October 2014

Vol 6, Issue 10

United Way Connects

Together We Are Bringing The Change!

Over the last few months, our volunteers and staff have had the pleasure of visiting hundreds of employees across Central Alberta, and it's interesting to see how each workplace embraces the United Way campaign in their own way. Each time we visit a different company we learn a little bit more about the companies we partner with and also meet with some amazing people along the way. All of them rallying to "Get Off the Bench" and bring positive change to Central Alberta.

We've gone from having a dinner meeting with employees from Enterprise Rent-a-Car, to getting up at six am to head out to the Shell Canada plant in Caroline. Usually we say a few words about where the money is invested in Central Alberta, and what impact your donations have in the community. We also bring a client ambassador who has a story to share about how their lives were directly impacted by the dollars invested in United Way.

Sometimes we do these presentations before their office opens for the day like we did for ATB in Sylvan Lake; sometimes we'll talk to the employees during the lunch hour like we did for Studon Electric and Control and Parkland Industries. Other times, we catch them while they are on a quick break like we did for Brandt Tractor.

Whatever the case might be for you, if you want to hear more about the impact that a donation can have, we can work with your schedule to be sure you and your colleagues learn a little bit more about United Way and the impact donor dollars are making.

Give us a call to schedule a United Way presentation before your campaign comes to and end!

Sockey Night in Red Deer

United Way of Central Alberta, Telus, and the Red Deer Rebels are partnering again for this year's Sockey Night in Red Deer!. On Saturday, November 15, the general public is invited to come and support United Way while cheering on their favourite local hockey team. Come see us at the Telus corner on game night.

Similar to previous years, hockey fans will have the opportunity to purchase socks, or fans can bring their own new socks to throw on the ice during the second intermission. These socks will be distributed after the game to at-risk populations in Red Deer through our member agencies. By purchasing or donating socks, fans will also be entered into a prize draw. Each year, it is the sponsors that help make this event a success by providing gift-in-kind and cash sponsorships. A shout out to this years' confirmed supporter's of Sockey Night in Red Deer:
The Red Deer Rebels, Telus, Redcore, Soderquist Appraisals, Rezone and Target Safety.

Shell Canada Campaign Kickoff

Shell Canada employees and their families are the driving force behind the long-standing relationship with United Way. Employees, retirees, and their families give generously of their time, talents, and money. Shell Canada also matches the dollars raised by employees and retirees.

Before dawn on October 1, 2014 United Way Central Alberta staff and a client ambassador traveled to the Caroline Gas Complex to present at the annual Shell Canada United Way campaign kickoff. The early morning kickoff presentation was well attended and well received by Shell Canada staff. The Shell Canada workplace campaign here in Central Alberta is working hard to increase participation every year. "We have a strong relationship with United Way. The United Way presentation and speakers at our kickoff this year helped us engage our staff for a more successful season. We learned a lot more about how United Way impacts our community," says Marcie Nieman from Shell, "During the presentation questions came up about United Way in rural communities, the 211 initiative, and how United Way partner agencies reach out and impact us right now. The workplace presentation did a great job answering some of those questions."

Shell Canada staff and United Way speakers having fun

at the kickoff.

Workplace presentations have proven to be the single most powerful way in which United Way can engage employees and create a more successful campaign. A presentation is a strategic tool and can be tailored to different workplaces. It highlights the work that is taking place in our communities and the social issues that are being addressed. The workplace presentation also gives feedback to United Way staff and allows us to personally thank donors for their kind support. No matter where you are in our Central Alberta community, if you or your staff want to strengthen your campaign please contact us at 403.343.3900 to schedule a workplace presentation today.

The Golden Circle, Helping Seniors Live Independently

The outreach team at the Golden Circle works closely with clients and family to ensure that seniors have the resources to be able to to live safely with dignity and respect.

John* first came to the Golden Circle Outreach program because he was living in a hotel. He could not find housing. John had no food, and he was running out of money. One of our outreach coordinators immediately began working with this senior. Together they worked with the Department of Veterans Affairs to get John connected to a program which helps veterans access home support. They also connected John to Alberta Senior Benefits to ensure that he received all that he was entitled to. Through the outreach program, John received groceries and frozen meals until he received the money that he was entitled to. With his outreach coordinator, John was able to make a housing application. Although his situation was becoming more stable, John's health condition deteriorated and he ended up in hospital. His sister, Mary* has since gotten involved with John's care and the outreach coordinator has been providing Mary with information and assistance in planning for John's care.

