The University of Manitoba provides an excellent learning environment in which our students receive a high quality education, opportunities for research and exposure to broad clinical experiences.

We are fortunate to be members of professions that are valued and rewarded accordingly.

On the other hand, when I drive around our neighbourhood, I see many glaring needs that are too often ignored.

We know that in Winnipeg’s inner city, there are children who go to school hungry, youth who cannot afford after-school activities like dance, music or sports, and families who are struggling week in week out.

What can we do? We can take our responsibility as community role models one step further and become true community leaders outside of the health-care institutions where we work.

Yes, we are often lauded for our “bedside” roles helping, treating and caring for patients. We meet grateful parents, spouses, and children. This leads some to think, “I already gave at the office.”

But, in fact, giving at the office means just that – going above and beyond your regular contributions as health-care professionals and as physicians.

This week, we launch the University of Manitoba Bannatyne Campus annual United Way drive under the leadership of a group of volunteers including chairperson Dr. Sharon Macdonald, Medical Director, Physician Assistant Education Program and former Head of the Dept. of Community Health Sciences.

In the coming weeks, you will be receiving a United Way campaign letter and donation request form, We hope you will consider this request, ask questions of any of the committee members and “give at the office.” Each and every donation makes a difference.

We will also be holding some special United Way events on Bannatyne Campus to raise awareness and funds for this worthy cause. If you donate by October 18, 2012 you will be eligible for the early bird draw!

Last year, Bannatyne Campus’s United Way campaign raised $$207,161 from 168 donors.

Let’s try to do one better this year and provide even more support to United Way agencies that will directly benefit children, youth and families in our neighbourhood. Let’s show we care!