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Change Is Here
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There has been an incredible amount of positive change in our organization over the past number of months. It feels like with spring in the air and the changes just keep happening faster and faster. Some of the more significant changes over the past year was the Board changing from an operational focus to a governance model. This allows us to focus on our long term goals, and stay true to our organization's mission and vision. Another exciting change was opening up funding to new agencies for the first time in ten years. While we were clear on the investment areas that need our support, any agency offering programs or services that fit within these areas was welcome to apply. While perhaps not nearly as exciting, we also changed our database platform, as our last database was no longer being formally supported. We have embraced this new database with enhanced CRM capabilities, and it is changing and streamlining our day to day work. Finally, we strive to change and adapt to new social media platforms. For just about a year now, we've been tweeting out to our friends in the community and connecting in a whole new way to our supporters. "To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often." Winston Churchill |
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On May 7, we announced that $1,691,190 will be invested into the Central Alberta social service sector. The incredible support of the community during the Campaign, an increase of 9% over last year's allocations, will help local programs and services to continue to enhance the quality of life for Central Albertans. Read more about United Way funding. |
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| Lars Rogers has been awarded the Chairs Award of Distinction, presented at this year's national conference. This award recognizes "volunteers that demonstrate sustained dedication to the United Way mission and values such as leadership, volunteerism, inclusivity, community engagement, commitment and respect." In particular, Lars is being celebrated for his knowledge of and engagement with the community as a volunteer.
Lars' commitment  to United Way started in 1999, when he contributed to the United Way of Penticton, B.C. campaign. And for two years (2001-2002), Lars successfully led the South Okanagan campaign as Campaign Chair. After moving to Red Deer, Lars joined United Way of Central Alberta and sat on the Board of Directors, Community Impact Council (previous known as Citizens Review Committee), Campaign Division Chair and Campaign Chair/Co-Chair in 2010 and 2011.
Four volunteers throughout Canada receive this award each year. Congratulations Lars, and thank you for your time and dedication to United Way of Central Alberta and for creating lasting change in your community.
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Last year United Way of Central Alberta hosted the inaugural United Way Meinema Cup Challenge, a street hockey tournament and fundraising event. We had so much fun that we're doing it again and we could use your help.
We are currently looking for committee members to help us make this event an even bigger success than last year. What's the commitment? Similar to other United Way events, we estimate that we'll need 10 - 15 hours of your volunteer time. Trust us, you will have a great time with other committee members and you'll will have the first opportunity to register a team!
If you're interested, contact us at 403.343.3900 and we would love to tell you more about the United Way Meinema Cup Challenge.
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| Many small businesses do not have a large budget for sponsorship or monetary gifts. If you want to give back to your community United Way has an initiative, known as United Way Days, where businesses partner with us by donating a portio n of their sales. For example, when you get your ring cleaned at Mitchell and Jewel, they donate the entire proceeds to United Way. In return, we advertise and link their brand with ours. Did you know that in 2010 Forbes magazine published a list of the Top 50 most valuable brands. United Way was ranked #26 on the list and carries a brand value of $14.3 billion.
If you're interested or would like more information on United Way Days, please contact Cynthia McLaren at 403.343.3900 or cynthia@caunitedway.ca.
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| | Many of us anxiously awaited the arrival of our newest retailer Target. Now that Red Deer's location has opened, they are not only providing new merchandise to Central Albertan's, but are also providing corporate support to communities. Target recently notified United Ways across Canada that they will be supporting the upcoming Campaign through a corporate gift.
Their donation will help support over 107,900 people in Central Alberta. If you're interested in supporting this year's Campaign early or would like some more information on corporate or individual gifts, please contact us at 403.343.3900.
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| To some, it may not be immediately evident why United Way supports the SPCA. Did you know that having a pet may be a barrier to people seeking help? This is why your donations support the Red Deer & District SPCA's Emergency Pet Safe Program. The SPCA removes barriers by providing a trusted place for animals to stay while their owners receive support. In 2012, there were over 70 cases received by the SPCA and that number has grown steadily every year.
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 Save The Date
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June 20, 2013
United Way AGM
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Red Deer Curling Club
4725 23 St, Red Deer
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Photo Of The Month
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Beth Reitz accepting her Alberta Crime Prevention Award.
Beth Reitz, Executive Director for the Ponoka Youth Centre, recently received the Alberta Crime Prevention Award for her efforts to offer preventative programs to youth in Ponoka and surrounding area, including a new Youth Drug Impact program aimed at youth who are at risk for experimenting with drugs.
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Written by *Cyndy, whose father is receiving support from Meals on Wheels: "Thank you for supplying meals to my dad. Last November, when he lost his driver's license he felt his last bit of independence was gone - he couldn't event 'run to the store' anymore. I live in Olds so can't help him out all that much either. It means a lot to me to know he is getting healthy meals. He often says he doesn't know what he would do if he had to make all his own food, and he enjoys the visits he has with the volunteers every day. Thank you for making his life a little (actually a lot) easier."
| *Names have been changed to protect anonymity.
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Your Dollars At Work
| Thanks to your support, four of our partner agencies were able to send staff to the recent Leadership Conference and Gala on May 9th and 10th, organized by the Leadership Centre. We hope that Hayley Hellum with Rockey Youth Development Society, Lisa Ramsaw with Central Alberta Refugee Effort, Kathy Taylor with Sundre & District Nutrition for Learning Society and Gordon Wright with John Howard Society are feeling inspired, energized and enlightened!
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