August 2015 

   Vol 7, Issue 8


United Way Connects

GetMovingTime to Get Moving
Yes, can you believe it, it is that time of year again? The 2015, 50th Anniversary campaign is almost upon us! We will be launching the campaign on Thursday September 10th at our Kickoff Luncheon, and if you haven't got your tickets already, you can purchase them here.

Due to the current economic conditions the Campaign is taking on a greater significance than usual. More than ever we need your support because the demand for funding will be much higher this year. This is generally the case when the economy takes a downturn and the demand on services from the agencies and programs we fund increases.

It may be a little harder to dig that little bit deeper this year, but consider that there will be many who have lost employment and are unable to support the campaign. We are hoping that those already engaged will increase their gift if they can, and that some will return to supporting United Way. Together, we can continue to ensure that the vital social services are in place when we need them.
 
On that note, at the Kickoff Luncheon we will be showing a 50th Anniversary timeline video  which showcases United Way Central Alberta's impact over the last 50 years. Make sure you get your Kickoff Luncheon tickets to be one of the first to see this video and keep a lookout for other interesting "50th facts" throughout this newsletter.

1998 Kick-Off Team ready to "lead the charge."
Photo courtesy of the Red Deer Advocate.
bythenumbers50 Years - By the Numbers


What can Central Alberta achieve in half a century? We have some numbers that speak for themselves.

 

In 1965, the "United Fund" began collecting donations in Red Deer. Canvassers going door-to-door and working with local business raised a goal-busting $60,000 for local agencies. With an average of about 4% inflation, that's over $480,000 in 2015 terms, an astounding amount of money for a first-time fundraiser. At that point, there was no looking back and donations steadily increased. It took 36 years of determination to hit the $1,000,000 campaign mark, and only seven more years to double that amount.

 

The area's population has quadrupled over the past 50 years, and Central Albertans are keeping up their generous pace. In the last nine years, United Way Central Alberta raised more campaign dollars than the first 40 years combined. Year after year we continue to be gratefully amazed by the incredible generous spirit in which these donations are offered.

 

It's More About the Impact

Those numbers are remarkable and quite easy to track. Even more remarkable is the number of people whose lives are impacted because of the work of the agencies we fund.   

  • 1000s of children have gained confidence and had enriching summer camp experiences at Camp Alexo.
  • 1000s more have learned about the benefits of avoiding tobacco.
  • 100s of refugees and immigrants to Central Alberta yearly receive the help they need to get connected with the community
  • 100% of women in the community have a place to call for information and safety from domestic violence.  

This is just a snapshot of a fraction of people whose lives are currently positively changed by the generosity of their community in supporting the United Way, and the numbers don't lie.  

 

50 Years X Community Impact = Real Change.

1975 Morley Spelman paints a sign to track progress towards the fundraising goal. Today it's more about the impact United Way can create than the total dollars raised. However, the more funds raised, the more community investments we can make. Please give generously.
                                   - Photo courtesy of the Red Deer Advocate.
toolupTool Up for a Successful Workplace Campaign
 
Did you know that we offer a helpful training session for staff who are running workplace campaigns?

Also known as the Employee Campaign Co-ordinator (ECC) training, we offer a free two-hour training session to review best practices on how to run a successful campaign. Whether you have been running your campaign for 10 years, or just volunteered for the first time, we can provide you with some great tools that will make your role easier, and allow you to be that much more successful. 
 
Two training dates remain: September 17th - for returning ECC's & September 23rd for new ECC's. 

Please e-mail [email protected] to reserve your spot today.
 
participationFocus on Participation
This year when times are a bit tougher than usual, don't lose heart! You can always focus on encouraging participation. A little bit from a lot of people really adds up. So get as many folks as possible signed up for payroll deductions and help us hit another home run at United Way Central Alberta!

Here are the award winners from last year:
 
Award Level  Company
Excellence     Alberta Motor Association - Bremner Branch
Excellence     Suncor Energy Foundation
Excellence     RBC Dominion Securities
Excellence     RBC Royal Bank - Red Deer Main Branch
Excellence     Bank Of Montreal - Lacombe Branch
Excellence     CIBC - Stettler Branch
Excellence     United Way of Central Alberta
Gold               CIBC - Ponoka Branch
Gold               Canadian Western Bank
Gold               CIBC - Sylvan Lake Branch
Gold               Agrium
Gold               CIBC - Olds Branch
Gold               Costco Wholesale Ltd.
Gold               United Parcel Service
Gold               Bank of Montreal - Olds Branch
Gold               RBC Royal Bank - Sylvan Lake Branch
Gold               TD Canada Trust - Wetaskiwin Branch
Silver              Canada Brokerlink
Silver              Swainson Alexander Llp
Silver              Golden Circle
Bronze            ATB Financial-North Gaetz Crossing Branch
Merit               CIBC - Rocky Mountain House Branch
Merit               CIBC - Gaetz Avenue & 22nd Street Branch
Merit               CIBC - Lacombe Branch
Merit               CIBC - Crossfield Branch
Merit               CIBC - Maskwacis Branch
Merit               TD Canada Trust - Coronation Branch
Merit              Johnson Inc - Community Savings Insurance

Thanks to everyone. Your participation means a lot! 

 heartfeltA Heartfelt Note from April
I can't thank you enough for helping Raven this year. I just can't afford all the supplies the school asks for and I feel so bad when she always has to borrow from other kids. I hope she will worry less about being different and feel more confident at school. Thank you so so so much.
                                                                              - April  
 


Help is just a click away. 
www.ab.211.ca
In This Issue
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Photo Of The Monthphotoofthemonth 
1974 Kick-Off. From left to right, Bill Tronnes, Mayor R.E. Barrett, Frank Mode, Dave Andison.

Gotta love those pants Bill!
Photo courtesy of the Red Deer Advocate. 
Did you know...? didyouknow

 Calls to 2-1-1 are increasing every month.  One in every five callers asked for help with Income Support and Employment.  Another 20% requested information about Organizations and Community Services. 

Help is available 24-7 by phone at 2-1-1 in Red Deer, and at ab.211.ca across Central Alberta.
 

Cool_DudsDid You Buy Your 50th Gear Yet?
To celebrate our 50th anniversary, United Way Central Alberta has some very cool 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!


Note these special dates in your calendar.

ORIENTATION FOR NEW EMPLOYEE CAMPAIGN COORDINATORS
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: United Way Board Room

ORIENTATION FOR EXPERIENCED EMPLOYEE CAMPAIGN COORDINATORS
Thursday, September 17, 2015
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: United Way Board Room
CAMPAIGN KICK OFF LUNCHEON

Thursday, September 10, 2015
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Location: Sheraton Hotel
5th ANNUAL SCOTCH CLASSIC
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Starts at 5:30
Location: Pidherney Centre
dontforgetDon'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.