UCalgary community raises record-breaking funds for 2018 United Way campaign

From Oct. 1 to Dec. 14, our UCalgary family was ignited with community spirit to support the 2018 United Way Campaign. From bake sales and raffles, to Give ‘n’ Thanks stars, to high-dollar leadership contributions, we all rallied together towards our goal to help build a great city for everyone. This year, UCalgary surpassed our 2017 total by almost 10 per cent, raising an outstanding $701,001 for United Way and setting a new university record.

The University of Calgary United Way team and award winners are pictured above, from left: Amy Mykes, Community Engagement; Kyle Marr, Cumming School of Medicine; Melanie Zimmer, International; DJ Kelly, Community Engagement; Melanie Yar Khan, International; Diane Kenyon, University Relations; Cindy Graham, Faculty of Science; Shane Royal, Ancillary Services; Bill Rosehart, Schulich School of Engineering; Adalberta Semtetam, Finance; Susan Mide-Kiss, Community Engagement.

Dr. Bill Rosehart, dean of the Schulich School of Engineering, and Shane Royal, director of ancillary services, took the lead as co-chairs of the highly successful campaign, and were supported by the leadership giving committee, championed by Cindy Graham, vice-dean of the Faculty of Science. A cabinet representing faculties and units from across the university and dozens of volunteer groups helped fuel the 2018 campaign. All joined a celebratory wrap-up event on Tuesday, where after much anticipation, the 2018 fundraising total was announced.

“This year’s theme of Do Local Good was a driving force for us throughout the campaign and it is incredible to see what we can accomplish when we work together,” says Dr. Rosehart. “We are making important change in our community and doing our part, one dollar at a time.”

An impressive total of 639 students, faculty and staff donated to the campaign, not including special events donors who gave a record amount of $104,107 across multiple campus locations. With our help, the United Way will continue to make a lasting impact in our communities by investing funds into collaborations, initiatives and agency partners that strengthen our city. More than 150,000 individuals are touched by United Way funds each year, turning our dollars into real change. 

“I am absolutely thrilled to see what our determined students, faculty, staff, alumni, volunteers and supporters were capable of this year,” says Royal. “The funds raised will make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many Calgarians through the United Way.” 

Royal presented five awards to the faculties and units who excelled in their campaign participation and numbers:

• The Leader in Leadership Donors award goes to the Cumming School of Medicine, which had the highest number of Leadership Donors and the largest number of Leadership Giving donations.
• The Hard Core award goes to Finance, for having the largest number of Core donors, which is any donation less than $1,200.
• The Mover and Shaker award goes to UC International, which saw the largest growth from last year, with their staff participation growing from six per cent to 92 per cent!
• The Very Special Events award goes to Cumming School of Medicine for raising the most money through special events, with a total of $21,000.
• In a tight race to the finish, the newly renamed Cannon Challenge Cup goes to UC International for their incredible increase in employee donations, special events, and participation.

“This is such an amazing success for our community,” says Diane Kenyon, vice-president (university relations) and executive sponsor, UCalgary United Way campaign. “Everyone came together with heart and passion, and you should all be very proud.”

Learn more about the United Way of Calgary and Area and how your contributions do local good in Calgary communities, and visit our site to learn more about this year’s campaign and future activities.