United Way campaign runs to Dec. 20
Wali Shah was fifteen when the police knocked on his apartment door to charge him with assault. As the handcuffs clicked over his wrists, he knew things had to change.
“I’m not blaming anyone, but you’re a product of your environment,” says Shah. “I was really immersed in hip-hop and a culture filled with drugs and negativity. It’s hard to escape that.”
Mentors funded by the United Way of Peel Region helped Shah, providing counseling, support and open ears as he struggled to find his identity. Now a first-year sociology student at UTM, Wali “Flo” Shah is spoken-word artist who uses his music to raise awareness for social justice.
Tamara Breukelman, Operations Manager for the Mississauga Academy of Medicine, is staff co-chair of the UTM United Way campaign. She was in the audience at the recent campaign launch as Shah performed The Child, a work that puts into perspective the life experiences that changed him for the better.
“Wali is an incredible young man, and his story highlights the extraordinary impact United Way programs have on people on campus as well as in our community,” she says.
With campus chair Professor Deep Saini, vice-president, U of T and principal of U of T Mississauga, and faculty co-chair Professor Anthony Wensley, Breukelman is working with volunteers across campus to meet this year’s United Way campaign target of $69,000. As well as supporting the United Way through donations – individuals can donate through payroll deductions, cash or cheque – UTM will be hosting fundraising events until the holiday break.
“Faculty, staff and students have come up with some amazing ideas for this year’s campaign, and have generously donated their time and energy to making the events happen,” Breukelman says.
• Online auction (until 4 p.m. Nov. 13) – Bid on holiday gifts and avoid the crowds. Items include gift certificates, Maple Leafs tickets and a year’s parking at UTM.
• Halloween (Oct. 31) – Join the competition for most “spooktacular” costume and try your hand at the pumpkin carving contest.
• Tarot readings (until Dec. 16) – Let Devin Kreuger read the cards to see what 2014 will offer in life, love and work.
• Bowlathon (Nov. 21) – Knock some pins with the UTM Campus Police.
• Photo with Santa (date TBD) – Get the perfect holiday e-card/profile picture/Instagram: a photo of you sitting on Santa’s knee.
Ania Kordiuk, Chief Development Officer for United Way of Peel Region says through the United Way, UTM is helping to support a powerful network of services ranging from mental health counseling and emergency shelter to after-school programming for youth in high-need neighbourhoods.
“The support from UTM builds not only Mississauga, but all of Peel, creating a brighter future for our leaders of tomorrow to thrive in,” Kordiuk says. “With the help of UTM students, staff and faculty, we are building strong communities, empowering kids to be all they can be and creating a future free of poverty and full of possibility.”
“Our mantra this year is Give. Volunteer. Act.,” says Breukelman. “There are many ways we can work to support the Mississauga community, whether it’s financially or through volunteer work.”
Shah agrees. “When it comes down to it, it was people who helped me find my way by taking the time to listen and guide me. People are at the heart of this.”
Pledge forms for donations are available from Breukelman (t.breukelman@utoronto.ca). A full list of fundraising events and the online auction can be found online.