CEO of United Way Central Alberta Chelsea O'Donoghue speaks at the Campaign Awards ceremony on Monday at Bo's Bar & Stage. (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)

By Alessia Proietti

successful impact

United Way Central Alberta celebrates community’s fundraising of $1.5 million for annual campaign

Apr 8, 2024 | 10:30 PM

United Way Central Alberta (UWCA) started the week on a positive note, celebrating with supporters and community leaders the achievements of their 2023 fundraising campaign.

At Bo’s Bar & Stage on Monday, campaign awards were presented to various donors for their significant efforts and contributions, totalling $1.5 million locally from the start of the campaign in September 2023.

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

In total with federal funding and grant support, the campaign raised $2.642 million.

Chelsea O’Donoghue, Chief Executive Officer of UWCA, says the campaign was a resounding success, raising around the same amount as last year, showing the generosity and dedication of donors during challenging economic times.

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“That’s quite a feat considering how the local economy has been, considering our donor base are majority employees, so families, homes that are feeling the pinch when it comes to inflation,” she said.

“We know how hard it’s been and for us to be able to have raised that right here, during these challenging times, is just phenomenal. We are so grateful and so thankful.”

Donors and supporters fill Bo’s Bar & Stage on Monday for the United Way Central Alberta Campaign Awards. (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)

The organization says the funds will continue to support multi-year partner agencies, responsive project grants, and United Way-led programming, to ensure vital services and programs reach those in need across central Alberta.

“The 2023 fundraising campaign represents the first year of United Way Central Alberta’s new Strategic Plan and Community Impact Strategy,” said Board President Doug Doran. “It focuses on improving access to basic needs and mental health services while broadening grant eligibility to non-profits without charitable status.”

One memorable program this year for O’Donoghue has been their sponsoring of Wellbriety, an Indigenous-led program offered by the Safe Harbour Society to support healing and sobriety, as well as the Spring Feast, a celebration of Indigenous culture.

Another significant milestone this year, the organization states, has been the launch of the Make The Month App, a virtual simulator allowing users to select from over 15 locations across the region and attempt to budget after being faced with various real-life scenarios. O’Donoghue says all data is regional-specific, such as wages and cost of living expenses, and verified by MNP.

Supported by funding from AltaGas, the innovative tool aims to foster awareness about poverty in the region, empower individuals to engage in meaningful conversations about poverty and basic needs in central Alberta, and drive positive change within communities.

“It’s just getting worse because we’re not getting a breather,” she said, adding that one in three Albertans will be accessing charitable services for their basic needs in the next six months, compared to one in every four Canadians.

“It’s tough and it’s continuing to be tough. It’s dragging on and I hope that we see some shift, whether it’s local economy or greater, within this year otherwise it’s just hurting the most vulnerable the most.”

However, she says they remain hopeful at UWCA and strive towards positive change.

“We’re here to push forward and engage people because we’re all part of the solution,” she said.

The UWCA says the year’s success would not have been possible without the dedication of their volunteers, staff, campaign cabinet, board members, and community partners. They add their commitment ensures that United Way Central Alberta remains at the forefront of addressing complex social issues and meeting critical community needs.

The 2023 Award Winners were:

• Community Builder Award – AltaGas
• Outstanding Employee Campaign Chair Award – NOVA Chemicals: Kaelyn Gillard, Chilton Breitkreutz and Darryl Stebner
• Local Love Award – BMO Canada
• Funded Partnership Award – Turning Point Society
• Everyday Hero Award – Staples Olds
• Rising Star Award – Servus Credit Union
• Top 3 Awards:
  • NOVA Chemicals – Corporate and employee giving totaled $613,916.28
  • MEGlobal – Corporate and employee giving totaled $165,192.47
  • INEOS Canada Partnership – Corporate and employee giving totaled $47,475.53

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