November 2015 

   Vol 7, Issue 11  

United Way Connects

We're already feeling the effects of Holiday Cheer! Everywhere around us, we see people enjoying all that our communities have to offer - festivals, holiday parties, sledding, building snowmen and spreading a lot of joy to everyone around them.

We also have the privilege of witnessing some amazing acts of generosity - which happens on a daily basis. It's an honour to serve the community through our work at United Way, where we truly believe we can have a lasting positive impact on the lives of those in our community.

I hope you enjoy reading about some of the fundraising activities, impact stories, and additional ways you can continue to support United Way Central Alberta.
 CMHAA 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.

 

 

ONEMANInvesting 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.

WHISKEY5th 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 home. 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.

CAMPAIGNMOVINGCampaign 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!

HEROESUnited 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!  

 
DONTDon'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.



Help is just a click away.  www.ab.211.ca
In This Issue
 
Photo Of The Monthphotoofthemonth 
October 2003 - NOVA Chemicals
Kelly Gervais (on ladder) and Sanju Joshua from NOVA Chemicals cheerfully participate in one of three Day of Caring™ events planned for the fall of 2003. Central Alberta Women's Outreach was the lucky recipient of the free paint job.
Photo courtesy of the Red Deer Advocate. 
THANKYOUA big THANK YOU to all our Scotch Classic sponsors for another successful event!


DIDYOUKNOWDid you know...? didyouknow

A UNITED WAY
PARTNER 

Due to the closing of Berachah Place in Red Deer this year, the Safe Harbour Society will run a seasonal Warming Centre from 8am to 5pm for those who need shelter from the cold. The Society was given permission by City Council to locate a modular structure on their premises at 5256 53 Avenue for this purpose.

A long term solution still needs to be found, but this warm and welcoming shelter is now receiving guests for the 2015-2016 winter season.   
DOLLARSYour Dollars at Work
Your donation helps to support the inclusion of persons with disabilities. $100 provides a customized one hour presentation on designing environments to be usable by all people without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
GIFTCATALOGAnnouncing United Way's New Gift Catalog

On Giving Tuesday (December 1st), United Way Central Alberta will launch a new online Gift Catalog that will enable you to make a charitable donation as a gift on behalf of a friend or family member.

  The Gift Catalog will give donors the opportunity to support specific areas of United Way's work in our three investment areas:
  • Education - enabling kids to be all they
    can be,
  • Income - moving people from poverty to possibility, and
  • Wellness - promoting healthy people and strong communities.

Examples of the initial gifts available are: After School Fun (Education), Safe Place to Sleep (Income), and Support for Independence (Wellness). Donations range from $25 to $200.  

 

Although strategically launched around the holiday giving season, the catalog will be expanded and available year round. Please keep a look out for further details on our social media feeds and on our website.

TOUCHDOWN
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Stay tuned for details.

INVOLVEDGet Involved
Are you a passionate individual with a strong sense of what will help your community grow and prosper? Then we need you!

We are looking for volunteers to join one of our Priority Impact Teams (PIT) -- the important people who
recommend how United Way should invest donor dollars.

It's a great way to learn about your community and the impact that United Way has in building strong, resilient communities.

Make a difference by becoming a PIT crew member today!