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Home / Awards of Distinction / 2024 Awards of Distinction Recipients
A staple of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region for over 30 years, the annual Red Tie Gala event celebrates and recognizes the hard work and community spirit witnessed and delivered during the previous year’s fundraising campaign.
We’re grateful for everyone who joined us on March 14, 2024 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.
The Award of Excellence is a recognition award presented to organizations in the Alberta Capital Region that raised more than $1,000,000 in 2023.
2024 Recipient: PCL Construction
PCL Construction’s 2023 workplace campaign surpassed all expectations. With more than two-thirds of PCL staff generously donating to the campaign and a corporate match of $1 million, the organization was able to raise over $2.4 million this year!
This award is presented to the organization or individual whose new and innovative idea generated a big payoff for United Way and poverty eradication in our community.
2024 Recipient: Primoris Canada
Since joining the United Way network in 2022, Primoris Canada has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to community engagement. Their innovative approach, including a Poverty Simulation as part of an employee and family appreciation barbecue, raised over $10,000! Featuring inflatable carnival games, obstacle courses, face painting, and the infamous Dunk Tank, the event educated staff about United Way while fostering impactful change.
This award is presented to the Workplace Campaign Committee that showed innovation, teamwork and enthusiasm in the promotion/execution of the workplace campaign and achieved stronger than expected results in the workplace.
TIE – 2024 Recipient (under 250 employees): MEGlobal Canada
MEGlobal Canada’s workplace campaign soared to success with strategic initiatives thanks to their outstanding campaign committee. They engaged staff and contractors at four free lunches featuring exciting fundraising games, inspiring speakers, and coveted prizes. By putting education first, the committee was able to raise awareness to all MEGlobal employees, expanding their overall campaign reach.
TIE – 2024 Recipient (under 250 employees): Pembina Pipeline Corp. Sherwood Park
Pembina Pipeline Corporation, Sherwood Park is a shining example of what a dedicated and experienced campaign committee can accomplish. From year-round events such as Meat Raffles, fifty-fifties, and Bocce ball tournaments to engaging campaigns initiatives including a strong kickoff event, online auctions, and impactful speakers, Pembina’s campaign committee was unwavering in their commitment.
2024 Recipient (250 to 500 employees): Associated Engineering
Associated Engineering had a record-breaking campaign year. Its campaign committee, chaired by dedicated leaders, saw an overall 25 percent increase in fundraising this year! In addition, the team actively volunteered, dedicating time each month to United Way’s Days of Caring program and Engineering Challenge. Their lively kick-off and wrap-up events showcased an impressive level of participation and enthusiasm.
TIE – 2024 Recipient (over 500 employees): Imperial Oil
Imperial Oil’s 2023 workplace campaign committee was strategic, passionate and innovative in their efforts to build on the success of last year’s campaign. Not only did they revamp their communication strategies and expand their Days of Caring, but the committee also organized tailored events for employees and contractors to ensure inclusivity. Through this approach, Imperial increased their overall fundraising total by 10 percent over last year’s results!
TIE – 2024 Recipient (over 500 employees): PCL Construction
Comprised of diverse members, including first-time United Way campaigners, PCL Construction’s 2023 campaign committee leveraged fresh ideas to create an engaging experience for all. Their vintage road trip theme, innovative events, and community-focused initiatives set the stage for an outstanding campaign. With an 89 percent staff decision rate, the committee reached their goal and raised over $2.4 million!
This award is presented to an initiative that increased awareness of community needs and the impact of United Way donations, showed excellence in coordinating and motivating others and achieved stronger than expected results.
2024 Recipient: Government of Canada – Canada Revenue Agency ABTSO
Despite organizational changes, Canada Revenue Agency ABTSO’s second annual campaign as the Alberta Tax Service Office demonstrated resilience. With the theme ‘Time, Treasure, and Talent,’ they strategically engaged staff, held pancake breakfasts, and introduced initiatives like the Children’s Art Submission. By leveraging former Sponsored Campaign Representatives, they coordinated 18 ambassadors, increased donation dollars and overall participation. Their dedication to education and engagement truly stands out.
This award is presented to the ECC who demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and commitment in planning and executing their workplace campaign. They went above and beyond the call of duty, achieving challenging campaign goals and objectives.
