GBC partners with United Way to promote initiative running until Nov. 10.

Give back and get active to support local fundraising.

United Way, a national charity organization is partnering with George Brown College (GBC) by launching GetUp, a campaign aiming to bring post-secondary institutions together to fundraise in multiple ways and give it back to the community.

The campaign launched Nov. 1 with an inaugural $5 pancake option for students at all three George Brown campuses.

“So, we run our campaign at George Brown in the month of November and throughout the month, we have opportunities for variety of events, like the pancake breakfast, where the cause is visible and we are able to offer something back,” said Sarah Peake, executive director of integration and transformation at GBC.

Active in the GTA and operating with almost 100 communities in Canada, United Way aims to eradicate poverty and strengthen Peel, Toronto, and York regions. The charity is well-connected throughout the GTA being associated with almost 280 community agencies.

Currently, launching the GetUp campaign at post-secondary institutions is promoting the pursuits of health and help.

The campaign, virtual in nature, involves participants committing to 300 minutes of physical movement in any form including running, walking, dancing, or skipping.

The GBC Huskies will also be a part of this 10-day campaign, aiding in raising money through physical activity.

With Huskies supporting the initiative, Peake believes that the challenge is not different for anyone, as all can contribute by participating in the challenge, whether it be your friends, peers, or family.

“One of the excellent things about the GetUp program is that as an individual, you can contribute to certain charities of your own choosing or direction, or you can choose to allow the United Way to decide about how best to use your donation. You can also amplify your donation by contributing to others who are in your working group or work team. So, it’s an easy, streamlined way to support a real variety of charities across our city,” said Peake.

Being able to identify your inclination towards a cause in your donation makes a person feel heard and supported.

Being an inclusive not-for-profit organization, United Way’s support extends to LGBTQ+ society, senior citizens, poverty-ridden individuals, and many other communities. Hence, the organization provides the right to choose.

All of the proceeds generated through this initiative will go to United Way, where the funds will be used to support communities all over the GTA.

For more information on the challenge running until Nov. 10, visit www.unitedwaygt.org/take-action/fundraising-events/getup/.