It’s time to do some local good, UCalgary!

Calgary can be pretty great. You know it, we know it. But, for the large number of Calgarians who struggle to find income for housing and food, mental health support, community connections, or domestic violence support, it can also be a hard place to live. United Way of Calgary’s 2019 campaign focuses again on investing in the programs and partnerships that get to the heart of social issues and help all Calgarians find their footing in difficult times.

2019 marks more than 20 years of partnership with the United Way and we are proud of how much we have accomplished for Calgarians through our partnership with this non-profit organization. Get ready to see special events that you know and love, and some new ones that will spark your passion for giving. The 4th annual Werklund Run kicks off the season on Oct. 10. Everyone on campus is welcome to sign up or donate to those who are running.  Another campus favourite, Chillin’ for Charity, occurs Nov. 19.

• Photo above: Students prepare to jump into freezing water in costumes at the annual Chillin’ for Charity fundraiser, hosted by Team Haskayne. University of Calgary photo

“Every year, I am struck by how our university community comes together to raise awareness and funds for such an important cause in our city,” says Karen Jackson, general counsel and executive sponsor of UCalgary’s United Way campaign. “We are passionate about giving back, being involved, and being good neighbours to all Calgarians — I can’t wait to see us reach our campaign goal yet again this year. It would be terrific if we exceeded it.”

In 2018, UCalgary surpassed its $550,000 goal by over $100,000, setting a record for the university, and surpassing our 2017 record by nearly 10 per cent. In keeping with this philanthropic spirit, our 2019 goal has been raised to $600,000.

Small effort, big impact

One of the easiest ways you can participate in the United Way campaign is through a payroll deduction. You set your donation amount once and don’t think about it again. But your dollars are making a huge impact in the lives of people in Calgary who need a hand.

“There are so many ways to give through UCalgary’s campaign that everyone can find a way to be involved, because every dollar counts with United Way,” says Cindy Graham, vice-dean of the Faculty of Science, and campaign co-chair. “Whether you give through payroll deductions, or buying a cupcake at a bake sale, it all goes to doing local good in our city.”

Through your donation, you are choosing to invest in programs and collaborations that provide vital services available to all Calgarians. Your donation helps to strengthen Calgary's vulnerable and low-income populations who are disconnected or at risk of becoming disconnected from mainstream services such as education, employment and community supports.

Get in early, win great prizes

Faculty and staff will receive an email with a personalized URL today, Sept. 30. Those who give using the URL by Oct. 13 will be entered to win early bird prizes, including a semester of free parking or a single All Access Annual Membership with Active Living.

This year, Give ‘n Thanks will be back again, so watch for information on how you can recognize your friends and colleagues starting Oct. 15, while building a better Calgary for everyone. 

“The United Way is an organization that has made a lasting impact in our city,” says Bill Rosehart, dean of the Schulich School of Engineering, and campaign co-chair. “It’s important that as a university community, we stand up for the things that matter and leave a positive footprint in our city, and our world.”

New Leadership Donors — those donating $1,200 or more for the first time — will have their donation matched dollar for dollar thanks to some very generous Calgarians. It’s an easy way to double your impact. A $1,200 investment becomes $2,400 for someone in need, and for the new leadership donors, this equates to about $50 per pay period (or about $27 after tax per pay period).

Already a Leadership Donor? Increase your gift, and the growth portion of your gift will be matched.

Visit ucalgary.ca/unitedway to learn more about this year’s UCalgary campaign.