January 2015

Vol 7, Issue 1

United Way Connects

Community Campaign a Success!

What a fantastic way to start 2015! Last week, we shared with you just how generous the people in Central Alberta are. We know that you couldn't all attend the Touchdown event, but wanted to share with you a video with some highlights of the fundraising campaign. Please enjoy!

United Way of Central Alberta Touchdown 2014

United Way 2014 Donations Exceed $2.3 Million

On January 22 at our annual celebration event, United Way revealed the grand total for the 2014 Campaign Donations -

$2,304,062. Thank you all for your amazing support!

Now we can put those funds to work in our communities. More dollars mean more effort to eradicate poverty and improve the lives of Central Albertans. Our dedicated Community Impact teams are busy evaluating the applications that will ensure your dollars deliver the most impact.

Read the full press release here.

Touchdown Celebration of Achievement, January 22

And The Winners Are...

Of course, all of our fabulous United Way supporters are "winners" in the best sense of the word, but every year at Touchdown we present certificates of recognition to the top workplace campaign performers.

This year's awards went to:

Top Three Workplace Campaigns:

NOVA Chemicals
DOW/MEGlobal
Shell Canada

Community Builder - Sustained Growth:

MNP
RBC Royal Bank (100+employees)

Community Builder - Significant Growth:

WEL-CAN Welding and Fabrication
Finning Canada (100+employees)

Welcome Aboard:

SGS Canada

Thank You Enmax!

On Jan 17th, Enmax and United Way hosted Central Alberta Refugee Effort (CARE) at the Rebels hockey game against the Regina Pats, in the Enmax Suite.

It was a thrilling game for the CARE volunteers and students, as the game went into overtime and then a penalty shoot out which the Red Deer Rebels eventually won!

It was the first time some of those attending had seen a live Hockey game, and they loved it. They were very engaged with the game and thankful for the opportunity to watch it in such style.

211 Phone Service Coming in Feb.

We are very pleased to announce that the City of Red Deer has partnered with United Way and Alberta 211 to provide three-year funding for 211 Phone service in Red Deer.

You may remember that we launched the online service for 211 www.ab.211.ca last June. This will continue to be available for the entire region. We are hopeful that the City of Red Deer's commitment to fund the phone service will inspire other local municipalities to follow suit and fund 211 phone service in their local communities.

The launch date for the phone line service in Red Deer is set for Feb 26th at 10am in the Snell Auditorium. All are welcome to attend.

211 is an easy-to-remember 3 digit phone number that connects people to a full range of community, health, government and social service information in one call.

211 is free, confidential, multilingual and available 24 hours a day.

Help is just a click away. www.ab.211.ca

Supporting People Through the Years

Recently, a former client came in to the Association for Communities Against Abuse to see a therapist he had worked with over 20 years earlier.

We first saw John* when he was eight years old. He had been molested by a stepfather and step grandfather for over a year. As soon as his mother discovered what was happening, she moved John and his brother back to her parents' home, and turned to the Association for help. Initially, a therapist worked with John for a year and a half, and then he returned for further therapy when he was 15 years old because he was having flashbacks, nightmares, trouble sleeping and eating. He was able to work with the same therapist over the next few years.

Now... five years after he last saw the therapist, John came back to report that he had been accepted into a Social Work Program, has a steady girlfriend and is doing well.

It is not often that the Association gets to follow the progress of a child we have worked with over so many years. When we are able to hear these stories it reminds us, "This is why we do what we do!"

*names have been changed

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Help is just a click away. www.ab.211.ca

In This Issue

Robert Mitchell, CEO of United Way Central Alberta cuts the 50th Anniversary cake.

Photo Of The Month

Let them eat cake! Heading into its 50 year, United Way of Central Alberta will celebrate this Anniversary throughout 2015

Did you know...?

Each year, 1 in 5 people in Canada experiences a mental health problem or illness. Most people suffer in silence for fear of being judged. United Way Canada is a partner in the Bell Let's Talk initiative to end the stigma around mental health. Find out how you can make a difference at Bell Let's Talk.

There are several great video testimonials on the site - some from well-know people, like Howie Mandel.

Your Dollars at Work

We all need support when dealing with the loss of a loved one or experiencing an unyielding amount of stress or struggle with an ongoing mental illness.

United Way is proud to invest in programs that help people in times of crisis or those with ongoing challenges, such as schizophrenia. Through support of the local Schizophrenia Society, your dollars are making a difference in the lives of many facing such crises.

Rounding Up Your Purchases Could Add to Your Donations

ChangeIt� recently partnered with BMO Bank of Montreal to launch a new donation platform for their customers. By signing up on-line, you can automatically round up your purchases each time you make a transaction on your debit or credit card.

At United Way, we think it's a great way to add to your current donation plan. If you are already making a donation off your pay each month, this is a great way to add a little bit more without feeling the pinch. You might be surprised how much your donation totals at the end of the year!

We encourage you to read more about it and consider signing up.

You'll notice that one of the charities you can donate to is United Way of Central Alberta (of course!)