United Way brings together social agencies, schools, organizations, and governments to make a meaningful difference in the community through local programs and services that empower people to improve their lives. By working together, we create lasting change and build a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.
When you support United Way, you are an important part of a movement with others who share your social purpose and want the best for our community. Your contribution to United Way stays 100% local, providing life-changing support to individuals and families within the Edmonton region.
Let’s work together to align your corporate social purpose and values with the community needs you care about. Partnering with United Way gives your employees immersive personal and professional development opportunities, team-building exercises, engagement activities, and positive recognition and celebration for the difference they are making in community.
Keep up with the latest news, stories, and events happening in the local community.
United Way is a network of more than 75 local United Way offices. Since 1941, we’ve worked in the Alberta Capital Region for the betterment of all.
Whether you are an individual looking for support or an organization looking to collaborate, please reach out to connect.
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Home / About Us / Reports and Publications / Annual Reports / 2022/23 Annual Report
No one person or organization can solve our communities’ biggest problems alone. By leveraging the power of our movement, we can make lasting change. And that’s what you do with United Way of the Alberta Capital Region through every donation or moment of your time.
You are making a real difference in people’s lives. Thanks to your generosity, we raised over $25 million to strengthen our community, helping more than 257,000 people through a United Way initiative or funded program.
By coming together, we are building strong and vibrant communities where no one is left behind.
A Message from the Chair of the Board and the President & CEO
Your Impact in Action
Our 2022 Campaign Success
United Way Champions
Looking to the Future
Todd Gilchrist and Rob Yager
Thank you for making a difference and believing in what we do. You should feel proud of all we’ve done together this year. So many of our friends and neighbours are still feeling the ripple effects of the pandemic: job losses, illness, the rising cost of living, and grief. But we’ve seen time and again how the Edmonton region is a place where we all want to roll up our sleeves to change things for the better, and this past year was no different.
We know that women and gender-diverse people are disproportionately experiencing poverty. That’s why last year we launched our local Women United – a global movement of changemakers passionate about helping women and girls succeed and thrive. Locally, more than 670 people have joined Women United and have raised over half a million dollars to go specifically to United Way initiative and funded programs that support women’s equity and success.
2022 was also a special year as we marked the milestone anniversary of United Way’s Empower U program. Over the last 10 years, nearly 2,000 people here in the Alberta Capital Region have completed this financial empowerment course to build stronger, more financially secure futures for themselves and their families. We’re grateful for the collaboration of our agency partners and funders to make this generational impact possible. This is an amazing example of how many people and sectors are working to create lasting change.
More people than ever are turning to 211 Alberta. In addition to the support from our donors, we are grateful for recent provincial and federal government investments in this critical social infrastructure to help improve and simplify what can be a complex and confusing system. These investments mean that when someone reaches out during one of the hardest, most stressful moments of their life, a caring and compassionate expert will be there to help.
We are feeling energized by this movement and ready to take on some of the biggest challenges facing our community. Together, we are sending a powerful message to those in our community who are struggling: you are not alone.
Board Chair
United Way of the Alberta Capital Region
President & CEO
Long-term social change depends on our community uniting to address the root causes of complex social issues. United Way works collaboratively across the social services sector, identifying pressing community needs and implementing the most impactful solutions.
By strengthening mental health and connection and creating equitable opportunities for education and financial stability, United Way and our supporters are creating resilient, connected, and thriving communities where no one is left behind.
When you join United Way, you are an important part of a movement of changemakers who share your social purpose and want the same things for our community. Together, your actions and resources multiply your impact right here at home.
More than 257,000 people who were struggling received supports through a United Way funded program in 2022. But the impact you’ve had on our community goes beyond a statistic in an annual report. These positive ripple effects are empowering people to make lasting, multi-generational change.
The Kid Kit® is a powerful tool that helps families build stronger relationships while also guiding their child’s development. In turn, children are better prepared for starting school with a strong foundation for learning.
“Once I introduced The Kid Kit and we went through the cards and materials, and I shared about the wonderful eye contact and interactions that were being shared between the caregiver and child, the parent started to really pay attention to these moments. They seemed so proud of the moments they were able to create with a few simple materials and for those few moments, everything else seemed to melt away—even if just for a short time!” — Agency Practitioner
“Once I introduced The Kid Kit and we went through the cards and materials, and I shared about the wonderful eye contact and interactions that were being shared between the caregiver and child, the parent started to really pay attention to these moments. They seemed so proud of the moments they were able to create with a few simple materials and for those few moments, everything else seemed to melt away—even if just for a short time!”
