United Way of Calgary and Area

#ThrowbackThursday to an unforgettable night—the Community Impact Awards! We celebrated the incredible efforts of community members and organizations transforming Calgary’s future. During United Way's 2024 Annual Campaign, we were supported by 16,925 volunteers who contributed over 433,850 hours of their time. Additionally, more than 530 workplaces united in support and over 15,600 donors turned their generosity into impactful change. These numbers reflect more than just participation; they illustrate a community coming together to create lasting change. When we unite, remarkable things happen. Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible! Let's continue turning hope into action in 2025. #UnitedWeCan

Ready to roll up your sleeves? 💪 National Volunteer Week is coming up on April 28, and we've got two amazing Days of Caring if you're looking to get involved in your community! Join us in sorting and organizing donations with local partners like WINS (Women In Need Society) (April 29) and the Calgary Drop In & Rehab Centre Society (May 1). It’s a hands-on way to make a real impact, connect with like-minded people and support your community in a meaningful way. Save your spot: 🔗 April 29 – Women in Need Society: https://bit.ly/42dsUTK 🔗 May 1 – Calgary Drop-In Centre: https://bit.ly/42cCHtd Stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved and connect to the incredible work being done in our community. #HopeIsInYourHandsYYC #NationalVolunteerWeek #DayOfCaring

This Stress Awareness Month, we’re highlighting a creative outlet that’s been bringing joy and connection to our staff at United Way! From hand-crafted miniatures to upcycled jewelry and colourful knits, our UCraft Club has become a vibrant space where creativity and connection come together. Originally inspired by a simple invitation to connect, the UCraft Club has transformed into a dynamic virtual environment where staff from various departments and regions share their artistic talents, exchange ideas and forge meaningful relationships. These crafts aren't just beautiful, but also expressions of the same hands that help uplift our community every day. Visit our website to see more stunning creations and learn more about United Way's UCraft Club: https://lnkd.in/gbsvZY_7 Craftworks showcased above are made by Apryl Webb, Bethany White, Michael Procinsky, BSW RSW, Stephanie Banszky, Stephanie Kvellestad and Tess McCormick, MBA #StressAwarenessMonth #MentalHealthMatters #UnitedWeCan Suhasini Rao

We had an incredible night at #UnitedSheCan on April 9! We're still buzzing with excitement and want to express our gratitude to everyone who joined us in making this event a true celebration of women's strength, resilience and leadership. On behalf of our Women United Committee, a huge thank you goes out to Daniella Anderson from Town Hospitality Group, whose energy and warmth set the tone for an unforgettable experience. We also want to express our heartfelt appreciation to our vendors, J'Val Shuster of Devour Catering, Lea Romanowski of Designing on the Edge and of course, our exclusive Women United sponsor TD Bank, who made this all possible. Special thanks to Fretless Femmes for the great music that kept us dancing all evening. Thank you for being a part of this transformative journey. If you joined us, drop your favourite moment in the comments—we'd love to hear it! Let's keep inspiring, uplifting and empowering one another. Learn more about United Way's Women United movement, our new Women of Impact Awards that was announced at the event and how you can get involved: https://bit.ly/3ULHknd

We were proud to host United Way Centraide Canada for a tour of the North of McKnight Community Hub, a vibrant space where community, culture and collaboration come to life. The tour was led by Karen Young, Rhonda Roth, Kathleen MacPherson and Geoff Couldrey MBA and showcased what this vibrant hub means to the people of Calgary. At United Way Calgary and Area, we design initiatives that empower families and residents by listening to the community. One example of training residents and empowering them to do great things is our Hubs' Community Connector program, which enables residents to step into leadership roles, find job opportunities and support those facing financial challenges. The Hub has three Connectors focused on mental health, Indigenous issues and food initiatives, all reporting to the City of Calgary with salaries funded by the Community Hub. Thank you to Sherry King for taking us on a Community Hubs walking tour and Shelina Bata for telling us more about Planet Youth in action. Big thanks to our youth, Allysha Nolasco, for sharing how Planet Youth and other programs have you with experiences and opportunities to express yourself, find hope and become more resilient. United we are building a Calgary where everyone has the ability to thrive. #HopeIsInYourHandsYYC #UnitedWeCan

United Way is proud to sponsor the Calgary Influential Women in Business (CIWB) event hosted by Axis Connects. The Calgary Influential Women in Business Awards started as an opportunity to recognize those advancing gender diversity in business, accelerating action in the workplace. Learn more and get your tickets at: https://bit.ly/424Ui6k

We congratulate our President and CEO, Karen Young and Akak’stiman Strategy Director, Joanne Pinnow, on receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal! In May 2023, the Prime Minister announced the government’s intention to award King Charles III (the third) Coronation Medals. This medal recognizes Canadians who have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community. The Honourable Lois Mitchell presented Karen and Joanne with their medals at United Way just this week and we’re so pleased to congratulate them today! Under Karen’s leadership, United Way has raised nearly $600 million for Calgary and the surrounding area, launched transformative initiatives like Community Hubs and Planet Youth Calgary, and continued our lifelong journey toward reconciliation with the guidance of Elders, indigenous leaders and our Akak’stiman team. This well-deserved honour recognizes her unwavering dedication to community impact and transformative change. Joanne’s medal speaks to the heart she brings into her work every day through our Indigenous strategy. She brings wisdom and leadership through the Indigenous Parallel, across the city and throughout Canada. This award recognizes Joanne’s guidance in the journey towards Truth and Reconciliation and for teaching about opening spaces for conversation, inclusion, compassion and kindness to all living things. Please join us in congratulating Karen and Joanne on this remarkable achievement! 🎉 #UnitedWeCan #CoronationMedal #CommunityImpact

Behind every successful campaign is a dedicated team and a strong strategy! We asked some of our 2024 Community Impact Award recipients what made their campaigns stand out and they had a lot to share. From creative ways to educate, pledge and play, these changemakers found innovative ways to make a difference in Calgary. You can, too. Learn more about workplace campaigns on our website: https://lnkd.in/grJxCvkv Recipients featured in video: Keyera, Claudia Belanger, Sheliza Kassam, P.Eng., CSA Group #CommunityImpact #UnitedForChange #HopeIsInYourHandsYYC

Our very own Danisha Bhaloo-Shivji, CFRE appeared on CTV News yesterday to amplify the critical message of gender equity as we approach our "United She Can: Rising Voices, Building Hope" event. This event celebrates the collective impact of women and allies in philanthropy over the past year. Watch the interview here and see how you can also make a difference: https://lnkd.in/gzk2zi3h

We're #hiring a new Coordinator, Individual Giving in Calgary, Alberta. Apply today or share this post with your network.