United Way Central Alberta delivers over $1 million to 22 community service organizations through the government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund

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AUGUST 17, 2023, RED DEER – Today, United Way Central Alberta (UWCA) is pleased to announce over $1 million in funding to support 22 projects in Central Alberta through the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund. The Community Services Recovery Fund is a one-time investment of $400 million to help community service organizations (charities, non-profits, Indigenous governing bodies) adapt, modernize, and be better equipped to improve the efficacy, accessibility, and sustainability of the community services that they provide though the pandemic recovery and beyond.  

The following projects are being supported within Central Alberta: 

  • $63,000 was invested to fund Bashaw and District Support Services Association towards a regional wellness initiative; 
  • $59,609 was invested to fund Boys and Girls Club of Olds and Area towards a Youth and Parental Supports Pilot Project; 
  • $75,704 was invested to fund Boys and Girls Club of Red Deer towards program service innovation; 
  • $52,000 was invested to fund Camrose Adult Learning Council towards Immersive Technologies; 
  • $62,552 was invested to fund Camrose Association for Community Living towards Next Level Wellness; 
  • $36,286 was invested to fund Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta East Central Region 2000 towards Recovery College technology; 
  • $9,621 was invested to fund Carstairs Public Library towards permanent adaptions; 
  • $89,638 was invested to fund Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association to transform program delivery; 
  • $41,320 was invested to fund Drumheller Community Learning Society towards Empowering Youth; 
  • $47,000 was invested to fund Family Violence Action Society: Camrose and District towards infrastructure design; 
  • $14,000 was invested to fund Friends to the Drayton Valley Library Society towards a children, family, and youth space; 
  • $9,036 was invested to fund Mary C Moore Public Library towards Kinsmen Program Room Makerspace; 
  • $76,230 was invested to fund Mountain Rose Women’s Shelter Association towards West Central Community Connections; 
  • $16,135 was invested to fund Ponoka Youth Centre towards mental health support;  
  • $9,714 was invested to fund Red Deer Public Library towards their Youth and Literacy Program; 
  • $98,112 was invested to fund Rocky Primary Counselling Centre of Alberta towards mental health; 
  • $98,083 was invested to fund Shalom Counselling Centre of Alberta towards healthy families; 
  • $21,296 was invested to fund Stettler Community Support Centre towards community outreach; 
  • $81,600 was invested to fund Stettler Information and Referral Centre towards Stettler Circle of Services innovation and expansion; 
  • $10,757 was invested to fund The Lord’s Food Bank towards hot meal program revitalization; 
  • $40,337 was invested to fund Ubuntu-Mobilizing Central Alberta towards Collective Alberta-Project; and 
  • $85,970 Was invested to fund Wetaskiwin & District Association for Community Services towards re-building community and personal engagement. 

Community service organizations are at the forefront of addressing communities’ needs. Since the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, they have struggled with increased demand for their services, reduced revenues, declines in charitable giving due to the rising cost of living, and a greater need to make use of digital tools. Many organizations are struggling to recover and adapt their services to the changing needs of Central Alberta. 

For more information, visit the Community Services Recovery Fund website. For more information on United Way Central Alberta, you can visit our website or contact us at info@caunitedway.ca or 403.343.3900. 

Quotes: 

“The value United Way Central Alberta adds as a locally governed and operated funder is that we have the trusted systems in place to identify local needs and ensure dollars are invested where they are needed most”- United Way Central Alberta CEO, Chelsea O’Donoghue. 

 “United Way Central Alberta is proud to have worked with the Government of Canada and United Way Centraide Canada as part of the Community Services Recovery Fund” – United Way Central Alberta CEO, Chelsea O’Donoghue. 

