United Way recognizes UCalgary for contributions to the community

On Feb. 12, United Way of Calgary and Area honoured the city’s top workplace philanthropists at its annual Spirits of Gold awards ceremony. The University of Calgary received many accolades at the annual celebration including the highest honour: the President’s Award.

The President’s Award, presented by Karen Young, president and CEO of United Way of Calgary and Area, honours “exceptional contribution to United Way and our community. [The University of Calgary] was chosen for this special recognition because of its inspiring, sustained commitment and efforts in support of our city.”

Since 2011, the University of Calgary community has raised more than $4.5 million with annual totals growing year over year. The benefit of this investment is that every dollar stays in the local area — United Way supports people and programs in Calgary, Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane, High River, Okotoks, and Strathmore.

“Everyone involved in this campaign is overwhelmed by the generosity of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, volunteers and university supporters for their ongoing commitment to the annual United Way campaign,” says Diane Kenyon, vice-president (university relations), and executive sponsor of the UCalgary United Way campaign. “We participate in this campaign each year to help raise funds for programs that have profound impact on people’s lives. Thank you to our entire campus community for your caring, and for your civic leadership and engagement.  What you do makes a real difference in our city.”

Additionally, Schulich School of Engineering student Brennan O’Yeung was named the recipient of the Culbert Family Award for Philanthropy. The award recognizes young professionals in Calgary and area who are shaping the future through their work in the community and charitable giving. Recipients receive $2,000 to enhance their professional development or philanthropy.

At the event, United Way announced their fundraising total of $50.7 million raised in 2018. Last year United Way helped 152,824 individuals and supported 173 programs and 56 collaborative initiatives at 101 agencies with a focus on overcoming poverty, investing in successful kids, and building strong communities. This includes investments in programs that are enhancing mental health and well-being, healing from intergenerational trauma, freeing people from domestic violence, and supporting residents to lead in creating strong neighbourhoods where everyone has a sense of belonging.

UCalgary was also nominated for the Leading the Way award, thanks to the generous support of our university community. This award is presented for success with leadership giving (donors giving $1,200-$9,999 per year).

“This nomination honours the dedication and giving spirit of our campaign volunteers and donors,” says Cindy Graham, vice-dean, Faculty of Science and Leadership Giving Committee chair. “When there’s a need, our campus makes things happen — not because of the public recognition, but because we want to do local good in our community.”

The 2018 UCalgary United Way campaign was led by a group of 40 cabinet members from all faculties and units and chaired by Shane Royal, director of Ancillary Services, and Bill Rosehart, dean of Schulich School of Engineering. Over 150 student, faculty and staff volunteers helped make the campaign a success. This year, the University of Calgary’s campaign raised a record $701,001, surpassing the target by 22 per cent and included 168 leader donations — the highest in university history.

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