— Agency Practitioner
One United Way-funded program that provides early learning and parenting supports is Norwood Centre’s Parent Respite program. There, Alicia accessed drop-in childcare so she could go to nursing school, while her son, Ace, could socialize with other kids and access quality early-childhood education.
“We’re very well put together, I would say, for a single [parent] family. If I didn’t have Norwood, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today because I wouldn’t have had those resources to be able to get out of my situation.” — Alicia, Parent
“We’re very well put together, I would say, for a single [parent] family. If I didn’t have Norwood, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today because I wouldn’t have had those resources to be able to get out of my situation.”
— Alicia, Parent
All in for Youth removes barriers to learning, helping students and families in many ways, including mentorship, student success coaching, mental health therapy, out-of-school time group programming, school nutrition program, and in-home family support.
“Because of this support, I was able to get this job where I am right now. I got support for my clothes, my child’s school stuff, books, stationery, and school snacks at the same time, every Friday…They’re always there to provide.” — Caregiver
“Because of this support, I was able to get this job where I am right now. I got support for my clothes, my child’s school stuff, books, stationery, and school snacks at the same time, every Friday…They’re always there to provide.”
— Caregiver
For almost thirty years, Tools for School has helped provide backpacks full of school supplies to vulnerable students, reducing one known barrier preventing children from successfully participating in school.
“To those donating or volunteering with Tools for School: I wish you could see the impact these backpacks have for our students. I wish you could see the smiles on their faces. I wish you could see how they stand tall, with their shoulders back, knowing they have the supplies they need to be successful. They’re going to school prepared, and they aren’t worried about having to put up their hand to say they don’t have a pencil. Tools for School gives them that dignity. Students are very proud of that.” — Karen Fabris, Manager at Edmonton Catholic School Division’s One World…One Centre.
“To those donating or volunteering with Tools for School: I wish you could see the impact these backpacks have for our students. I wish you could see the smiles on their faces. I wish you could see how they stand tall, with their shoulders back, knowing they have the supplies they need to be successful. They’re going to school prepared, and they aren’t worried about having to put up their hand to say they don’t have a pencil. Tools for School gives them that dignity. Students are very proud of that.”
— Karen Fabris, Manager at Edmonton Catholic School Division’s One World…One Centre.
Presented by Dentons, Make your Mark is a one-of-a-kind program that fosters leadership skills in students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 as they create and deliver projects to support people in need in the Edmonton region.
“I loved the Make your Mark project because it had modules for us to work through to build awareness and teach students about poverty in their own communities.” — Amanda Harasam, Austin O’Brien High School teacher.
“I loved the Make your Mark project because it had modules for us to work through to build awareness and teach students about poverty in their own communities.”
— Amanda Harasam, Austin O’Brien High School teacher.
Period Promise is devoted to making fundamental change and bringing menstrual equity to our schools. Funded by the Government of Alberta, and with product sponsorship from Procter & Gamble, United Ways across the province are joining together for a one-year project to provide free menstrual products in 50 Alberta schools.
“Students have the ability to grab what they need, when they need it. [Period Promise’s school program] increases their independence and autonomy because they are able to get what [products] they need, without having to wait for a good time to ask an adult.” — Teacher
“Students have the ability to grab what they need, when they need it. [Period Promise’s school program] increases their independence and autonomy because they are able to get what [products] they need, without having to wait for a good time to ask an adult.”
— Teacher
After coming to Canada as a Syrian refugee, Moumenah took part in an Empower U course through Islamic Family & Social Services Association to build her financial confidence and navigate the Canadian banking system. Moumenah purchased a sewing machine to pursue her creative passions and has since found a sewing job that she loves.
“For me, Empower U wasn’t just about finance, it was about the whole lifestyle here in Canada. It has helped us put food on our table here in Canada and helped us learn how to live and survive here…We are so grateful and excited for the future.” — Moumenah
“For me, Empower U wasn’t just about finance, it was about the whole lifestyle here in Canada. It has helped us put food on our table here in Canada and helped us learn how to live and survive here…We are so grateful and excited for the future.”
