Say that ten times quickly!  Back to school  marks a very busy time for most of us in the community - even if you don't have school age children, it's often a busy time at work,  volunteer meetings resume, and of course everyone is getting ready for the United Way fundraising campaign.

We've got a fun-filled campaign ready for you, starting off with the Kick Off at the Sheraton Hotel on September 11th, and there is still time to get your tickets! click here to purchase tickets. We also have free training sessions available to those lucky folks who will be organizing their campaign this year, with room still available on September 18th and 24th. We promise you will leave energized to run your campaigns.
Employee Campaign Coordinator Training

We already know that NOVA Chemicals, our biggest supporter, will be kicking off their workplace campaign next month, as will the City of Red Deer, and more to be announced!

Back to school also means that the Big Brothers, Big Sisters mentorship programs come back into action, and we know they are looking for volunteers to help with this program.  The Tools for School program is also in full swing and in need of both volunteers and donations.

It's a busy time of year, but also our favourite - we get to see just how amazing and generous our community is, and we promise to share the best stories with you.

United Way partnered with Red Deer's Kia dealership for the 2014 Kia Drive Change promotion. Kia Drive Change in Red Deer took place from July 21st to August 21, 2014. $100 of every new Kia vehicle sold between these dates supported United Way, with the final tally to United Way of $5,000.

Scott Kia is an important partner in the Central Alberta community. All of the dealerships in the Scottsville group of companies engage their employees every year to help make the annual United Way campaign a success. The dealerships have over 70% employee participation rate and run a very effective campaign. "We really want to celebrate the incredible work that United Way is doing to help make Central Alberta communities strong. Together we're able to help support the most vulnerable people who need help," stated Garret Scott, "I am quite comfortable saying that United Way as an organization and as a community partner is giving us the best return on our investment."

The Scott Kia's Drive Change promotion ended on August 21st with a BBQ hosted by Scott Kia, with all donated proceeds to United Way.

UPS is the first to kick off their United Way campaign this year. On August 13, Ian Berg invited United Way staff and a Client Ambassador to speak at their morning safety briefing. Jennifer Forrest highlighted the strong UPS campaign last year, made the case for support and passed it over to Scott Raabis, our Client Ambassador. 

 

Scott spoke about his struggles with schizophrenia and homelessness before he sought help from the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta and other United Way partner agencies.  His life is better because of the support from the agencies, and indirectly employees from UPS and other workplaces in Central Alberta. Scott is taking advantage of various skills programs that are offered by United Way partner agencies. He has even signed up with Bull Skit Comedy to try his hand at Improv and Sketch Comedy. The annual United Way  workplace campaigns in Central Alberta are an integral to support the agencies and programs that are important for people like Scott.  

 

We thanked Ian for giving us his time, realizing the punctuality requirements of his job, quickly took a photo with all the staff behind the United Way banner and the brown trucks roared off with the days' deliveries. 

 

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United Way CEO Robert Mitchell in the dunk tank at the Women's Outreach Tools for School Barbeque. Jennifer Forrest is winding up to nail the trigger.