(rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Local Love

United Way celebrates 2019 fundraising campaign

Feb 14, 2020 | 11:09 AM

It was standing room only Friday morning as over 230 volunteers and supporters gathered at United Way’s 2020 Community Celebration Breakfast to learn that $1.82 million was raised through this year’s United Way Central Alberta annual fundraising campaign.

Presented by Eagle Builders in partnership with the Radisson Hotel, Red Deer and Olymel, United Way officials say the 2019 theme ‘#UNIGNORABLE’ was driven home by honouring incredible contributions from many supporters who ensured what is described as visible and lasting change for the community.

“I’m always so thankful and humbled by Central Albertan’s generosity, always pulling together for many worthy causes to assist others,” said Ron Sauve, Campaign Cabinet Co-Chair. “I’m very proud of the support shown here today, with many outstanding workplaces that took the time and interest to have an Employee Campaign. There’s such an impact when we all come together to change the lives of others.”

Fellow campaign co-chair Edie Hiebert feels blessed by the support and generosity shown by central Albertans towards the campaign.

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“I’m proud of the people that step forward and say hey, I need help, and I’m proud of the people that step in to help, whether it’s financially or through volunteer work or through opportunities,” explained Hiebert.

Among those awarded at the Community Celebration Breakfast were the top three fundraising contributors: NOVA Chemicals which raised $741,000 towards the campaign, MEGlobal raising $152,848, and INEOS employees who raised $47,283.

Two Rising Star Awards went to Chandos and Scotiabank for continued growth in fundraising and participation. In fact, a Participation Award was presented to Costco for achieving 100 per cent participation in their workplace campaign, and the GenNext Central Alberta Affinity group which was recognized for its creative and innovative community initiatives geared towards millenials.

Deacon Barclay, 13, of Stettler is a United Way client ambassador and has been in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for several years. Barclay noted spending time with his Big Brother means a lot to him, and when he gets older, plans to be a Big Brother himself.

“It’s like someone else is there for you, it’s an extra helping hand that you can talk to,” explained Barclay. “I see how it impacts kid’s lives like me and it just feels good to have someone there that you can talk to, other than your parents. Go for it, because there is a lot of kids waiting and it’s not hard, you just have to spend some time with them.”

The 2019 Campaign was also highlighted by Art Installations displayed in various locations to shine a light on the #UNIGNORABLE issues in our community.

“We started our campaign asking the community to help us make local issues #UNIGNORABLE, and they came through in a big way,” said Brett Speight, CEO of United Way Central Alberta. “We saw higher attendance at events, more workplace visits and more conversation around these important local issues this year and we are so thankful for all the support the community provides.”

Speight thanks everyone who participated in and contributed to the campaign.

“Thank you to our sponsors and workplaces who matched the generosity of their employees,” he exclaimed. “And thank you to everyone for helping to make local issues #UNIGNORABLE.”

United Way officials say community investments for 2020 will be announced in April.