Quick Facts: 

  • The Community Services Recovery Fund is a $400 million investment from the Government of Canada to support community service organizations, including charities, non-profits and Indigenous governing bodies, as they adapt their organizations for pandemic recovery. 
  • Now more than ever, community service organizations play a key role in addressing complex social problems faced by many communities across Canada. 
  • From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, community service organizations across Canada have shown impressive stamina and creativity in their response to the diverse and increasingly challenging needs of their communities. 
  • The Community Services Recovery Fund responds to what community service organizations need right now and supports them as they adapt to the long-term impacts of the pandemic. 
  • As community service organizations across Canada work to support recovery in their communities, the CSRF will help them adapt and modernize their operations to grow their impact. 
  • The Government of Canada is delivering the CSRF through three National Funders (Canadian Red Cross, Community Foundations of Canada, United Way Centraide Canada). The National Funders are distributing funding to eligible community service organizations, including charities, non-profits, and Indigenous governing bodies, providing services in communities across Canada. 
  • The Government of Canada supports a more inclusive model of economic growth, one that creates opportunities for everyone in Canada, as the long-term recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continue. 

Associated Links: 

Community Services Recovery Fund Website 

About the Community Services Recovery Fund (ESDC) 

For media enquiries, please contact: 

Chelsea O’Donoghue, UWCA Chief Executive Officer 

403.347.0513 or email: Chelsea.odonoghue@caunitedway.ca 

Multi-Year Funding Announcement

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United Way Central Alberta Announces Multi-Year Funding to Support 15 Programs Across Central Alberta

Red Deer/June 30, 2023 – United Way Central Alberta (UWCA) is pleased to announce the allocation of $517,500 in multi-year funding to 15 programs across Central Alberta. This funding is part of UWCA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening vital connections that support individuals in need and creating thriving communities where everyone can reach their potential.

UWCA’s updated vision, mission statement, Strategic Plan and Community Impact (CI) Strategy have played significant roles in determining the programs to be supported. In alignment with these new guidelines, UWCA has made strategic adjustments to ensure that the funded programs are better aligned with their vision and mission.

These allocations include an increased commitment to Indigenous-led programming. 23% of the total funding has been directed towards supporting initiatives that specifically address the needs and aspirations of Indigenous communities. This represents a significant increase from 7% in the previous round of funding.

“We are thrilled to provide substantial support to programs that are making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families in Central Alberta,” said Chelsea O’Donoghue, Chief Executive Officer at United Way Central Alberta. “By increasing our percentage of investment in Indigenous-led programming, we are taking steps towards our commitment to reconciliation & diversity, equity and inclusion while working towards creating thriving communities where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.”

Below is a comprehensive list of the 15 programs that will benefit from this round of three-year funding. Each program has undergone a rigorous review process and cover a wide range of needs, including education, mental health, poverty alleviation, and community development.

United Way Central Alberta would like to extend its gratitude to the community partners, donors, and volunteers who have generously contributed to making this funding allocation possible. Their continued support plays a vital role in enabling United Way Central Alberta to fulfill its mission of strengthening connections and fostering thriving communities.

 

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lacombe & District: Lacombe and District Mentoring Program
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Red Deer and District: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Red Deer and District (BBBSRD)
  • Boys and Girls Clubs of Olds and Area: Boys and Girls Club Olds and Area Youth Programming
  • Boys and Girls Club of Red Deer & District: BGC Clearwater Out of School Programming
  • Catholic Social Services: Family Counselling
  • Central Alberta’s Safe Harbour Society of Health and Housing: Many Healing Blankets
  • Family Services of Central Alberta: Counselling Services
  • Greenwood Neighbourhood Place Society: The Den – Sundre Youth Centre
  • Ponoka Youth Centre: Boys and Girls Club of Wolf Creek Youth Impact Program
  • Red Deer Meals on Wheels: Red Deer Meals on Wheels
  • Shalom Counselling Centre of Alberta: Healthier Families and Individuals Subsidized Counselling
  • Shining Mountains Community Living Services: Counselling Reconciliation through Wellness
  • Town of Drumheller/Drumheller Valley FCSS: Drumheller Youth Programs
  • Town of Drumheller/Drumheller Valley FCSS: Drumheller Home Support Program for older adults – Rural
  • Turning Point Society of Central Alberta: Rural Outreach Program

NOVA Chemicals Employees put Community First

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Red Deer, Alberta –  NOVA Chemicals has yet again shown Central Alberta and United Way just how committed they and their many employees are to anchoring supports and programs in our community. NOVA Chemicals, together with their generous employees and retirees, have raised an incredible total of $615,800 for United Way Central Alberta cumulating in a staggering all-time contribution of $12.5 million.