*names have been changed

Day of Caring^TM, ConocoPhillips At The Golden Circle.

Each year, volunteers throughout the Central Alberta community come together to give their time, energy and skills to many United Way partner agencies. On Wednesday October 1, staff from ConocoPhillips Canada served lunch to seniors at the Golden Circle. ConocoPhillips Canada staff saw first-hand how their gifts and support help seniors in our community. The lunch, along with providing a wholesome meal, brings together friends to socialize and have a laugh.

Day of Caring^TM is designed to give donors a better understanding of how lives are positively impacted across Central Alberta. United Way supporters learn about the issues facing our region by getting to see first-hand how their gifts are helping prevent child poverty, bullying and senior isolation. "The United Way Campaign is one of the ways NOVA Chemicals "lends a hand" to improve the overall quality of life in our Central Alberta communities. We are pleased to include their Day of Caring program in our campaign. It is a great opportunity to provide a community service and increase awareness of the agencies and the many valuable services they provide in our communities," says Gwen Clarke from NOVA Chemicals, "We have been recognized as the largest combined employee and corporate contributor to the United Way of Central Alberta for the last few years." Companies and employees can make a difference by volunteering their time as well as resources. Every hour that a person volunteers, and every project completed, translates into dollars that an agency can shift from its operating budget to client services. To learn more or to get involved click here.

Cheryl Murphy Memorial Donations

The United Way Central Alberta (UWCA) would like to gratefully acknowledge the many donations we received in honour of Cheryl Murphy, who passed away September 23, 2014. Cheryl is a former UWCA Board Member and was chair of the Campaign Cabinet in 1994. She also went on to sit on the National Board of Directors for United Way of Canada. Many of Cheryl's family and friends made donations to UWCA in lieu of flowers. This most appreciated gift will enable us to make a greater impact in the communities we support.

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In This Issue

We Are Bring The Change

Sockey Night in Red Deer

Save The Date

Shell Canada Campaign Kickoff

The Golden Circle

ConocoPhillips Day of Caring

Save The Date

United Way Days End, Oct 31, 2015

The Hub Soup Luncheon, Nov 5, 2014

Sockey Night Nov 15, 2014

4th Annual Scotch Classic Nov 20, 2014

Photo Of The Month

Volunteers from the DOW/MEGlobal campaign team pose with the United Way banner after a staff sandwich lunch. This was one of the events that DOW/MEGlobal hosted in support of their United Way workplace campaign. Costs for the meal were covered by the company, $5 cost for each employee was added for the group's special event fundraising. The reason for the event was to remind employees to get their payroll deduction forms filled out. Each year DOW/MEGlobal encourages their employees to donate through payroll deduction and run special events to promote their United Way campaign. This year DOW/MEGlobal raised a record amount in special event funds and had a high level of volunteer support.

Did you know...?

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 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

At the John Howard Society (JHS) we help clients replace missing identification, which are barriers to employment, housing and health care. We also work closely with the Red Deer Housing Team to ensure JHS clients are able to find a stable housing, which unfortunately can take a while if there is a lack of housing stock. Being new to the community, Stuart* needed help to establish his Alberta Health Care and other primary ID documents in order to set up a bank account. With the help of Gordon at JHS, Stuart was able to develop a plan for income support, employment, and other community supports such as medical, mental health and cultural supports. While waiting for stable housing, Gordon assisted Stuart to access temporary accommodations from Horizon House and People's Place Shelter. The Red Deer Housing Team assisted him with finding a permanent residence. Stuart is moving forward to a more stable future...one step at a time.

*names have been changed.

Become A PIT Crew Member

Make a difference by becoming a PIT crew member today! We are looking for volunteers to join one of our Priority Impact Teams (PIT crews). It is the PIT crew that recommends how donor dollars should be invested. It's a great way to learn about your community and the impact that United Way has in building strong, resilient communities. To learn more click on our PIT Crew Advert