rOver 250 guests attended the United Way Central Alberta annual Campaign Kickoff Luncheon on Thursday at the Red Deer Resort & Casino. (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)

By Alessia Proietti

$85,000 already raised

Over 250 guests give standing ovation at United Way Central Alberta’s annual Campaign Kickoff Luncheon

Sep 7, 2023 | 4:18 PM

Over 250 guests stood in applause at the United Way Central Alberta (UWCA) annual Campaign Kickoff Luncheon on Thursday as one client ambassador shared his heartfelt journey.

Held at the Red Deer Resort & Casino (3310 50 Ave.) on Thursday, the UWCA spoke to a packed house of campaign leaders and partner agencies about the rising challenges faced by central Albertans and their strategic path forward.

Chelsea O’Donoghue, Chief Executive Officer of UWCA, says the three-month campaign is where they raise most of their funds for the year to support local agencies delivering social service programming across the region.

UWCA Client Ambassador Ken Makinaw shared his story about how the ‘Many Healing Blankets’ program at Safe Harbour, supported by the UWCA, played a pivotal role in his recovery journey.

The 49-year-old says he realized in 2018 that he was struggling with alcoholism and addiction. In tears, he said that although his mind wanted to keep going, his body could not keep up, so he sought treatment.

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However, after three months, he returned to his “old ways” and in April 2021, he overdosed. He told the UWCA that the paramedic confirmed he had died for 15 minutes.

He returned back to treatment and on September 25, he will be celebrating 18 months sober.

“When you’re in addiction, you don’t care about anything or anyone. That’s what I meant when I was talking about being selfish and not letting anybody in. Since I’ve been on my healing journey, I’ve had a lot of doors open for me,” he said.

Regarding his standing ovation, he said, “It felt very heartwarming and loving that there [are] actually people out there who care. It’s just up to you if you want to let them in or not.”

“There’s more to life than just sitting there twiddling your thumbs and doing nothing. You actually have to go out there and look for what you want in life.”

Ken Makinaw at the United Way Central Alberta Campaign Luncheon on Thursday. (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)

He credits Safe Harbour and Elder Lynn for being there every step of the way.

O’Donoghue says its stories like these that show the ever-increasing demand for social service programming.

According to the UWCA, more than 10.7 per cent, or 38,860 central Albertans, are currently living with a low or limited income and are unable to meet their basic needs.

Despite the challenging economic climate, UWCA confirms households and businesses contributed over $1.6 million last year. Over $1 million of the funds were invested to support over 34 programs, benefiting 22,932 local individuals and families. Additionally, government funding of $1,098,000 was distributed by UWCA to 22 non-profits in central Alberta through Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund.

READ: United Way Central Alberta Campaign Kick-off raises $83,000 on first day

With the same cheerful theme this year of “United We Are Stronger”, she says they hope to raise even more funds, with current totals already at $85,000.

“If you can give – please do. There are so many who cannot,” she said. “We’re so grateful for the support already shown this campaign season and the opportunity to strengthen community connections.”

UWCA’s fundraising campaign continues through the fall season, with a multitude of community and workplace fundraising events happening across central Alberta, including a roughly four hour poverty simulation taking place on October 12.

“We believe the best opportunity to enable people and communities to thrive rests in three focus areas: Ensuring access to Basic Needs, increasing access to suitable Mental Health services, and creating Brighter Futures with new possibilities,” said UWCA Board Chair Doug Doran. “Our 2023 Fundraising Campaign is centred around these new focus areas and guide how we invest donor dollars to ensure community needs are met.”