UCalgary sets another record with 2017 United Way campaign

The University of Calgary community has set another record by raising $639,048 for the United Way, and exceeding the campaign goal of $550,000. These funds will directly support and impact Calgarians.

“This is absolutely amazing,” says Diane Kenyon, vice-president (university relations) and executive sponsor of the university’s United Way campaign. “This is a reflection of how our students, faculty and staff are committed to helping making a difference in our community.”

The 2017 fundraising total was announced at the United Way wrap-up event on campus last week, along with a number of awards to the faculties and units that achieved the highest results based on participation and funds raised: 

• The Challenge Cup goes to the Office of the Provost for their combined result of 30 per cent in unit participation and raising over $10,000.
• The Leadership Donor award goes to the Cumming School of Medicine for the highest in Leadership Giving with 29 donors contributing to their overall total of over $206,000. 
• The Mover & Shaker Award goes to the Schulich School of Engineering for the largest growth in donations over the previous year with a 2017 total of over $46,000.
• The Very Special Events Award goes to the Haskayne School of Business for raising the most money through special events including over $27,000 in their annual Chillin’ for Charity fundraiser.

• Photo above: The University of Calgary officially celebrated its 2017 United Way campaign at a luncheon Jan. 19, 2018, thanking cabinet members, volunteers and campaign leadership; from left: Shane Royal, Jackie Sieppert, Diane Kenyon, Bill Rosehart. 

“People working at the University of Calgary care a great deal and donate at all levels of the campaign from Leadership Giving to buying a cup of coffee,” says Jackie Sieppert, campaign co-chair and dean of the Faculty of Social Work.  “One in 10 Calgarians lives below the poverty line — and the money raised will have a huge impact. Together we are making a better city for all of us.”

The university donated to the 2017 campaign through online giving, payroll deductions and a number of events. More than 10,400 students, faculty and staff participated (in combined attendance) at special events raising a record amount of $103,281 across multiple campus locations. A new record was also set by the Leadership Giving committee championed by Bill Rosehart, dean of the Schulich School of Engineering and the campaign’s Leadership Giving lead with 162 Leadership and Major donations at the $1,200 to $10,000-plus bringing in a total of $427,575.

“The theme of We are all Calgary was always present on our campus during the campaign,” says Shane Royal, campaign co-chair and director of ancillary services. “Thanks to the entire cabinet, our committee volunteers, and to our campus community for all their support and dedication for this year’s campaign.”     

 Visit our site to learn more about this year’s campaign.

United Way impacts the lives of 500 Calgarians every day, through local community partners to develop, manage and deliver social programs. Last year, 34,000 Calgarians gave to the United Way, impacting the lives of 178,000 people in our city. The University of Calgary is deeply invested in the community we serve and lead, and we believe that everyone should be given an equal start in life to achieve their full potential and truly flourish.