“NOVA Chemicals and their employees supported United Way Central Alberta and the greater community heavily this year with their workplace campaign, their volunteering participation in our Day of Caring Program, and their effortless and effective bottle recycling program,” said Chelsea O’Donoghue, United Way Central Alberta Chief Executive Officer. “It’s a hat-trick of projects that ultimately created a huge win for our region. We’re so grateful.”

Nineteen Central Alberta non-profit agencies benefitted from NOVA Chemicals’ Days of Caring for United Way, some of them with more than one visit. Over the past several months, 166 NOVA Chemicals employees gave the gift of time and a bit of elbow grease, amassing over 1200 volunteer hours by building, painting, doing yard cleanups as well as general cleaning and organizing inside buildings.

“The impacts of our employee-led campaigns are significant,” says Mark Hodson, Vice President Manufacturing West Operations, NOVA Chemicals. “The caring attached to our employee and retiree contributions makes our communities a great community for everyone.”

NOVA Chemicals’ bottle recycling program saw nearly $5300 raised for United Way Central Alberta through recyclables returned from the NOVA sites in collaboration with COSMOS Red Deer. Over one thousand kilograms of recyclables were returned for reuse with the funds benefitting 870 Central Albertans.

NOVA Chemical’s bottle initiative is an’easy win’ that many businesses could implement to help Central Albertans in need.” O’Donoghue added. “All together, NOVA Chemicals’ multi-faceted approach towards improving lives has a ripple effect across the community.”

For more information, please contact:
Chelsea O’Donoghue 403-347-0513 or chelsea.odonoghue@caunitedway.ca

Period Promise Pilot Project Has Arrived in Innisfail!

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Innisfail, Alberta – United Way Central Alberta (UWCA) is pleased to announce that after a brief delay, the Period Promise Pilot Project has officially launched in the town of Innisfail.

This pilot, in partnership with The Town of Innisfail and Soroptimist International of Central Alberta, includes four dispensers for free menstrual products and enough products for the entire year in washrooms at the Town’s aquatic centre and library. Funding for the pilot project has been provided by an Innisfail Community Grant (from Elemental Energy) of $2800.

Soroptimist International of Central Alberta have donated $600 as well as advocacy to the pilot, and United Way is covering administration costs. The pilot will focus mainly on gathering community information surrounding the impact of having access to menstrual products. It will also serve as a community educational tool regarding the period poverty issue and destigmatizing menstruation.

“Innisfail’s Community Services Committee selected this project as a recipient of Community Benefit Grant funding because they were aware of the positive effect it would have on the community,” said Meghan Jenkins, Director of Community Services for the Town of Innisfail. “We’re proud we were able to help the United Way Central Alberta with this ground-breaking initiative.”

UWCA Chief Executive Officer Chelsea O’Donoghue said “We are learning more and more about how period poverty makes otherwise ordinary tasks like going to school or work a real problem. Through surveys, studies, and word of mouth we are discovering that period poverty negatively impacts a portion of Central Albertans. We shouldn’t allow something that is so easily solvable obstruct people from taking part in activities.”

Innisfail and area businesses are invited to join the movement to sign the Period Promise Policy and provide free products in their facilities. For more information, contact Chelsea O’Donoghue 403-347-0513 or chelsea.odonoghue@caunitedway.ca and visit caunitedway.ca/periodpromise

United Way Central Alberta is back – and united we are stronger

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RED DEER, AB — The 2022 United Way Central Alberta (UWCA) Campaign is off and running with a return of the UWCA Kickoff Luncheon presented by Johnston Ming Manning, at the Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre. Hundreds of UWCA supporters were able to finally get together in person after two years of pandemic restraints. The last two campaign kick-offs were held as “Drive-In” events.

“It’s uplifting to be able to look over the crowd and see our donors, our agencies, as well as our volunteers all in one place – preparing to work together to help Central Albertans meet their needs,” said Chelsea O’Donoghue, United Way Central Alberta CEO. “We will have to work together this year to continue to serve local agencies and their clients. Our theme this year is United We Are Stronger, and I believe that one-hundred percent.

