With an annual fundraising goal of $6.4 million, the United Way of London-Middlesex has kicked off its two week United Way campaign at Fanshawe College.

Last year Fanshawe alone raised over $31,000, while the entire city raised $6.1 million towards Untied Way and it's causes. This year the school has increased that goal to $34,000 in support of the charity.

The Fanshawe campaign will run from October 24 until November 4.
To kick off the campaign a chili luncheon was held last week and a Fun Run/Walk will be held on Friday, October 25.

Helen Connell, Executive Director of London Middlesex United Way, said the Fun Run/Walk is an event that everyone, no matter what his or her athletic ability, can participate in.

The 2005 Incredible Stair Climb will take place on November 3. This event involves pledges climb One London Place, London's tallest building, which has 472 steps.

“When you get to the top there is a party,” Connell said.

The London Middlesex United Way supports 80 programs operated through 40 not for profit organizations.

“We fund everything from child's programs … as well as programs for seniors,” said Connell.

Programs like Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club of London, The John Howard Society, Sexual Assault Centre and Meals on Wheels of London are just some of the programs United Way fund locally.

This fall Fanshawe's own Linda England, who works as an Administrative Assistant in Fanshawe's Campaign Office, was chosen to represent Fanshawe as a sponsored employee at the United Way. She joins 18 other sponsored employees from around London to serve as ambassadors of the United Way to help the charity reach its goal.

“We could not do this campaign without them,” said Connell.

As of October 21, the United Way has reached 27 per cent, or $1.7 million, of their $6.4 million goal.