There’s something about a certain bow-tied turtle that transforms the usually mild-mannered faculties and departments at Dalhousie into a competitive bunch. The United Way turtle, known as Scrubs, is the icon of Dal’s annual United Way fundraiser.

Scrubs is the reward for the unit with the greatest participation in the campaign and for the unit that raises the greatest amount overall for the United Way. Each unit gets to host the turtle for six months. In addition to hosting the turtle, the two winning units also receive a prize of $500 each to support student activities of their choosing.

“Scrubs encourages the units to challenge each other, which results in more money raised for the United Way. A few fun rivalries have developed because everyone wants to host the United Way turtle,” said Christina MacNeil, co-chair of the Dalhousie United Way steering committee.

Scrubs even has his own Twitter account, sharing news and updates about Dal’s United Way campaign.

“Scrubs is a great motivator,” said Peter Dykhuis, co-chair of the Dalhousie United Way steering committee. “Somehow, this humble little concrete lawn ornament has become a trophy that has captured Dal’s imagination all in the name of a good cause.”

Congratulations to this year’s workplace challenge winners, and thank you to everyone who donated to the United Way!

Highest amount raised: Faculty of Medicine
Highest participation: Registrar's Office