The 2022 Client Ambassador Keynote speaker was Deacon Barclay, a 15 year old student who represents Big Brothers Big Sisters Stettler. Three years ago, Barclay was paired with a Big Brother and even at that time his goal was to be a Big Brother himself. He has achieved that goal and is in-school mentoring Malcolm. Barclay’s success shows what is possible when donors’ investments are used to their fullest potential. Last year, UWCA helped support 32 programs at 29 agencies and 1 collaboration, impacting 11, 501 people in Central Alberta.

The 2022 Campaign is off to a great start and O’Donoghue announced over $83,000 has already been given by donors showing their Local Love.

“I’d like to thank everyone who took the time out of their day to come down and connect, learn more about the impact the United Way has in our communities and celebrate Campaign 2022,” said United Way Board President Doug Doran.

United Way would like to thank today’s luncheon sponsors, in particular our presenting sponsor Johnston Ming Manning. Also sponsoring this year’s great event were Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre, Red Deer and District Labour Council, Canadian Tire Red Deer South, Dave Brunner Fine Art Photography, OpenHwy, Willson Audio, Big 105, 106.7 Rewind Radio, RD News Now, Real Country 95.5, and Z98.9.

For more information:
Chelsea O’Donoghue, CEO United Way Central Alberta
chelsea.odonoghue@caunitedway.ca

Needs are Greater – United We Are Stronger

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Red Deer, Alberta – With our 57th Annual Kickoff Luncheon less than one week away, we would like to share some information that we find concerning and we know you do too.

School began this week for many children across the region. This year, more students than ever returned to class without the proper tools to learn. We know this because Tools for School is still trying to meet this year’s need.

We know that the remains of the pandemic, coupled with inflation are a challenge for our recovering economy and that many people are struggling to meet their basic needs. Over the past decades, United Way has raised tens of millions of dollars that have been used by Central Alberta agencies working to fix the root causes of poverty, mental health issues, and other needs.

“Thursday, September 8 we are hosting our Kick Off Luncheon at the Cambridge. This event is the kick off to our annual fall fundraising campaign. We raise the majority of the dollars we invest in Central Alberta over the next few months, and next Thursday marks the start to that important work!” said Chelsea O’Donoghue, United Way Central Alberta CEO.

“Our campaign theme this year is United We Are Stronger and that couldn’t be more true. We want our community to join us at the Kick Off Lunch to learn more about the huge impact their donations make, connect with their community and see why their support matters this year more than ever. “

Let’s start our 2022 Campaign strong! Join us at our Kickoff Luncheon, Thursday September 8th, 11:30 – 1 pm at the Cambridge Hotel. Tickets can be purchased at tinyurl.com/yr98b442

Help local agencies working to stem the tide of these challenges and make a difference. United we are stronger.

For more information:
Chelsea O’Donoghue, CEO, United Way Central Alberta

United Way Central Alberta announces new Chief Executive Officer

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RED DEER, AB — United Way Central Alberta, today announced the appointment of Chelsea O’Donoghue as Chief Executive Officer, effective May 2, 2022.

Chelsea O’Donoghue is no stranger to United Way supporters as she has served as Donor Relations Manager for the past two years, leading our fundraising efforts and our Period Promise work. O’Donoghue’s appointment comes as Brett Speight (CEO since 2018) announced he is returning to the financial sector.

Doug Doran, United Way Central Alberta President, commented, “When Brett began his role as CEO the Board asked him to begin succession planning for the staff and Chelsea was identified as a possible successor for the CEO role. To ensure that we had the best fit for this vital role, the board of directors reviewed over 50 applicants interviewing the top 5 candidates While all candidates were very strong, Chelsea was the right candidate to lead UWCA into the future. We are highly confident in Chelsea and the team’s ability to continue to successfully lead UCWA beyond the pandemic.”

O’Donoghue commented, “I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for United Way and to continue working with a group of such talented and passionate individuals as we pave our way forward.” Prior to joining the United Way Central Alberta team, O’Donoghue served with United Way Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation in Lacombe, and most recently as Senior Market Manager with TELUS, the local face of the telco during the extensive fiber optic network builds across several communities in the Central Alberta region.

