Campaign Celebration Event presented by Eagle Builders

/in ,

On March 6, 2023 community leaders, donors and volunteers gathered to celebrate the 2022 United Way campaign as well as the support, generosity and spirit that makes United Way so important in our community.

2022 was a year of transition for United Way Central Alberta (UWCA). In addition to its traditional fundraising campaign, outreach and community collaboration, UWCA undertook a complete update of its Strategic Plan and Community Impact Strategy to best position itself to improve lives in the region in the next three years of post-pandemic recovery.

These updates ensure United Way Central Alberta can best deliver on our new vision of creating thriving communities where everyone can reach their potential and our new mission of strengthening vital connections that support people in need across our communities.

Despite an extremely challenging economic environment, over $1,563,000 was raised locally over the past year through workplace campaigns and individual donations. These funds will provide much needed resources to our local social sector.

United Way Central Alberta is also delivering $997,000 into the hands of non-profits and charities across our region as part of the federal government Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF).  Applications are currently under review with the funds being delivered to non-profits in our region in July of this year.

Through CSRF applications, UWCA had just under $1 million to give to our region but fielded $2.5 million in requests. That discrepancy between requests and money to deliver speaks to the need in our community.

With multi year community grant applications opening on March 13, 2023, we know we will have more requests than what we have to give.  We see the need and challenges faced by our social sector first hand and they are not taken lightly.  Every effort is being made to ensure that as many dollars as possible will be invested directly into our community and our new Community Impact strategy will ensure we make the greatest impact in the areas of the greatest need.

Our utmost thanks goes out to every workplace, business, or person who donated to United Way this past year.  The impact we have in our region is only possible because of you and all of the hard work and passion you dedicate to United Way.

We are also extremely grateful for our volunteers who make our work possible.  This includes our Campaign Cabinet, Community Impact Council, Board of Directors, DEI Committee, GenNext and our Scotch Committee.  Thank you to each and everyone one of you for choosing to share your time and talent with us.

We hold such appreciation for our United Way Client Ambassadors.  They are some of our bravest and most helpful champions.  United Way funds programs delivered by local agencies.  Our Client Ambassadors are people who have been personally impacted by these programs, and throughout campaign and the whole year, these folks help connect donors to the impact of their dollars.  They share their stories to let people know how the programs, that receive your donations, have helped them and made their lives better.

The evening program also included presenting our 2022 United Way Central Alberta campaign awards.   These awards celebrate the support, generosity and spirit that makes United Way so important in our community. Congratulations to all of our nominees and winners!  We are so thankful for all that you do.

2022 United Way Campaign Award Winners

Award of Excellence

These awards are presented to the 2022 workplace campaigns that raised the most dollars for United Way Central Alberta.

  1. NOVA Chemicals – Joffre
  2. MEGlobal – Prentiss
  3. INEOS Canada Partnership – Joffre

Innovation Award

This award is presented to the organization who used new and innovated ideas to generate big payoffs for the United Way and building a stronger community together.

Winner:  Dow Canada – Prentiss Site

Rising Star Award

This award is presented to the workplace campaign that generated significant increase in donors and dollars over the previous year.

Winner:   INEOS Canada Partnership – Joffre

Outstanding Employee Campaign Chair Award

This award is presented to the ECC that showed innovation, teamwork, and enthusiasm in the promotion and executing of their workplace campaign – achieving stronger than expected results in the workplace.

Winner:  Kayle Yonkman | MEGlobal – Prentiss

Local Love Award

This award is presented to a local organization that demonstrated excellence in the execution of their workplace campaign and support of United Way.

Winner:            Scott Builders Inc.

Education and Engagement Award

This award is presented to the organization or community initiative that increased awareness of community needs and the mission of United Way and the impact donations have on our community.

Winner:            NOVA Chemicals – Joffre

Funded Partnership Award

This award is presented to the United Way Funded Partner that has shown outstanding partnership and collaboration throughout the past year.

Winner:           COSMOS Red Deer

Everyday Hero Award

This award recognizes organizations that have demonstrated excellence in engaging their customers with the impact of United Way and the work of improving local lives.

Winner:            Central Alberta Co-op Ltd.

Community Builder Award

This award recognizes a business that takes action all year round to show their local love to make a positive impact in their community.

Winner:           MNP LLP

Video by Jess Andrykew, TBC Media

Sockey Day in Red Deer 2023

/in ,

We would like to thank everyone for your support in United Way of Central Alberta’s Sockey Day in Red Deer, we were honored to spend Family Day with all of you!  This year was another great success in not only raising funds for United Way’s annual campaign but also for creating awareness around community needs throughout Central Alberta while providing a basic need to local populations.  Your support helped us raise over $1,100 this year and more than 1500 pairs of socks were collected to be distributed to local partner agencies.

Thanks again to the Red Deer Rebels for being such great hosts, all our community partners, sock drop locations, volunteers and those who brought sock donations to the game.  United we are stronger!

