Do local good: United Way 2018 campaign kicks off today

What does it mean to do local good? The United Way of Calgary and Area’s 2018 campaign slogan is a call to lift up those around us who are struggling. From accessible housing, to immigration support, to legal guidance, the United Way invests in programs and collaborations that tackle root causes of social issues, connecting Calgarians with opportunities that help them flourish.

• 2017’s successful campaign raised $639,048. Above, from left: Shane Royal, campaign co-chair and director of Ancillary Services; Jackie Sieppert, 2017 campaign co-chair, and dean of the Faculty of Social Work; Diane Kenyon, vice-president (university relations) and executive sponsor of the university’s United Way campaign; and Bill Rosehart, dean of the Schulich School of Engineering and 2018 campaign co-chair.

Today, UCalgary is proud to continue their long-standing partnership with the United Way, with the launch of our 2018 campaign. Over the next few months, our community will come together to give through special events, such as Haskayne School of Business’s popular Chillin’ for Charity, Werklund School of Education’s Fun Run, and the Executive Suite’s Book Sale. Giving of any amount can also be made through monthly contributions and one-time donations.

“This is such an incredibly important initiative for the University of Calgary and its goals for the Eyes High strategy,” says Diane Keyon, vice-president (university relations) and executive sponsor of the university’s United Way campaign. “The work we do here on campus is not just celebrated by our community, but by people all over the city who see UCalgary stepping up and accepting responsibility as a community leader. We’ve seen growth year after year, and I’m excited to see us reach, and hopefully surpass, our campaign goal.”  

Last year, UCalgary set a new record in its United Way fundraising by far surpassing our $550,000 goal. With this in mind, the 2018 fundraising goal is to raise $575,000

Your donation makes real impact on real lives

Whether you give a donation of $5 or $500, your contribution makes a difference. Last year, the United Way invested in 173 programs and 56 collaborative initiatives at 101 agencies to improve the lives of 152,824 people.

“The United Way does an exceptional job of navigating complex barriers to well-being, like job loss, illness and cost of living,” says UCalgary campaign co-chair Bill Rosehart, dean of the Schulich School of Engineering. His first year in this role, he is eager to work with the UCalgary community to reach its funding goal. “These barriers can’t be ignored; as a community builder, the people of the university need to come together to shape a brighter future for our city.”

Early bird incentives

Faculty and staff will receive an email with a personalized URL on Oct. 3. Those who give using the URL by Oct. 17 will be entered to win early bird prizes, including a semester of free parking or a one-year gym membership with Active Living.

New Leadership Donors — those donating $1,200 or more for the first time — will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling the impact in the community. A $1,200 investment becomes $2,400 for someone in need, and for the donor, this equates to $50 per pay period ($27 after tax per pay period).

Already a Leadership Donor? Increase your gift, and the growth portion of your gift will be matched.

This year, we will be bringing back a campus favourite again: Give ‘n Thanks! Stay tuned for more information later in October on how you can recognize your friends and colleagues while contributing to a better Calgary for everyone.

“We are already seeing an impressive range of faculty and unit events being planned over the coming months,” says Shane Royal, UCalgary campaign co-chair for the second year in a row, and director of Ancillary Services. “The spirit of UCalgary will shine with unit-specific raffles, draws, auctions and even a market. Each year gets more innovative, as we work together to reach our goal.”

Giving is easy. Give online, download a paper pledge form or find information on tax receipts related to your United Way investment. Or, your donation can easily be made through payroll deductions.

Visit our United Way web page to stay up to date with what’s happening in this year’s campaign.