For more information contact,
Chelsea O’Donoghue 403-347-0513 or
chelsea.odonoghue@caunitedway.ca

2022 Period Promise Campaign Begins!

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Red Deer, Alberta – Drawing on the success and inspiration generated by last year’s Period Promise launch and initiatives, United Way Central Alberta has begun its 2022 Period Promise Campaign. Throughout the month-long campaign United Way Central Alberta will accept both product and monetary donations, as well as ask local communities, businesses, and workplaces to sign the Period Promise policy agreement. The agreement asks that menstrual products be made available, free of charge, in signees’ washroom facilities.

“United Way’s Period Promise Campaign is devoted to increasing access to menstrual products so that we can eradicate period poverty in our province,” said Chelsea O’Donoghue, United Way Central Alberta Donor Relations Manager. “Signing onto the policy agreement is one way that you can help to de-stigmatize menstruation, and help more people get access to the products they count on.”

A Period Promise Campaign Toolkit is available at caunitedway.ca/periodpromise and provides resources and tips for becoming part of the movement to fight period poverty. A survey taken last year, showed that roughly one quarter of respondents had missed work or school because they didn’t have proper menstruation supplies.

“This year’s campaign focuses on the unfortunate direct results of period poverty,” said O’Donoghue “data gathered to date from the current Period Promise Pilot at 4 Red Deer schools show that 51% of student respondents have missed school because of a lack of period products. Others miss out on opportunities to stay engaged with the community. When people have access to menstrual products, it gives back dignity and improves their health and well-being. It’s our hope that the community will show the same amazing enthusiasm and support of Period Promise this year.”

The 2022 UWCA Period Promise Campaign runs until June 7th.

For more information, contact
Chelsea O’Donoghue Donor Relations Manager, United Way Central Alberta
403-347-0513 or
chelsea.odonoghue@caunitedway.ca

Period Promise Pilot Project Coming to Innisfail

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Innisfail, Alberta – United Way Central Alberta (UWCA) is pleased to announce the launch of a new Period Promise Pilot Project for the Town of Innisfail.

This pilot includes six dispensers for free menstrual products and enough products for the entire year in washrooms at the library, recreation centre and library. Funding for the pilot project has been provided by an Innisfail Community Grant of $2800. The Soroptimist International of Central Alberta have also stepped forward and donated $600 as well as advocacy to the pilot. United Way will cover administration costs.

UWCA Donor Relations Manager Chelsea O’Donoghue said “Period Poverty is a very real issue faced by many, preventing them from taking part in many activities as they normally would such as school, sports, work, and other activities. This should not be the case and access to menstrual hygiene products should be like toilet paper.”

“Importantly, much of the pilot will focus on gathering information from the community on the impacts of having access to hygiene products and educate the community in this important issue,” O’Donoghue continued.

Innisfail and area businesses are invited to join the movement to sign the Period Promise Policy and provide free products in their facilities.

For more information, contact Chelsea O’Donoghue
403-347-0513 or
chelsea.odonoghue@caunitedway.ca
and visit caunitedway.ca/periodpromise

United Way Central Alberta announces departure of Chief Executive Officer

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RED DEER, AB — United Way Central Alberta, today announced that Brett Speight, Chief Executive Officer has notified the Board of his decision to resign from his position, effective May 27, 2022, as he returns to the financial services industry in Saskatchewan.

Doug Doran, United Way Central Alberta President, commented, “We are grateful for Brett’s leadership in developing a new strategic plan, modernizing our operations and stabilizing our financial position. We are sad to see Brett go but wish him and his wife the best in their new adventure.”

Doran added “During Brett’s tenure, he established a talented team that has been instrumental in positioning United Way Central Alberta for a successful future. While a leadership transition is never easy, the board is confident in the abilities of the staff and volunteers to deliver on our strategy and mission until a new Chief Executive Officer is found” said Doran.

“The search for a new Chief Executive Officer will begin immediately and we will communicate with our donors, volunteers and other partners as we are able to provide more information.”

Speight commented, “It has been an honor leading such an important and impactful organization and working with the talented and passionate staff and volunteers as well as our generous supporters and agencies, I will miss everyone. My goal when I started was to leave the organization better than I found it , I hope I have done that. “

For more information, contact:
Christine Curtis, Impact and Communications Manager
403-848-2945

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Red Deer, Alberta T4N 2E8

phone: 1-403-343-3900
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