Change is in Your Fingertips

Whether you’re employed full time or a student, accomplishing all your goals while juggling daily life can sometimes seem like the unthinkable, especially when final exams creep up on you or your boss gives you an unreasonable deadline. But once those goals are accomplished, it all seems worth it, like you’ve achieved something surreal or become the next superhero. That deep feeling of accomplishment feels pretty darn good, right?
  
Lately, I’ve discovered another way to feel a sense of accomplishment in addition to getting work done - helping my community through United Way KW. So has Conestoga College student Amanda Bilogrovic, who recently donated $5 through our “Give What You Can” text-to-give challenge. Here’s what she says about the experience: “As a student without a lot of money, I feel great knowing my one simple text message will improve someone’s life. The convenience of giving this way doesn’t hurt either!”

In recent years, Canadians have helped people around the world through text-to-give campaigns. These needs have mainly stemmed from people struggling to deal with natural disasters. For these countries, gratitude for the support received from Canadians is something that simply can’t be put into words.

Now, as the winter months approach and our warm coats and scarves come out from the back of our closets, it’s important to remember local needs as well. Cold weather means our shelters are becoming increasingly full. It also means that some individuals will have a harder time making ends meet. But most importantly, it means the KW area needs your help.

I asked Amanda what made her decide to donate to United Way for the first time and she responded with, “I’ve recently realized just how hard making it on your own really is, and how hard it must be for others as well. Individuals struggling to support a family or looking for a way out of an abusive relationship are the people who truly know how hard it is to make it on their own. I decided the people in my community are the ones who need my help. In the end, I decided to help my neighbours.”
  
Please, I encourage you to be change, make change, and see change by one simple action – text UCHANGE to 45678 to donate $5 to United Way KW. That’s right, you can help make a difference in our community by giving as little as five dollars. So please, take a short break from texting your friends, and text to make a difference instead. I guarantee you’ll feel that great sense of accomplishment.