Donations can be made online by clicking the e-pledge link you will receive. More information to follow.

All McMaster employees can donate to the McMaster United Way Campaign the following ways:

• Cheque (to be written to “The United Way of Halton & Hamilton”)
• Credit Card
• Pre-authorized debit
• Payroll deduction

One Time Donations Through the United Way Website:

• Please visit the United Way website: About Us | United Way Halton & Hamilton.
• Click on the top right corner on the “donate” button.
• Follow the instructions as noted on the website.
  • Please make sure when donating to mark off “Workplace Campaign” and include McMaster University as your workplace.

How Employees Donate Through Payroll Deduction 

•  Upon request, a personalized link will be sent to your McMaster email. Once received, click the link to visit the McMaster United Way Campaign site and to access the secure donation portal.
  • Select “Payroll Deduction” as the preferred payment method.   
• • Choose the amount and frequency that works best for you.   
  • Your donation will be automatically deducted from your pay and directed to United Way Halton & Hamilton.   

• Human Resources Services can also assist with processing payroll deductions. If you are interested in learning more about payroll deductions, please contact uway@mcmaster.ca  

Why is there a United Way Campaign at McMaster?
The United Way Campaign encourages McMaster’s continual growth through community engagement.
McMaster’s United Way Campaign is a reflection of this approach as it allows McMaster staff, faculty, and students to strengthen their relationship with the surrounding community. The McMaster community is encouraged to take part in our fundraising events, such as the The McMaster Bus Pull and the Online Auction. The United Way Campaign supports McMaster’s mission as it reinforces the University’s commitment to inclusiveness, teamwork, and serving the needs of our society.

What are the methods to donate to the McMaster United Way Campaign?
All McMaster employees can donate to the McMaster United Way Campaign the following ways:
• Cash
• Cheque (To be written to “The United Way of Halton & Hamilton”)
• Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
• Pre-authorized debit
• Payroll Deduction

Donations can be made online by clicking the epledge link you will be receiving with your
McMaster email address in the fall term. If you do not receive this link, it can be requested by emailing uway@mcmaster.ca. This gives you access to the McMaster United Way Campaign site and to the secure donation portal.

You can also manually fill out a pledge form and send it to the following address:

Halton Office:
101-4120 South Service Road, Burlington, ON
L7L 4X5

Alternatively, you can drop off your pledge form in the Human Resources mailbox, located at outside of Gilmour Hall, Room 304. As well, you can email all completed pledge forms to uway@mcmaster.ca

I have lost my epledge email, how can I receive a new one?
You can easily receive a new epledge email by contacting uway@mcmaster.ca with the subject line “New EPledge Email.”

How does payroll deduction work?
Employees have the option to have a biweekly pay deduction contributed to the McMaster United Way Campaign. That amount, as well as the number of pay periods, is decided by the employee. Please note that the minimum number of pay periods is 1, and the maximum number is 24. All new payroll deductions are effective January 1.

There are two ways to donate via payroll:
1) Continuous: payroll deductions will continue to automatically be deducted from your pay every year until you specify for them to stop. You are able to change the amount each year, should you choose to do so and you may cancel your donation at any time by contacting uway@mcmaster.ca
2) Annual: payroll deductions will automatically be deducted from your pay for one calendar year for the
specified number of pay periods, with no continuation after the first year.

What percentage of funds raised go to the United Way of Halton & Hamilton?
100% of all funds raised through the McMaster United Way Campaign are donated to the United Way of Halton & Hamilton.

Can I donate to a specific agency?
You are able to specify any United Way funded agency that you would like to support with your donation. You are also able to specify if you would like your donation to be kept in a certain region (Hamilton, Burlington, etc.), or a specific area of philanthropy (communities, poverty, etc.). A full list of all United Way funded agencies can be
found here.

Will I receive a tax receipt for my donation?
United Way will provide charitable receipts for gifts of $20.00 or more and only as requested for gifts under $25.00 and always in accordance with the guidelines of Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Gifts that are receiptable include:

• Direct cash, cheque and credit card donations
• Donations of goods and merchandise by individuals and businesses based on fair market value
Gifts that are not receiptable include:
• Donations of personal services
• Donations of business services
• Payroll deductions (they will show up on your T4)
• A gift where the donor has received some benefit in exchange for the gift (e.g. bake sales, auctions or
raffles, sponsorships with material recognition)

What does the United Way of Halton & Hamilton do with the information that I provide?
The United Way of Halton & Hamilton is committed to protecting your privacy. The information you provide to United Way Halton & Hamilton may be used to assist in the proper administration and acknowledgement of your gift, and to issue tax receipts (if applicable). United Way Halton & Hamilton does not share its mailing lists.

The campaign is over, am I still able to donate?
Absolutely. You are able to donate year round. If it is outside of the campaign months (October-February), please contact uway@mcmaster.ca for donation information.

I have a question about the McMaster United Way Campaign. Who can I contact?
All questions can be directed to uway@mcmaster.ca

Where can I find more information on the United Way of Halton & Hamilton?
You can find more information by visiting http://www.uwhh.ca/whatwedo/

PULL4MAC BUS PULL
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

What kind of bus is being pulled?
Teams will be pulling a Marauder shuttle bus.

How far is the bus being pulled?
The bus is being pulled 100 feet.

