Getting Back To Busy
|
For most of us, this time of year is when we really get back to being busy with sports, school and work and we're already thinking of the many holidays coming up in the next few months. The United Way Resource team and Volunteer Campaign Cabinet are also at their busiest, supporting and connecting to workplaces who fundraise for United Way. Was it only two weeks ago that we launched the campaign? Time flies when you're having fun! We appreciate all those who purchased tickets to this event, and shared in our excitement to launch the campaign. This year, we were able to start the campaign off with $231,000 already pledged! If you haven't had a chance to see our campaign video yet, please click here. With so many exciting things happening, we encourage you to connect with us through our website, facebook and twitter accounts which can be found at the bottom of this newsletter.
|
|
United Way's 4th Annual Scotch Classic presented by MNP
|
The Fourth Annual United Way Scotch Classic is taking place on November 20th, 2014. Along with sampling unique and quality scotch, David Michiels will be sharing his extensive knowledge with us. The event will also host a silent and live auction, both will include a wide variety of quality Scotch whiskies, and a raffle. All proceeds from this event will support United Way Central Alberta's fundraising campaign. This year's Scotch Classic will take place at the Pidherney Centre. Tickets are on sale now click here. For more information please see the press release here. |
Finning Family Day Car Crush for Charity
|
The Finning Center of Excellence (COE) hosted a car crush for charity during their family day barbeque on Sunday September 14. The day was also used to mark the kickoff to their United Way campaign. The Finning COE has been in the Red Deer community for nearly seven years. Their facility covers approximately 200,000 square feet of space that Finning acquired when it bought Collicutt Energy Services Ltd.
Since the Finning COE facility opened, their United Way campaign participation rate has steadily increased, and their corporate contribution matches their employee donations to United Way dollar for dollar. This year's car crush was the first of its kind in Red Deer. "We are constantly trying to find new ways of supporting our community. Raising awareness about United Way and becoming a partner with them, and making it fun for our employees at the same time, is extremely important for us," explained plant manager Scott Wakefield. Everyone enjoyed watching the bulldozer make a pancake out of the donated car. Click here to see a video of the car crush.
|
|
Julietta's Place
| |
I have only been at Julietta's Place for about a month and a half. Before that I was in a women's shelter for 5 weeks with my 4 children and my granddaughter. This is my story - I was in a mentally, verbally, emotionally and physically abusive relationship for 6 years. The abuse was worse when he was coming down from a binge and he would threaten to take the children or leave me stranded at home, which is out of town, without a vehicle. The control he had over me continued even after I left him and he spent time in jail, including threatening texts and phone calls. When he threatened to burn down my house, I made the decision to stop the abuse. After a stint in the shelter I was referred to Julietta's Place so that I could continue receiving support to end the violence. If I need to talk or want help with a problem or if I just need to vent the 24 hour support is so helpful. Everyone that I have had any contact with has been so kind and never made me feel inadequate in any way.
Now my children feel safe and can start living normal lives without the fear of wanting to protect their mom, they can just be kids like normal kids. I did not realize the emotional affect his abusive behaviour had on my children. Julietta's place and funding from United Way is making it possible for me to see my children relax and start to enjoy the little things. Every day they heal a little more. I'm not saying every day is perfect and my life is easy now, but United Way has made it possible for myself and people like me to exist in a place where I feel safe, where I can focus on healing for my children and I.
|
|
|
United Way Days are upon us again. The Days are an easy and exciting opportunity for companies and businesses to partner with one of the most recognized non-profit organizations in Canada by raising money and awareness for United Way. We ask that local businesses donate a portion of their proceeds from a menu item, retail item or create a point of sale promotion.
