began transitioning, her living situation was precarious. Then a United Way-supported agency helped her find safety and support.
Britt's Story
Community gardens are a key part of United Way’s work fighting hunger in our communities. Britt, Executive Director of Ecosource, shares how gardens foster connection and inclusion while giving people more agency over their food.
Message from the President
George Brown College is part of many communities within the city of Toronto, whether they are associated as nearby neighbourhoods, academic and professional industries, cultural communities or colleagues of our staff and students. It is easy to see how working on a shared mission and coming together in numbers can lead to great success across communities. The GBC United Way campaign highlights all these outstanding impacts.
I am proud to share that together, the George Brown College community has surpassed our goal of $100,000 to support United Way’s @ Work campaign. Your heartfelt donations go towards a network of over 300 social service organizations that meet urgent needs such as poverty, food insecurity, housing crises, mental health support and employment for people across the Greater Toronto Area.
College-wide fundraising activities
The generosity of our community is a remarkable example of compassion and kindness for others in need. I have been honoured to witness, support and/or participate in college-wide activities such as the elevated Pancake Brunches, the ambitious CN Tower climb, and the Centre for Preparatory Liberal Studies and the School of ESL’s delightful Barage Sale. Many other departments ran fundraisers, raffles, bake sales, specialty sales, and more. I am describing here your efforts, your contributions and your success. I invite you to read more about the campaign.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone involved in our successful campaign, one way or another. To this year’s campaign co-chairs Michael Herrera, Janene Christiansen, Rudi Fischbacher, and Mona Modaresi for their enthusiastic leadership; to the campaign committee and all the volunteers for their tireless efforts and energy; and to all of you who donated and made a contribution or purchase in support of this year’s campaign. Together, we have shown that GBC is a compassionate community of its own, and part of so many others, too.
You can still contribute
While our campaign may be over for the 2024 campaign year, if you have not done so yet, you can still donate to the United Way through our payroll deduction program by using the dedicated link sent to you in emails from the United Way Committee.
You have made George Brown College proud.
Sincerely,
Dr.Gervan Fearon
President
