Students, professors and faculty gathered in the parking lot with sponges and soapy water, washing cars to raise money for United Way.

This event, Gas Car Wash for United Way, was organized by the general arts and science faculty. People donated scrubs, soaps and buckets that volunteers used to wash the participating cars for $5.

Now in its second year, the event raised $244.25, passing last year’s $200 mark.

Jean Timbury has organized the event for two consecutive years. She believes that it is an effective way to raise money for a good cause and to engage students.

“The purpose is to create money for United Way,” said Timbury. “Another benefit to it is that it creates a lot of friendships among students.”

About 10 volunteers were out, eagerly waiting for cars to be washed, despite the cold and cloudy weather.

“Hopefully the weather is nice so we don’t get frost bites washing cars,” said Richard Clark.

Clark and Jim Mitchell learned about the event through a meet-and-greet gathering for their entire program. They are in the faculty’s Year 2 program.

“I think it is meaningful, having people [donate] to wash their cars, especially after Thanksgivings Day,” said Chiu Man Lam, a student in Year 2 program, volunteering at the event.

Shelly Styles, staff in the General Arts and Science faculty, brought her car to be washed.

“I think the students have shown great initiative and organized the car wash,” said Styles. “So we want to support both the United Way and the students’ effort.”

United Way Canada is a national organisation that works locally to raise money for charitable organizations. In most cases, United Way chooses how to invest the money; alternatively, donors can chose categories or specific organisations to direct their money to.