April 2015

Vol 7, Issue 4

United Way Connects

Inspiring Leadership

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader".

- John Quincy Adams

We are so lucky to see such amazing leadership throughout this organization. Whether you give a Leadership gift ($1,000 or more), step forward to lead your United Way workplace campaign, or volunteer on a United Way committee, you are helping this organization and our community "do more and become more" because of your leadership. Thank you to all the past, current and future Leaders of our community.

Introducing...

The New Community Impact Legacy Fund

Now you can create a lasting legacy with United Way through the new Community Impact Legacy Fund.

Legacy funds are invested to generate income that will be used to enhance the impact of campaign donations each year. United Way will draw a modest percentage from the fund to support collective impact projects that are innovative, unique and address the root causes of social issues in one of our priority areas - Education, Income or Wellness. As the fund continues to grow, so will the collective impact.

United Way has been honoured with a number of estate gifts over the last few years, and those gifts will now have a lasting impact. The first investment from the fund will be made in September of this year. (Stay tuned for updates.)

For more information on how you can get started creating your legacy, call us at (403) 343-3900.

Read More...

How Big Are Your Feet? John Howard Society Can Help

"How big are your feet?" That's how the conversation usually starts for Gordon Wright and clients at the John Howard Society (JHS) in Red Deer.

JHS is one of only three agencies that have been funded every year by the United Way Central Alberta since the "United Fund" began in 1965.

Read full story...

1996 - Photo and article courtesy of the Red Deer Advocate.

Read the full 1996 article about JHS here.

Thanks to Our Leadership Matching Challenge Sponsors for Another Record Year

Thank you to four very generous sponsors who pledged to match new or increased Leadership donations up to $37,500: MNP, Warren Sinclair LLP, Canadian Tire North, and Drs. Alayne and Lawrence Farries.

We are very pleased that we were able to access all $37,500 in new or increased donations for 2014. In fact, the total amount of net new Leadership dollars was

$89,786.

The Results Are Inspiring

In 2014 Leadership giving ($754,196) made up 67% of all donations from employees or individuals ($1,248,010).

Leadership Donors Celebrate Together

At a reception hosted in their honour, United Way acknowledged the important contribution that our 410 Leadership donors made to the campaign success.

Leadership donors are individuals who personally gave $1,000 or more to the 2014 Campaign. As major donors, this group of individuals is the catalyst for multiplying donations through matching dollars from businesses or Leadership Matching Challenge sponsors.

Thanks to our generous event sponsors Mike and Nadine George and the Black Knight Inn, no donor dollars were used in hosting the event. Thanks to Dave Brunner Photography, we have some lovely photographs of the event!

If you would like to become part of the catalyst group, the entry level for Leadership in 2015 is $1,200.

Good company and lively conversation were enjoyed by all.

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

In This Issue

Photo Of The Month

November, 1968

- Red Deer Hospital proudly increases its support for United Way by 50%. (Remember when nurses wore white uniforms?)

Photo courtesy of the Red Deer Advocate.

Did you know...?

211 phone services

are delivered in over 160 languages.

Spread the Word

Spread the word about this important United Way initiative. We have cards and posters at the office that you can use to introduce clients to 211 online (across Central Alberta) and 211 phone service (a City of Red Deer sponsored project). Give us a call and let us know what you need:

(403) 343-3900

Your Dollars at Work

In 2015, for just $4 per pay, this is what you can buy.

Calling All United Way Enthusiasts...

It's official. Campaign Kick Off Luncheon is scheduled for September 10, 2015 at the Sheraton.

We need volunteers to help with this event, so if you're interested, give us a call at (403) 343-3900. Ask for Jennifer.

Cool 50th Anniversary Duds for Sale

To celebrate our 50th anniversary, United Way Central Alberta is offering some very nice branded outerwear for sale. Only the best quality is being offered.

If you're a United Way fan, you might want to acquire a piece of this limited edition finery!

Go shopping now!

Honouring Volunteers

As part of our support of the Volunteer Manager Network, a peer support group, United Way helped to create more local awareness of National Volunteer Week.

After collecting logos of non-profits agencies, we worked with a designer to come up with an image that illustrates the collective support of volunteers in the community. This poster was used by everyone to promote local volunteerism, as well as thank our wonderful volunteers.

Without volunteers, many organizations would not have the capacity to help in so many ways.

Save the Date

Note these special dates in your calendar.

CELEBRATING IMPACT

Thursday, May 7, 2015
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Parkland Mall
NB: Note the venue change!

UWCA 50th AGM

Thursday, June 18, 2015
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Pidherney Centre

CAMPAIGN KICK OFF LUNCHEON

Thursday, September 10, 2015
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Location: Sheraton Hotel

Don't Forget ...

Round Up!

It's just one of the many easy ways you can help your community.

Donate That Old Car

You can Donate a Car to UWCA online, or phone 1-877-250-4904 for assistance.