Celebrate the Year of the Periodic Table for this year’s United Way campaign

There are few “universal languages” in the world, and science and kindness are two of the most powerful. Beginning Nov. 1, the Faculty of Science will combine them by hosting a fun and easy way to get involved in this year’s United Way campaign with a scientific twist — Periodic Table Bingo!

2019 marks the 150th anniversary of Dmitry Mendeleev’s discovery of the Periodic System, and has been proclaimed the International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements by the United Nations General Assembly and UNESCO.

The Periodic Table of Chemical Elements is one of the most important achievements in science, capturing the foundations of chemistry, physics and biology. It is a unique tool that allows scientists to predict the appearance and properties of matter on Earth and in the rest of the universe.

The Periodic Table Bingo game starts Nov. 1, with five numbers drawn daily until a blackout is called. Prizes range from $50 to $500, and all proceeds go to support the United Way. To celebrate the International Year of the Periodic Table, an interesting fact will be shared about the element number represented by each bingo number drawn (and maybe a pun, too).

Last year, the United Way supported community agencies and initiatives that impacted 162,000 Calgarians through support, outreach, and education. The University of Calgary has long been one of the champions of this campaign, committed to supporting United Way of Calgary and Area throughout the year and during the workplace campaign that runs Sept. 30 to Dec. 13, 2019.

“I donate and volunteer my time to the United Way Campaign because I want to be part of something bigger that does so much good for our Calgary community,” says Heather Clitheroe, international co-ordinator in the Faculty of Science, who is running the bingo game.

The university offers a variety of ways to give to the campaign, from fun activities to one-time donations, payroll deductions, or the Leadership Giving Program.

“Whether you make a payroll donation — a super easy way to give — or participate in the many activities across campus, it is really important for us to engage and make an impact in our community,” says Dr. Cindy Graham, PhD, vice-dean of the Faculty of Science and the university’s United Way campaign co-chair.

“A big part of the United Way campaign are the little donations — all of us working together by chipping in where we can,” Clitheroe says. “I can’t afford to donate thousands on my own, but setting up a $5 payroll deduction throughout the year has a big impact when the people around me do the same. Small, sustained supports are just as important as the big gifts.

“Our Periodic Table Bingo is another great way to get a team together to combine our efforts for a big result.”

Tickets for Periodic Table Bingo are on sale from Oct. 1 to 31, and cost $10 for three tickets. Find a list of ticket sellers. Tickets can also be purchased every Thursday in October from 12 to 1 p.m. in the Social Sciences lobby.

Learn more about UCalgary’s United Way campaign and check out the full list of engaging activities running until Dec. 13. Give online, download a paper pledge form or find information on tax receipts related to your United Way investment. Or, your donation can easily be made through payroll deductions.