— Moumenah
Our United Way is a proud founding partner of 211 Alberta, providing funding and support for the program, and working to make its services available to all Albertans. 211 Alberta helps Albertans quickly and easily navigate resources to meet their needs.
In times of disaster, including the current wildfire situation, 211’s highly trained specialists step up to support those who have been displaced or otherwise impacted by the disaster, aids in recovery efforts, and contributes valuable insights on emerging and unmet needs in the community.
Nevaeh attends an alternative school outreach program, and her class took part in the United Way-funded Community Kitchen Program through Alberta Parenting for the Future Association in Stony Plain. The Community Kitchen not only teaches valuable life skills, but it offers healthy, prepared meals to low-income families in the community alleviating the pressure of food insecurity.
“It really helps bring all the kids together to do something really fun and meaningful, to be able to be a leader. We always give at least half of what we make to the Connection Centre [to be] given back to the community, and that does make me feel really good about myself, that I am able to do that.” — Nevaeh
“It really helps bring all the kids together to do something really fun and meaningful, to be able to be a leader. We always give at least half of what we make to the Connection Centre [to be] given back to the community, and that does make me feel really good about myself, that I am able to do that.”
— Nevaeh
Coats for Kids & Families aims to ensure families and individuals with limited resources have access to the proper winter outerwear needed for our cold Edmonton and area winters.
“United Way and Coats for Kids and Families are filling a niche that we can’t fill ourselves — that collaboration between non-profits and United Way is crucial. I thank everybody who takes the time to donate winter gear to Coats for Kids and Families because it is a vital service for Edmonton.” — Shari-Lynne Gidyk, Executive Director at Family Futures Resource Network
“United Way and Coats for Kids and Families are filling a niche that we can’t fill ourselves — that collaboration between non-profits and United Way is crucial. I thank everybody who takes the time to donate winter gear to Coats for Kids and Families because it is a vital service for Edmonton.”
— Shari-Lynne Gidyk, Executive Director at Family Futures Resource Network
We work collaboratively across the social services sector, identifying pressing community needs, and convening partnerships across the region to implement solutions with greatest impact. Local charities and non-profits are feeling increased pressure and requests for help as the need in our community also grows. United Way provides funding, capacity support, in-kind donations and more, so local agencies can focus on delivering much-needed programs and services.
“United Way strengthens our work by providing that additional funding so we can provide the highest quality childcare program possible. Every child, every family, deserves the right to quality care. When we have access to extra funding, we can provide the best staff, the best program, the best equipment.” — Kathy Burgett, program director for Norwood Family Resource Centre.
“United Way strengthens our work by providing that additional funding so we can provide the highest quality childcare program possible. Every child, every family, deserves the right to quality care. When we have access to extra funding, we can provide the best staff, the best program, the best equipment.”
— Kathy Burgett, program director for Norwood Family Resource Centre.
Thanks to the generosity of volunteers and donors like you, we raised over $25 million to strengthen our community.
No person or organization can solve our communities’ biggest problems alone. United Way supporters continue to roll up their sleeves to make a difference in our region. With your support, United Way of the Alberta Capital Region brings together partners and strategies to deliver local programs that build strong and vibrant communities where no one is left behind.
United Way works collaboratively across the social services sector, identifying pressing community needs and implementing the most impactful solutions. By supporting other local non-profits, United Way enables them to focus on delivering much needed front-line programs and services.
We are grateful to our amazing group of individuals and organizations who help make this important and life-changing work happen. Together, your support has the greatest impact possible.
from individual donations
from corporate gifts
through grants
After two years of virtual events, Red Tie Gala returned to an in-person format on March 16, 2023. We’re grateful for everyone who joined in celebration of the hard work and community spirit witnessed and delivered during the previous year’s fundraising campaign.
Red Tie Gala honours recipients of the Awards of Distinction, recognizing those exceptional individuals and groups who embrace the notion that ordinary people have the potential to achieve extraordinary impact.
View Awards of Distinction recipients
We appreciate the efforts of the companies who help make the Alberta Capital Region a better place to live and work through United Way workplace campaigns.
The 100K+ Club recognizes companies that, through their workplace giving campaigns, raised over $100,000 in 2022, demonstrating their commitment and passion to make sure no one in our community is left behind.
