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NOVA Chemicals Employees put Community First

February 22, 2023/in Press Releases

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

https://caunitedway.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Copy-of-Untitled-Design.png 348 918 Fonda Devereaux http://caunitedway.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Untitled-design-2.png Fonda Devereaux2023-02-22 13:11:252023-02-22 13:25:53NOVA Chemicals Employees put Community First

Period Promise Pilot Project Has Arrived in Innisfail!

September 29, 2022/in Press Releases

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

http://caunitedway.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Untitled-design-2.png 0 0 Chelsea O'Donoghue http://caunitedway.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Untitled-design-2.png Chelsea O'Donoghue2022-09-29 15:50:142022-12-20 21:15:37Period Promise Pilot Project Has Arrived in Innisfail!

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

September 8, 2022/in Press Releases

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

http://caunitedway.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Untitled-design-2.png 0 0 Chelsea O'Donoghue http://caunitedway.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Untitled-design-2.png Chelsea O'Donoghue2022-09-08 15:53:182022-10-31 16:35:01United Way Central Alberta is back – and united we are stronger

Needs are Greater – United We Are Stronger

September 2, 2022/in Press Releases

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

http://caunitedway.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Untitled-design-2.png 0 0 Chelsea O'Donoghue http://caunitedway.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Untitled-design-2.png Chelsea O'Donoghue2022-09-02 15:56:432022-10-31 16:35:01Needs are Greater – United We Are Stronger

United Way Central Alberta announces new Chief Executive Officer

May 3, 2022/in Press Releases

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

http://caunitedway.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Untitled-design-2.png 0 0 Chelsea O'Donoghue http://caunitedway.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Untitled-design-2.png Chelsea O'Donoghue2022-05-03 16:12:392022-10-31 16:35:01United Way Central Alberta announces new Chief Executive Officer

2022 Period Promise Campaign Begins!

May 2, 2022/in Press Releases

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

http://caunitedway.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Untitled-design-2.png 0 0 Chelsea O'Donoghue http://caunitedway.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Untitled-design-2.png Chelsea O'Donoghue2022-05-02 16:16:192022-10-31 16:35:012022 Period Promise Campaign Begins!

Period Promise Pilot Project Coming to Innisfail

April 26, 2022/in Press Releases

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

http://caunitedway.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Untitled-design-2.png 0 0 Chelsea O'Donoghue http://caunitedway.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Untitled-design-2.png Chelsea O'Donoghue2022-04-26 16:19:062022-10-31 16:35:02Period Promise Pilot Project Coming to Innisfail

United Way Central Alberta announces departure of Chief Executive Officer

April 14, 2022/in Press Releases

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

http://caunitedway.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Untitled-design-2.png 0 0 Christine Curtis http://caunitedway.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Untitled-design-2.png Christine Curtis2022-04-14 16:23:062022-10-31 16:34:27United Way Central Alberta announces departure of Chief Executive Officer

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Recent Posts

  • Campaign Celebration Event presented by Eagle Builders
  • NOVA Chemicals Employees put Community First
  • Sockey Day in Red Deer 2023
  • United Way Central Alberta takes part in the Community Services Recovery Fund – a $400 million investment in charities and non-profits
  • 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
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