UNITED WAY BRINGS A NEW BEAT TO COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Annual Campaign Kick Off sets fundraising goal for 2011 and launches a new era for United Way in the Alberta Capital Region

EDMONTON, AB – Thursday, September 15th marked a day of change for community support in the Alberta Capital Region, as United Way held its annual fundraising campaign kick off.

Along with announcing a fundraising goal of $21.5 million to help with the continuation of numerous critical programs in the social services sector, United Way ushered in a new brand with an upbeat rap and R&B song, tailored specifically at our collective efforts in community building and United Way’s new brand tagline “Change starts here.”

“This year is the 70th anniversary of United Way in the Alberta Capital Region,” said Mike Percy, 2011 Campaign Chair, who shared his personal story as a young person who needed support. “What better way to usher in a new era than with a high- impact, more modern look and tone for what we can accomplish together? Change really does start here, with each and every one of us being a part of making the greatest impact possible on the social issues that matter most in our community.”

The annual fundraising campaign includes participation by over 400 organizations in the public and private sectors, as well as by generous individuals throughout the community. The campaign runs through the fall season, with the final results announced at a celebration Red Tie Gala in February.

Residents who aren’t part of workplace campaigns, but who wish to show their support in addressing the social issues in our community, can make their donations online at myunitedway.ca or by calling the local United Way office at 780-990-1000.

The Change Starts Here song and video were developed through PLANit Sound, a local company that brings together musicians and filmmakers to develop highly-creative multimedia solutions for companies and organizations. Apart from enjoying the video premiere of Change Starts Here, attendees got a surprise live performance of the song by the artists in the production.

The full video can be viewed by visiting myunitedway.ca

The Change starts here tagline and new United Way brand are part of a national, collective effort by United Ways across Canada to generate awareness and support to create opportunities for a better life for everyone in our communities.

About United Way

United Way brings together organizations, businesses, governments and community members who care about the issues we face in the Alberta Capital Region. As a leader in community building, we promote a vision where everyone lives with financial stability and independence, where all neighbourhoods are safe and residents have a sense of well-being, and where all children are getting the right start in life and have the support they need to get them through the middle years and their high schoolgraduation. Together,we represent one of the most critical and extensive collaborative approaches for change. Change starts here.