Oh what a year it's been!
| We thought we would take some time to reflect on some of the special moments from the past 12 months. Here are just a few moments that we won't forget:
- Funding three new agencies to help ensure kids can be all that they can be
- Providing 3 year funding to a portion our agencies for the first time in 10 years
- Securing over $35,000 for the Leadership Matching Challenge
- Declaring everyone "Superheroes for Change"
- Seeing United Way banners over every bridge in Red Deer
- Opening funding for all Central Alberta agencies to help move people from poverty to possibility
- Watching an exciting game of street hockey for United Way on a warm fall day
- Seeing a day of test drives result in over $4,000 to United Way
- Receiving a cheque from our number one supporter that was $80,000 more than last year.
- Hearing the news that our co-chair, Buck Buchanan had a heart attack (he's OK!)
- Being moved to tears after hearing what an impact we've had to people in our community
- Wondering why we scheduled at 7:30am campaign cabinet meeting when the scotch tasting event was the night before.
- Our board members' reaction when he saw himself featured in all our marketing materials as a super hero.
It's been an exciting year, filled with many special moments, great conversations, and hard work. We are constantly in awe of the generous people in our community, who tirelessly give of their time and money. If we haven't said it before, thank you for being a part of the United Way movement, and for caring about your community.
Please note that the office will be closed from December 24th, opening again on January 2nd. Donations can be made on-line www.caunitedway.ca or via cheque by mail to 4811 48 Street, Red Deer, AB T4N 1S6.
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For the past several weeks, we have been providing weekly updates on the progress of Campaign and while this has been a major focus for staff and volunteers over the past few months, there is another group that has been working hard to open our From Poverty to Possibility - Income funding area. United Way has been collecting applications from agencies looking to receive funding for programs and services that help those who are facing various hardships. Starting in the new year, Community Impact Council volunteers will be assessing all applications face to face. This is the second year that United Way is opening funding to applications. For more information, see here.
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| Workplace campaigns are beginning to wrap up and United Way staff and volunteers are excited to see the results. London Drugs and Scott Builders are just two of the many campaigns that have completed their campaigns and both campaigns were up this year!
Congratulations to London Drugs for their campaign increase of over $2,500. Each year, in addition to running a workplace campaign, employees welcome Darth Vader into the store to take pictures with customers. All proceeds go to United Way.
Also, congratulations to Scott Builders on their campaign, which increased by over $5,500. Their employees are really engaged in making a difference in the community, and understand the impact their donations have.
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 United Way Is Looking For An Energetic Person To Join The Staff Team
| Do you know someone who is interested in working for a well recognized organization while giving back to their community? United Way is looking for an energetic individual to join us on a 12 month contract as a Resource Development Associate.
See here for more details.
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Thank You To All Our Volunteers
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On December 5, we hosted our second organization wide volunteer celebration event, to recognize the hard work of everyone involved with United Way. Volunteers from the Board, Campaign Cabinet, Community Impact Council and Client Ambassadors joined us for a movie night at Carnival Cinemas.This event brought all volunteers together to celebrate one another's achievements and provided an opportunity for stronger understanding of how all different volunteer roles contribute to creating lasting change in Central Alberta.
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Your Dollars At Work
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Your donations help to support the Aboriginal wellness program, MIH-CET NATAW-HO AKOHPA (or Many Healing Blankets) at Safe Harbour Society. Safe Harbour has been in the news recently regarding its shelter programs, but it offers so much more to our community. To achieve long-term healing the elders of the Many Healing Blankets program offer a variety of opportunities for individuals to move from a place of trauma and simply surviving, to thriving and a sense of connection and balance. Individuals are able to become sober and mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually healthy, which helps them move forward in life.
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| ...if you donate before December 31, you will receive a tax receipt that can be used towards your 2013 taxes. If you would like to donate, you can do so online at www.caunitedway.ca or by mailing a cheque but please make sure it is postmarked before December 31, 2013.
If you are interested in dropping off a donation, please be aware that our office will be closed from December 24 - January 1, opening again January 2.
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Save The Date
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December 24, 2013 - January 1, 2014United Way Office closed for holidays January 16, 2014
Campaign Touchdown Details TBD
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Photo Of The Month
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Our 3rd annual Scotch tasting event raised over $15,000 for the United Way campaign. Below, Linda Wilson is ready to pour the premium tasting selections.
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Annie came to Safe Harbour after being homeless to utilize the detox treatment program. She was encouraged to participate in the Many Healing Blankets Aboriginal program. Annie began going to sharing circles and the weekly Wellbriety program. After completing her detox program, Annie continues her recovery and wellness journey by going to circles and sweats. She is also working on her independence and attaining her own residence. Annie now visits her daughter, who is in the care of a family member. Thanks to the United Way funded program, Annie is on a path of success and healing.
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