Contact Us
Unit 100, 4828 53 Street
Red Deer, Alberta T4N 2E8
phone: 1-403-343-3900
email: info@caunitedway.ca
Our Campaign Celebration presented by Scott Builders is set for April 8th, 2024 at Bo’s Bar and Stage in Red Deer and we are pleased to announce the final nominees for our seven campaign award categories. We would like to thank everyone for their hard work this year and congratulate all nominees for their special efforts. Campaign Celebration Tickets are now available at canadahelps.org/en/charities/united-way-of-central-alberta-society/events/campaign-celebration-event-presented-by-scott-builders We look forward to seeing you!
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Unit 100, 4828 53 Street
Red Deer, Alberta T4N 2E8
phone: 1-403-343-3900
email: info@caunitedway.ca