This month, United Way staff and volunteers were busy organizing two large events: the United Way's Kick Off Luncheon and the Meinema Street Hockey Tournament.
 This year's United Way Kick Off Luncheon brought hundreds of people, all dressed in red to the Sheraton Hotel to join in celebrating the launch of the 2013 community campaign and to announce the fundraising goal of $2.25 million. This four-month drive works to raise funds for services and programs that help 1 in 3 Central Albertans each year. Read more...
For a second year, United Way also hosted the Meinema Cup Street Hockey Tournament. The festivities began at 12 PM on September 20 and raised over $7,300 for United Way. Read more...
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| We are excited to announce that the Leadership Matching Challenge is happening again this year, and there are even more matching dollars thanks to 5 sponsors.
 These organizations and individuals believe that in order to inspire others to give, you should first give yourself, so they've committed a total of $33,500 to the Challenge.
How it works: To participate in the Leadership Matching Challenge, simply donate a Leadership gift ($1,000 or more) through your workplace, online, mail a cheque, or call in your pledge at 403.343.3900. New donors: Your Leadership gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar (i.e. you donate $1,000 and $1,000 is matched). Existing donors If you choose to increase your donation to a Leadership gift, your increase will be matched dollar-for-dollar (i.e. you donated $500 last year and $1,000 this year, $500 will be matched). You can also have your increase matched if you were a Leadership donor last year, and increase your gift for the 2013 Campaign (i.e. you donated $1,000 last year and $1,200 this year, $200 will be matched).
Learn more about the Leadership Matching Challenge...
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| Do you want to get your family involved in the United Way campaign but not sure how? United Way has partnered with retailers around Red Deer and Central Alberta where a portion of their sales in October will go towards the 2013 Campaign. If you're looking for specific items (like chocolate) or taking your family out for dinner, keep in mind the businesses that are supporting us through this promotion.
Click here for a full list of supporters
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 Drive One 4 UR Community
| Join us on October 4, 2013 at Cam Clark Ford and test drive any Ford and $20 will be donated to United Way. This is a great way try out a new vehicle (even if you're not looking to purchase) without pressure while supporting the 2013 Campaign. There will also be BBQ and Plinko with great prizes, so be sure to bring a car full of friends, family (must have valid drivers license) and co-workers to come, have fun and support United Way.
Cam Clark Ford Red Deer Gasoline Alley - 417 Lantern Ave Friday, October 4, 2013 10 AM - 5 PM
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United Way Campaign Off To A Strong Start
| During the 2013 Kick Off Luncheon, United Way staff, volunteers, supporters and guests celebrated the companies that had already made an early commitment to the Campaign. In total, companies like Nexus and Johnson Ming Manning raised over $204,000.
Each year, companies can choose to be part of the Jump Start program by making a minimum commitment to the Campaign. They are then highlighted at the Kick Off Luncheon and thanked for their support publicly.
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Youth Supported Through Camp Alexo
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United Way CEO Robert Mitchell had the privilege of visiting Camp Alexo in August, which is a unique summer camp for youth and provides them with a true outdoor experience. "The camp is situated just west of Nordegg on the David Thompson Highway and is operated by the Youth & Volunteer Centre. The rural beauty of the area is very evident from the moment you arrive. Accommodations are provided in three main buildings. The newest building is used for the staff and also houses the office and staff common room, campers are housed in large rustic cabins that have no electricity and the only heat comes from gas fireplaces. Campers love the back to basics novelty. The main building is Rotary Lodge which is where all the meals are served and it also acts as an activity room. There is also a popular campfire area which has a stage and seating where campers enjoy a nightly campfire and are entertained by staff until the last night when it's the campers' turn to do skits. Children have the opportunity to attend camp to experience new and different things and build on socialization skills. About 60% of the campers receive subsidies to be able to attend who otherwise don't have the financial means. We are proud to be long time supporters of this program." The camp operates Monday to Friday throughout the summer with campers being picked up bright and early from the Collicut Centre and in Rocky Mountain House. They depart after lunch on Friday and once evaluations are completed, they are ready to be picked up by parents at 5:00 PM at the Collicut Centre.
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 Save The Date
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October 4, 2013
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cam Clark Ford Dealership 417 Lantern Street, Red Deer October 10, 2013 New Employee Campaign Coordinator Training11:00 AM - 1:00 PM United Way Boardroom 4811 48 Street, Red Deer November 13, 2013Change Starts Here Bus Tour9:30 AM - 11:30 AM United Way Office 4811 48 Street, Red Deer November 15, 2013
Sockey Night in Red Deer 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Enmax Centrium 4847A 19 Street, Red Deer November 18, 2013Scotch Tasting Event4:30 PM - 7:00 PM Cork'd Taphouse and Grill 2325 50th Ave, Red Deer United Way Days PromotionsBikram Yoga Red Deer - Oct 17, 24, 31 Chocolates By Bernard Callebaut - Oct 7 - 12 Dose Cafe - Oct 21 - 25 Esso Gift Cards - Aug 1 - Dec 31 Mitchell & Jewell - Year-round Bistro on Gaetz - Oct 1 - 31 Boston Pizza (Sylvan) - Oct 1 - 31 Chillabongs Bar & Grill - Oct 1 - 31 Cool Beans Coffee Shop Inc. - Oct 1 - 31 Las Palmeras Restaurant - Oct 1 - 31 Red Deer Lodge - Oct 1 - 31 Tandoor n' Flame - Oct 1 - 31 One Tooth Activewear - Oct 1 - 31 Wok Box - Oct 1 - 31
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 Photo Of The Month
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 | Guests at the Kick Off Luncheon had a blast posing as United Way superheroes
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The United Way theme, "Be A Superhero For Change" was a hit at this year's Kick Off Luncheon. CIBC employees, along with countless others posed with superhero cut-outs. Swing by our office if you're interested in having your picture taken as a superhero!
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"Being a part of the Camp Alexo programs (funded by United Way) brought out a person who I'd never thought I would be. I have learned a lot and have done many things that I thought I would never do. I came out of my comfort zone, gained more skills, and built closer relationships with friends and family. Through the Counsellor in Training program, I was able to meet new people, build memories and commitment. It was a lot of work, and was stressful at times but with everyone's support and positive attitude it got easier. I love working with children. I have learned to be myself and have the confidence to reach out to others."
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| There is a lot of research that goes into the funding of each agency and program involved with United Way. By staying in constant communication with our partner agencies and the communities they support, United Way volunteers and staff get up-to-date statistics which allow us to identify what the specific needs are and how we can best empower the success of each dollar raised.
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