$2,000,000+
$800,000+
$600,000+
$500,000+
$400,000+
$300,000+
$200,000+
$100,000+
Campaign Representatives are seconded to United Way to support more than 400 charitable giving campaigns across the region. During this 16-week term, Campaign Representatives brainstorm solutions, provide advice, facilitate services and resources, and deliver training to thousands of volunteers.
2022-23 SCR Program Supporters
Since 1978, Labour and United Way of the Alberta Capital Region have worked together to make our community a healthy place to live, work, and raise a family. We are grateful for our Labour partners and their dedication to helping others.
The 50 Years United Club recognizes companies that have partnered with United Way for over 50 years. We are so grateful for our long-standing partners that continue to come together to make meaningful change in our community.
Names in bold indicate organizations that reached this milestone in 2022-23.
By leveraging the power of our movement, we can make lasting change.
Without the many companies, individuals, and all levels of government coming together with our United Way, we would not be able to make the tremendous impact that we make every day in the lives of our neighbours through our programs and services. With the knowledge and expertise of our staff and agency partners, we make the best investments to build strong and vibrant communities where no one is left behind.
View Community Program Supporters
In 2022, more than 1,600 volunteers provide integral support to United Way and our region.
United Way volunteers come together in ways that are as rich and diverse as our community: from hands-on Days of Caring opportunities that provide critical items to people in need, to using their talent and skills to enrich our organization.
Learn more about United Way volunteers
Audited Financials Review volunteers use their accounting and/or financial expertise to review Audited Financial statements and conduct independent assessments for all United Way agency partners as part of funding reporting requirements.
This dedicated group of volunteer reviewers helped our Community Building and Investment team evaluate more than 100 applications to distribute local Community Services Recovery Fund grants.
Volunteers from financial institutions are trained to become financial literacy educators and teach free workshops in partnership with local agencies, delivering accessible and empowering financial literacy information.
The Engineering Challenge is a collaboration of companies in the engineering community who come together annually in partnership with United Way to challenge each other to strengthen the Alberta Capital Region through workplace campaigns and a community engineering project.
Committee Members
Engineering Day of Caring Volunteers
Empower U volunteer financial coaches are professional financial planners and practitioners who provide one-on-one support to clients interested in setting and achieving their own financial goals.
The Financial Pathways Collaborative volunteers work as a committee to support the Each One, Teach One financial literacy program in our community.
Alberta’s Heartland area is full of companies looking to do local good by partnering with United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. The Heartland Challenge brings these organizations together to work on initiatives that help our local community thrive.
Committee
Heartland Challenge Event Day Volunteers
Community volunteers support our InKind Exchange.
Impact speaker volunteers inform and inspire audiences through sharing their own compelling stories about the work of United Way and our partner agencies. By sharing their story to illustrate the needs of our community, impact speakers help supporters understand how their support makes a positive difference in the Alberta Capital Region.
Through the Mentoring for Success program, Sponsored Campaign Representatives connect with United Way’s most influential Cabinet and Leadership volunteers who provide mentorship through professional and personal development.
The Financial Pathways Collaborative is a group of caring organizations focused on helping individuals and families build lives of financial stability and independence.
GenNEXT brings together local changemakers in their 20s and 30s to take action and inspire the next generation of community leaders.
Women United is a growing movement of strong female philanthropists bring people together to create lasting social change by helping vulnerable women and girls in our community.
Our Board of Directors provide an invaluable contribution to United Way of the Alberta Capital Region’s work in our community. The volunteers who make up United Way’s Board of Directors come from business, labour, government, health and social service sectors, and the community at large.
United Way Cabinets are made up of dedicated volunteers sharing their time and talent toward the development and implementation of strategies to expand United Way’s reach, increase engagement, and support year-round campaigns.
Building strong and vibrant communities where no one is left behind.
With over 80 years of experience, United Way of the Alberta Capital Region is deeply connected to this community and its support systems. To ensure that we continue to address immediate community needs as well as tackle complex social issues, United Way’s approach has evolved over time. We change lives by engaging passionate changemakers, investing in effective programs and services, and working in partnership with the system of agencies to create long-term solutions.
A strong and vibrant community is better equipped to respond to new and urgent needs and challenges. We are focused on two critical areas that build community resilience: strengthening mental health and creating equitable opportunities for education and financial security. These build the foundation of a strong community that can tackle any challenge.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our United Way, and our community. Together, we can ensure that no one in our community is left behind.