What if I wish to participate, but I cannot pull a bus?
Teams are welcome to have “coaches” above and beyond the maximum number of twelve participants, who do not have to pull the bus. There is also
plenty to do for those who would like to attend and support! There will also be lunch available for purchase, with all ticket sales going to the United Way.

Can a team fundraise more than $300?
Yes!

How does our team submit our pledges?
Pledges will also be able to be submitted online by use of credit card. This online
function will be made available on the online platform.

Where does our fundraising money go?
Every dollar submitted by participants will go directly to the United Way of Halton & Hamilton

Does the team captain have a larger role than the rest of the team?
The team captain is the only individual who will be registering their team online.
Once they register themselves, the organizer will send a link for the captain to share with their teammates. The teammates will use this link to register. In addition to this, captains will also be the main point of communication with the
Bus Pull Organizing Committee.

I do not have a team – can I still register for this event?
Yes! There will be an option to register as an individual. All individual registrants will be placed in a Community Team. Individual registration is $30.

Do I have to arrive early if I am participating in the Bus Pull?
Teams will be required to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to their heat time. All teams will be notified of their heat time one week prior to the event.

Do I need to stay for the entire event?
No. You are welcome to stay for as long as you wish! There will be food and
entertainment for all to enjoy as well.

How will my team know when it is their turn?
Every team captain will be informed of their heat time one week prior to the
event.

How are we judged on spirit?
While not mandatory, Spirit is judged on costumes, team cheers, sportsmanship, and overall positive attitude towards the event.

What if it rains?
This event will be occurring rain or shine! Should we experience extreme weather, we will work to postpone the event to another date.

How can I get involved with the United Way Committee?
Please contact Karli Dillane, Program Coordinator, Workplace Health & Well-being at uway@mcmaster.ca

McMaster United Way Online Auction: Place a Bid and Give Back to the Halton-Hamilton Community!

Our annual United Way Online Auction will be the perfect opportunity to give back to the Halton-Hamilton community. The auction will showcase amazing prizes, which in previous years have included sports tickets, conservation passes, and culinary experiences. All proceeds will go towards McMaster’s United Way campaign, which supports hundreds of agencies and programs in Halton and Hamilton.

We are asking for your support to help us surpass last year’s fundraising total of over $211,000 and make the McMaster Campaign the largest workplace campaign in the Hamilton-Halton area once again.

FAQ:

1. Where is the Online Auction held?

The Online Auction is held on an online platform called Bidding for Good. There will be a specific United Way Auction Link shared with the McMaster Community.

2. Do I have to register to bid?

All participants do have to register on the Auction platform prior to placing bids. All registrations require credit cards on file.

3. How do I place a bid?

All participants have to be registered and signed in to place a bid. Once signed in, click on the item you are interested in, and click on the “How to Bid” button. This will give you additional instructions and information on bidder FAQ’s. All participants have until October 27, at 4 p.m. to place their bids. 

4. I have a winning bid! What happens now?

Once the auction has closed, the winning bidder will be notified by email, outlining the items they have won. There will be a 24-hour window for winners to confirm their credit card information before the payment will be processed.

5. How are payments processed? 

All payments will be processed via credit card. United Way will automatically process payments on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 4:00 PM. The system will automatically generate a receipt to the winning bidder, once the transaction has been processed.

6. How do I receive my prize? 

Once payment is processed, the McMaster United Way committee will connect with winners to schedule a prize pick-up.

7. Where do I go if I have more questions?

If you have any questions in regards to the Online Auction, please contact uway@mcmaster.ca

Register and place your bid today!

Event Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025

Address: Hamilton Airport, 9272 Airport Rd, L0R 1W0— UPS Airport Terminal

Why Join the Plane Pull? It’s your chance to take on a one-of-a-kind challenge— pulling a massive plane while making a real impact in your community! Whether you’re in it to compete, fundraise, or just have fun with family and friends, the Plane Pull is packed with excitement, team spirit, and unforgettable memories. Plus, every dollar raised supports vital programs through United Way Halton & Hamilton. Pull for purpose— because together, we’re stronger!

Make a Meaningful Impact Right Here at McMaster!

The McMaster United Way Campaign Committee is gearing up for another incredible year—and we need passionate, energetic volunteers to help us drive change in our community through the development of our campaign events. Whether you’re a creative thinker, an organizer extraordinaire, or simply someone who cares deeply about making life better for others, there’s a place for you on our team.

Our Events

• The Annual Pull4Mac McMaster Bus Pull: Teams are encouraged to register, raise money, and work together to pull a McMaster Shuttle Bus 100 feet to the finish line to kick off the McMaster United Way Campaign.
• The Annual United Way Online Auction: Our annual United Way Online Auction will be the perfect opportunity to give back to the Halton-Hamilton community. The auction has showcased amazing prizes, which in previous years has included sports tickets, conservation passes, and culinary experiences. All proceeds will go towards McMaster’s United Way campaign, which supports hundreds of agencies and programs in Halton and Hamilton.

Why Join?

• Be a catalyst for positive change
• Connect with colleagues who care
• Build leadership and teamwork skills

No experience required—just a willingness to help and a heart for your community. Together, we’ll make this year’s campaign our strongest one yet.

Interested in volunteering? Visit to learn more and get involved today. Let’s show Halton and Hamilton what the McMaster spirit can do!

Community Engagement – Human Resources