UCalgary United Way Campaign raises $431,245

The University of Calgary’s 2021 United Way campaign is officially closed, with students, faculty, staff and volunteers raising $431,245 in much-needed funds that will improve lives in Calgary.

Campaign co-chair Dr. Natasha Kenny, PhD, says she’s proud of how UCalgary shows up for the United Way year after year.

“This has been an incredibly difficult year for many people, and it is a huge credit to our community that they continue to demonstrate their commitment to helping others through tough times,” says Kenny, senior director of the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning.

“We’re so grateful for the many extraordinary volunteers across campus who dedicate their time and energy to making this campaign possible, and to all members of our campus community who participate in fundraising events or donate generously through payroll deductions.”

This year, 615 UCalgary community members donated to the campaign, with more than $320,000 in donations coming from Core- or Leader-level donors, most contributing directly from their payroll.

Despite facing a second year of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic — including being unable to hold in-person events — volunteers came up with creative fundraising ideas to keep the campaign spirit alive.

Through raffles, 50/50s, photo contests and other virtual programs, the campaign raised $17,768 through campus initiatives that brought us together and engaged employees across all units.

All funds raised through the campaign go toward supporting the United Way’s partner agencies who helped more than 430,000 individuals in Calgary in 2020.

“The United Way is an important partner of the university and we’re happy to work together with our community to move the needle on addressing some of the pressing issues facing Calgarians,” says Jacqueline Lacasse, LLB’05, 2021 campaign executive sponsor and UCalgary general counsel. 

“While work is being done to explore the United Way pillars of poverty, child health, and community building, in labs and classrooms across campus, this campaign helps us to address the immediate needs of our community.”

Awards for outstanding campaign performance

At the virtual wrap-up event on Tuesday, Jan. 18, several awards were presented to faculties and units that excelled in their campaigns:

• Very Special Events Award – Information Technologies
• Leader in Leadership Giving Award – Cumming School of Medicine
• Hard Core Award – Cumming School of Medicine
• Mover and Shaker Award – Continuing Education

The final standings of the Cannon Challenge Cup were also announced during the event. The challenge was named in honour of former UCalgary President Elizabeth Cannon in recognition of her dedication to the university’s community engagement efforts. The challenge cup award is based on the amount of money raised in employee donations and special events, as well as on participation levels. The 2021 standings are:

1. UCalgary International
2. Human Resources
3. Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning
4. Haskayne School of Business
5. Faculty of Graduate Studies