Proud Sock Drop Locations:

Thank you to our Community Partners who help make this event possible!

 

 

United Way Central Alberta takes part in the Community Services Recovery Fund – a $400 million investment in charities and non-profits

/in

Now more than ever, Community Service Organizations (charities, non-profits, and Indigenous Governing Bodies) are playing a key role in addressing persistent and 7 complex social problems faced by all Canadians. The Community Services Recovery Fund is a $400 million investment from the Government of Canada to support charities, non-profits, and Indigenous Governing Bodies as they focus on how to adapt their organizations for pandemic recovery.

United Way Central Alberta is proud to be delivering the Community Services Recovery Fund. This fund is a collaboration between the Canadian Red Cross, Community Foundations of Canada, and United Way Centraide Canada to provide funding to Community Service Organizations, including non-profit organizations, Indigenous Governing Bodies or Registered Charities located in Canada. The Community Services Recovery Fund responds to what Community Service Organizations need right now and supports organizations as they adapt to the long-term impacts of the pandemic.

Applications are now open, and non-profit organizations, Indigenous Governing Bodies, and charities must apply by February 21, 2023 at 5:00pm PT. Visit www.communityservicesrecoveryfund.ca to find out more about how to apply and explore resources for applicants.

Apply Now

United Way of the Alberta Capital Region participe au Fonds de relance des services communautaires, un investissement de 400 millions de dollars dans les organismes de bienfaisance et les organismes à but non lucratif

/in

Plus que jamais, les organismes de bienfaisance, les organismes sans but lucratif et les corps dirigeants autochtones jouent un rôle de premier plan pour offrir des solutions aux problèmes sociaux persistants et complexes qui affectent les Canadiens et Canadiennes. Le Fonds de relance des services communautaires est un investissement de 400 millions de dollars du gouvernement du Canada pour aider ces organismes à s’adapter dans un contexte de relance post-pandémique.

United Way Central Alberta est fière d’administrer le Fonds de relance des services communautaires. Le Fonds est une collaboration entre Centraide United Way Canada, la Croix-Rouge canadienne et Fondations communautaires du 8 Canada pour fournir du financement aux organismes communautaires, incluant les organismes sans but lucratif, les corps dirigeants autochtones et les organismes de bienfaisance enregistrés situés au Canada. Le Fonds de relance des services communautaires est une réponse aux besoins actuels des organismes de bienfaisance et organismes sans but lucratif et les aidera à s’adapter aux effets à long terme de la pandémie.

Les organismes communautaires peuvent désormais soumettre leur demande; la date limite d’admission est le 21 février 2023 à 17 :00 HP. Visitez www.fondsderelancedesservicescommunautaires.ca pour savoir explorer toutes nos ressources et savoir comment préparer et présenter une demande.

Appliquer Maintenant

New Strategic Plan & Community Impact Strategy That Will Guide Us On Our Path Towards Recovery

/in

United Way of Central Alberta  (UWCA) is working to create communities where everyone has the resources, opportunities and support they need to thrive.  As we continue the work of designing a new way forward into a period of recovery, our intention is to place equity at the centre of how we collaborate to improve lives.  Learn more about the new Strategic Plan & Community Impact Strategy that will guide us on our path towards recovery.

2023-2025 Community Impact Strategy

For more resources & information regarding our new Community Impact Strategy including Eligibility & Guidance to Non-Qualified Donees visit our Funding Opportunities Page.

Learn More

 

11th Annual Scotch Classic Event Recap

/in ,

On Thursday, November 17, 2022 the United Way of Central Alberta hosted their 11th Annual Scotch Classic. Over the eleven years, this event has grown into one of Central Alberta’s premier networking events and the only scotch/whisky tasting event in our region. “This event is genuinely unique. We focus on quality scotch to provide true […]

Read more

United Way Central Alberta takes part in the Community Services Recovery Fund – a $400 million investment in charities and non-profits

/in

Now more than ever, charities and non-profits are playing a key role in addressing persistent and complex social problems faced by all Canadians. The Community Services Recovery Fund is a $400 million investment from the Government of Canada to support charities and non-profits as they build resilience by making investments in their people, organizations, and program innovation. United Way Central Alberta is proud to be taking part in the Community Services Recovery Fund, a collaboration between United Way Centraide Canada, Canadian Red Cross, and Community Foundations of Canada to provide funding to Community Service Organizations, including non-profit organizations, Indigenous Governing Bodies, and Registered Charities located across Canada. The Community Services Recovery Fund responds to what charities and nonprofits need right now and supports organizations as they adapt to the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Community Service Organizations can apply from January 6, 2023 until February 21, 2023.

Visit www.communityservicesrecoveryfund.ca to find out more about how to apply, explore resources for applicants, and sign up for upcoming webinars.

