 A 50 Year Partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association
In 1966, Red Deer had a population of 25,752 and according to an article written by Michael Dawe for the Red Deer Advocate's Centennial Book, Red Deer was officially declared the fourth-largest city in Alberta. There was a lot of civic pride at reaching that status, as Red Deer had been booming since the end of the Second World War.
At the same time, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) began operating in Red Deer, and United Way Central Alberta funded CMHA from its outset. This year CMHA is ... read the full article.
|
Investing in People: One Man's Story of Hope
I was injured in December of 2013 after a fall. My spinal cord was crushed at the C-3 level which leaves me with very little use of my arms and no use of my legs at all. After spending close to 7 months in rehabilitation the time to make the transition to home was approaching.
I was quite scared to leave the security of the hospital and wasn't sure what life would be like at home. Thankfully, I was covered under workman's compensation and my home was renovated before I arrived, but that was the least of my concerns. I was more worried about how my wife and children would accept me.
In the Foothills hospital I met a lady that works with Canadian Paraplegic Association (now the Spinal Cord Injury Association or SCI) and she assured me that there would be somebody from Red Deer that I could talk to. Three days after I got home I received a call from Doug at the Red Deer branch and he wanted to come out to meet me. I was a little nervous at first because I didn't know what to expect or who this guy was.
What a relief to find out that we are the same age, he is married and has kids and he is a quadriplegic too. Even though he was injured almost 20 years earlier than I was, I could relate to him and he made sense to me.
He explained how the relationship between my wife and I would change and how I could still be a good dad; it's just going to be different. We talked a bit about not focusing on what I can't do, but what opportunities lay ahead for me and that there is a difference between being disabled and having a disability. Thanks to Doug and my family, I have been able to make the transition to my new life.
|
5th Annual Scotch Classic -- the Best Ever!
|
United Way's 5th Annual Scotch Classic event, presented by MNP was the best yet! Thanks to our Scotch distributors, over 45 bottles were offered for tasting, most of them Scotch but also a few Irish, bourbon, rye selections... and surprise.. two bottles of exceptional rum. Thanks to our line up of sponsors, participants also had the opportunity to bid on 8 premium bottles of Scotch as well as a Scotch Advent Calendar during the live auction, and another 18 Scotch were offered at the silent auction. A raffle with some great prizes rounded out the event fundraising. Another highlight this year was the VIP Scotch Tasting sponsored by Alberta Private Client (a division of ATB Financial) where participants were treated (for a price) to drams from all five Premium Scotches, including one bottle costing more than $3,000. Souvenir tasting glasses were sponsored by Liquor Crossing, and TD Canada Trust made sure everyone had a safe drive ho  me. And of course, there were also pipers, a highland dancer, and some great appetizers to round out the evening's offerings. Although the final tally hasn't been calculated down to cent, the event contributed over $25,000 to our 50th Anniversary Community Campaign. We have the volunteer Organizing Committee, chaired by the tireless Lars Rogers, to thank for the overall success. |
| |
Participants in the VIP Scotch Tasting are educated by Scotch expert David Michiels of Willow Park Wines & Spirits on how to savour each golden dram.
|
|
Campaign Moving Along Nicely
As United Way approaches the end of our 50th Anniversary Community Campaign, we are cautiously optimistic that we could almost match the $2.3 million we raised last year. The decreased donations from some major supporters in the natural resources sector so far appear to be off-set by new donations (Stantec, Keyera) and increased gifts from some loyal supporters (NOVA Chemicals, DOW/MEGlobal, General Electric (doing business as Quinn Pumps). Add to that the more than $25,000 raised from the 5th Annual Scotch Classic event, and we're tracking pretty much on par with last year. However, we're not at the finish line yet. The big banks are just beginning campaign and we're counting on them to keep the momentum going. So there's still time to contribute to the 2015 campaign if you haven't already! |
United Way Heroes 2015
|
As mentioned above, United Way Central Alberta's 50th Anniversary Campaign has been performing on par with last year as a result of the hero companies that have responded to our call for support. Although final tallies are not in yet, we estimate:
- NOVA Chemicals has increased campaign gifts by $19,000 above the $715,932 last year;
- MEGlobal, in addition to continuing its sponsorship for the Loaned Rep program for a third year, will finish campaign at about $10,000 higher than last year (DOW/MEGlobal);
- General Electric (doing business as Quinn Pumps) had a lot of fun during their campaigh and look to bring in about $5,000;
- Keyera launched their first campaign in Central Alberta will contribute an almost $10,000 to campaign; and
- Stantec, a brand new supporter will close its workplace campaign at around $38,000.
Altogether these increases add up to a whopping $82,000 -- a generous offering to help fill the gap in aid of those who can't give as much this year. Thank you for being our heroes!
|
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.
|
