Last chance to support UCalgary United Way events and raffles

Without the usual in-person events, UCalgary’s 2020 United Way campaign has been different than previous years. But thanks to a little ingenuity, faculties and units have found creative ways to pivot events to work online — raising campus morale along with big-impact donations for United Way.

There are only a few days left to donate before the campaign closes on Dec. 11, but there are a whole lot of ways to do it — choose your favourite and support United Way for 2020.

Chillin’ 4 Charity

This Haskayne School of Business tradition raises money for United Way as part of the annual JDC West Case Competition, where 11 Canadian universities compete in a variety of disciplines.

In previous years, participants took an icy dip in winter weather,  but with evolving public health restrictions in place for 2020, organizers decided to take the initiative online.  

Brody Wellmann, student and Team Haskayne co-captain for the JDC West 2021 Business Case Competition, says every $50 raised means a bucket of ice water over the head of a participant. Follow JDC West Team Haskayne on Facebook and Team Haskayne on Instagram to watch this year’s videos.

“We see charity as one of the most important parts of the club and one of the parts we are most proud of,” says Wellmann, adding that they are hopeful they will reach their fundraising goal of $10,000 this year.  

Donate to Chillin’ for Charity. 

United Way escape room

Test your puzzle-solving prowess with this virtual escape room developed by Brennan O'Yeung, a student in Schulich School of Engineering.

As a puzzle lover himself, O’Yeung says he was inspired by community need to design this UCalgary-themed escape room for United Way.   

“During these difficult times, I wanted to develop something to support the local community who has been hit hard by COVID-19,” says O’Yeung. “As a result, this escape room was created to encourage University of Calgary staff and students to have fun in isolation while supporting those in need."

Do you have what it takes to make it out of the United Way escape room? Faculty and staff can log in to UCalgary’s United Way donation portal using their university email address, make a $20 donation and, at 9 a.m. the next day, the link will be delivered to your inbox.

Raffles for cash and prizes

Don’t miss your chance to make a great purchase, win prizes or take home half of these jackpots while supporting United Way.

50/50 cash raffle — Facilities
Current jackpot: $465
Tickets: 1 for $1, 3 for $5, 20 for $20
Enter now — contest closes Dec. 4

50/50 cash raffle — School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
Current jackpot: $630
Tickets: 1 for $5, 3 for $10, 5 for $20
Enter now — contest closes Dec. 4

50/50 cash raffle — Information Technologies
Current jackpot: $2,460
Tickets: 1 for $10, 3 for $20, 10 for $500, 25 for $100
Enter now — contest closes Dec. 4

50/50 prize raffle — Information Technologies
Prizes: Visa gift cards, Dell 24 monitor, photo print on aluminum, family photo session, virtual lunch with the CIO, candy basket and more
Tickets: 3 for $5, 10 for $10, 20 for $15
Enter now — contest closes Dec. 4

Free parking raffle — Campus Security and Parking Services
Prizes: Four months of heated parking in the MSC, CDC or TRW parkade
Tickets: $10 each
Learn more — contest closes Dec. 4

Taylor Institute winter recipe book — Taylor Institute of Teaching and Learning
Purchase this collection of seasonal recipes shared by members of the Taylor Institute and their family and friends.
Cost: $10 (minimum)
Buy now

Risk portfolio seasonal market and auction — Risk  
Purchase unique and special items
Email aeandrea@ucalgary.ca to see what is available

Givin’ Thanks

For the first time since the Givin’ Thanks initiative launched in 2017, the iconic star cards are available online to be purchased, customized, sent and received from any location.

Givin’ Thanks has never been easier. Just log in to the Givin’ Thanks page on UCalgary’s United Way donation portal using your university email address. From there, select a $20 donation and, at 9 a.m. the following morning, you’ll get your link to send Givin’ Thanks messages by email.

Save that link — you can use it as often as you like to send Givin’ Thanks stars throughout the entire United Way campaign, ending Dec. 11. 

Make a payroll donation — 20 for 2020

The easiest way to participate in the United Way campaign is, of course, to set up a payroll deduction — just set your donation amount once and don’t think about it again until tax season, when you claim your contributions.

This year, UCalgary is challenging the campus community to take part in the 20 for 2020 initiative. If you haven’t given before, choose to make a difference with a $20 contribution. If you donate monthly or annually, increase your contribution amount by $20 or even 20 per cent.

Show your local love

Having a common purpose brings us together, makes us stronger and creates community. That might look like helping local families put food on the table, connecting Calgarians with crucial mental health services, or giving people a sense of belonging and inclusion. When we stand united to help others, we are part of something bigger than ourselves, and create ripples of positive impact. Give today to United Way.

If you have questions or require assistance with donating, contact DJ Kelly, manager, community engagement at 403-220-3152 or dj.kelly@ucalgary.ca.