 

United Way of the Alberta Capital Region participe au Fonds de relance des services communautaires, un investissement de 400 millions de dollars dans les organismes de bienfaisance et les organismes à but non lucratif

/in

Plus que jamais, les organismes de bienfaisance et les organismes à but non lucratif jouent un rôle de premier plan pour offrir des solutions aux problèmes sociaux persistants et complexes qui affectent les Canadiens et Canadiennes. Le Fonds de relance des services communautaires est un investissement de 400 millions de dollars du gouvernement du Canada pour aider les organismes de bienfaisance et les organismes à but non lucratif à bâtir leur résilience en investissant dans leurs gens, leurs organisations et l’innovation de leurs programmes.

United Way of the Alberta Capital Region est fier de participer au Fonds de relance des services communautaires, une collaboration entre Centraide United Way Canada, la Croix-Rouge canadienne et les Fondations communautaires du Canada pour fournir du financement aux organismes communautaires, incluant les organismes à but non lucratif, les corps dirigeants autochtones et les organismes de bienfaisance enregistrés situés partout au Canada. Le Fonds de relance des services communautaires est une réponse aux besoins actuels des organismes de bienfaisance et organismes à but non lucratif. Il les aidera à s’adapter aux effets à long terme de la pandémie de COVID-19.

Les organismes de services communautaires peuvent soumettre leur demande entre le 6 janvier et le 21 février 2023. Visitez www.fondsderelancedesservicescommunautaires.ca pour savoir comment présenter une demande, découvrir des ressources pour les demandeurs et s’inscrire à des webinaires.

 

Our Campaign Cabinet Needs You

/in

You are a leader in Central Alberta business. You care about local issues and successes.  You understand the critical importance of business and corporate responsibility to a community and you are comfortable inviting others to join you.  

The United Way of Central Alberta’s Campaign Cabinet needs your expertise.   

Our yearly campaigns have raised tens of millions of dollars for area not-for-profit agencies since 1965. Much of these generously donated funds are generated through workplace campaigns at area businesses and industries.  Without them, we would be unable to help to local programs that address the root causes of poverty, educational under-achievement, unemployment, mental illness and other barriers right here in Central Alberta.   

Our Campaign Cabinet is a group of volunteers engaged in setting campaign goals and strategies and commits to helping direct our efforts throughout the workplace and philanthropic community. Your leadership could help local business and industry help United Way assess and meet Central Alberta’s most urgent needs. Our Campaign Cabinet members have different areas of expertise, and your skills would only enhance our reach. 

We are dedicated to finding ways to assist even more people.  Your affinity to this community and your expertise might create a vital link to ensuring local needs are met.  Simply put, we are asking you to network with your business partners, colleagues, unions and encourage them to hold a workplace campaign for United Way. If you can make the ask, our staff will take on the legwork.   

You will be able to network with leaders from many areas of business as you collaborate to plan goals and strategies for this year’s fundraising campaign.  Together, you can ensure that no business sector is unaware of the opportunity to run a campaign in their workplace.  

United Way Central Alberta will provide training and support. Your meeting commitment is one meeting every month in person or via Zoom. 

Call or email Brett brett.speight@caunitedway.ca or Chelsea chelsea.odonoghue@caunitedway.ca  

Be Consciously Kind

/in

People are starting to hope again now that vaccines are being administered in the province.  Provincial campsites are booking up quickly as many people are optimistic enough to actually schedule vacations, at least within the province. Optimism springs from the glimmer of hope that COVID-19 will be under control and we will be able to gain a sense of normalcy in our lives.

For many people in Central Alberta, poverty will remain their normalcy long after COVID is gone.  Those living in poverty before the pandemic saw their financial situations worsen and many others fell into poverty as COVID caused job-losses, child-care expenses, and mental health issues.  These friends and neighbours are going to truly struggle to make ends meet and their return to “normalcy” will likely take much longer than others. 

It’s only the end of May, but for many people “back to school” in September will soon loom large.  Buying even the most basic school supplies will be weighed against the cost of basic food supplies.  So too, people will have difficulty choosing between expensive menstrual supplies for themselves and their children and paying for utilities or rent. 

That’s why for this year’s Conscious Kindness Day (Tuesday May 18th) we’re collecting supplies for both Tools for Schools and Period Promise.  It’s early to be thinking about buying calculators and math sets, but the earlier we start, the more hopeful we can be that this year’s Tools for School needs can be met.

It’s the same for Period Promise.  Period poverty is a very real issue, and we don’t want people missing days of work or schools because they can’t afford basic hygiene items. 

Please consider making a donation to Conscious Kindness Day May 18th.  We’re making it as easy as possible, just pull up to the front of our new office at 4828 48 Street, and there will be bins there for contactless drop-off.  It’s that easy, and your donations will help Central Albertans who are struggling the most to return to a sense of “normal”.  Thank you. 

United Way Central Alberta logo

Contact Us

Unit 100, 4828 53 Street
Red Deer, Alberta T4N 2E8

phone: 1-403-343-3900
email: info@caunitedway.ca

Important Links

Campaign Toolkit
Donor Rights
Covid-19
Privacy Policy