When a business partners with United Way, we will do our best to ensure that the community knows about their fundraising efforts and their community support. We promote the business by communicating with hundreds of donors through our newsletter, facebook, twitter feed and on our website. The story of United Way Days here in Central Alberta can be followed at #uwcadays, click here to see United Way Days participants.
|
| Kickoff Lunch Sponsors |
United Way would like to thank all of our sponsors for the Kick off Lunch on September 11 at the Sheraton Hotel. Platinum Sponsor: Sheraton Hotel. Silver Sponsors: Openhwy, REaction Marketing, Willson Audio Visual, Enmax. Bronze Sponsors: Dave Brunner Fine Art Photography, Red Deer & District Labour Council, ING & McKEE Insurance. A special thank you goes out to the all the radio station staff who volunteered to host and sell tickets. Lock and Tony from Zed 99 won the award for selling most raffle tickets. Judging by the feedback the event was a great and very entertaining success. Thank you to everyone who worked hard to fit the pieces into place for things to run smoothly.
|
Living With Schizophrenia
Many of you may remember Scott Raabis from the United Way Kickoff Lunch where he gave a heart warming story of his struggle with schizophrenia. Growing up Scott had what most would consider a normal childhood, he was a gifted student and spent most of his free time playing soccer and learning music. Things began to change after Scott graduated high school; he began to notice something wasn't right when he went backpacking across Europe.
When Scott got back from his trip across Europe he immediately started his post-secondary education at the University of Calgary. While at university Scott's friends began to notice that his personality had changed for the worse. Scott quit the varsity wrestling team and self-medicated using marijuana. Scott's first hospitalization was in Red Deer, initiated by his family. After a month of medication and professional health care, Scott moved into Potters Place. Ultimately, Scott quit the medication, began smoking pot again, got fired from his job as a cook, and got evicted from his apartment. Living in the Lions Campground was rock bottom. He tried to keep working as a labourer at a factory, but got fired from that job for being unsafe. With no home and no job, he abandoned his campsite with his belongings scattered about. Scott headed on a walk-about. It took Scott a very long time to understand that he has schizophrenia and that medication is a necessary part of treatment. With help from United Way partner agencies he is involved in the Partnership Education Program which gives him a chance to meet new people and share his story. The Schizophrenia Society is always supportive of him. Recently Scott joined Bullskit Comedy to try his hand at Improv and Sketch Comedy.
|
|
|
 |
|
Save The Date
| |
|
Photo Of The Month
| |
NOVA Chemicals' campaign team participated in an Amazing Race, touring United Way partner agencies in early September. The race was part of a team building exercise as they gear up for their month-long campaign starting October 1. Pictured here is one of the amazing race team's in front of Red Deer City Hall.
|
|
| |
United Way Is A Partner In Poverty Reduction
United Way is a partner in the Central Alberta Poverty Reduction Alliance (CAPRA). CAPRA members are working collaboratively to reduce the number of barriers that exist for persons living in poverty. The Alliance ensures that Central Alberta is a vibrant community where everyone thrives. Recently CAPRA has published a living wage report for Red Deer and Central Alberta. Learn more about CAPRA initiatives at their website www.capovertyreduction.ca
|
Your Dollars at Work
$100 will provide 2 hours of therapy for a family fleeing domestic violence; $100 will provide child care for a day so a mom fleeing domestic violence can work with support staff; $500 will sponsor the security at Julietta's Place for one year; $1000 will ensure there is client support for all families at Julietta's place for one month.
|
|
Point In Time Homeless Count
|
On October 16, 2014 The City of Red Deer, community partners, and volunteers will be part of Red Deer's second Point in Time Homeless Count, and the first Alberta-wide coordinated count. The Point in Time count provides i) a snapshot of sheltered and unsheltered homeless people in the community, ii) an opportunity to educate the broad range of stakeholders regarding homelessness, and iii) important data to help guide programs and services in the effort to end homelessness by 2018.
The goal is to have 200 people volunteer for the 2014 Point in Time Count. For more information and volunteering for this program please visit the City of Red Deer website here.
|
I RESPECT... CAMPAIGN
|
Why? I RESPECT.... CAMPAIGN
United Way funded agency Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) implements a program that defines who we are as individuals and what we are as a society. Without real respect towards other people, it becomes easy for humans to believe they have the right to inflict harm (verbal, physical or sexual) on individuals because they can. The vision of I RESPECT is to educate the public and prevent sexual assault rather than deal with the pain and emotional suffering after this crime has occurred. The program encourages people to take selfies and post it on social media #IRespectCASASC. The growth of the campaign is participants' pictures and statements of I RESPECT. To learn more please visit www.casasc.ca
|
|
|