2024 Recipient: Enbridge: Kevin Berger
A strong team needs an even stronger leader – one who empowers skilled individuals and allows them to soar. Thanks to nearly a year of intentional and thoughtful strategy, and over 400 hours of volunteer time, Kevin Berger led the campaign committee at Enbridge to outstanding results, including a 30 percent increase in special event funds raised and breaking the $900,000 fundraising threshold overall.
2024 Recipient: City of Edmonton: Heather Curtis
Heather Curtis did a truly amazing job as the City of Edmonton’s campaign chair despite coming into the role at the eleventh hour. Her vision, enthusiasm, and organizational skills were evident as she developed a comprehensive strategy that has been well executed throughout the City’s six-month campaign. Under Heather’s leadership, planned events were innovative, included unique aspects, and were well-marketed for the diverse workplace.
This new award recognizes a workplace campaign which made intentional efforts to engage the next generation of community leaders (aged 40 and under), retirees, and/or women and gender-diverse groups in campaign activities to increase awareness and support of United Way initiatives.
2024 Recipient: Co-operators
Co-operators’ pivotal role in United Way’s new Financial Reality Check initiative truly showcased their commitment to ensuring financial literacy. Through generous funding and the involvement of financial experts in the school simulation, Co-operators actively fostered financial literacy among participating high school students. Co-operators has also hosted Days of Caring, raised $20,000 for Tools for School, sponsored United Way events, and more.
This award is presented to the United Way Funded Partner campaign that showed outstanding commitment, dedication and creativity executing their own United Way employee campaign.
2024 Recipient: Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area
Boys and Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton and Area organized an inventive campaign that overcame challenges to exceed their goal. Their refreshing campaign approach included a dynamic “Walk Through” experience, featuring selfie stations, prize baskets, and snacks. The team showcased the diverse ways they support United Way, inspired new staff, and demonstrated that campaign participation goes beyond donations.
This award is presented to an individual who demonstrates unparalleled commitment to United Way’s purpose to build a strong and vibrant community where no one is left behind, is a senior United Way volunteer, and has demonstrated exceptional commitment to United Way for 10 years or more.
2024 Recipient: Danisha Bhaloo-Shivji
A dedicated United Way speaker and advocate since 2013, Danisha Bhaloo-Shivji’s impact resonates deeply within our community. She serves on the Women United Global Leadership Council, and her role as our local Women United cabinet co-chair has been instrumental to re-envisioning this key United Way affinity group. Danisha is an inspirational leader whose personal commitment and dedication to empowering women is truly commendable.
2024 Recipient: Brian Finley
For over two decades, Brian Finley has been a driving force in building a resilient community through his commitment to making home ownership more accessible for local families living with low income. Brian’s leadership and volunteer work exemplify his deep dedication to breaking barriers, providing supports, and enhancing the lives of vulnerable populations in Edmonton and area.
This award is presented to organizations that have demonstrated outstanding support of the Leaders of the Way program. The candidates have shown creativity and excellence in the execution of a Leadership giving ($1,200-$9,999) campaign, and have achieved a significant increase in Leadership donors and dollars over the previous year.
2024 Recipient: EPCOR
EPCOR shines as the recipient of this special recognition for their outstanding Leaders of the Way Thank You Event. Ninety-six EPCOR Leaders of the Way donors and guests were shown appreciation and treated to refreshments, musical entertainment, and heartfelt thank-you messages which emphasized their vital role in supporting our United Way.
Outstanding Committee Members of the Year – This award is presented to the committee member (or company volunteer) that demonstrated exceptional commitment to success in the workplace campaign.
2024 Recipients:
Annie Schurek took substantial initiative this year in her workplace campaign. She stepped up to every challenge with enthusiasm and creativity, shared great new ideas, and worked to bring new life to old events. Annie’s attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and dedication were evident in all she did and exemplified by the incredible donor appreciation event she organized.
Miori Matthews exemplifies what every workplace campaign needs in a volunteer and leader. A longtime campaign participant, her exceptional leadership skills help maintain a highly organized team, ensuring alignment with goals, targets, and team members. Miori has not only engaged new volunteers but also harnessed their strengths, fostering a culture of skill development within the campaign.
The Welcome to United Way award recognizes organizations that are supporting United Way for the first time. Eligible candidates demonstrate a commitment to the community by empowering individuals to get involved in the community and make a difference.
Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network took a bold step with their inaugural United Way campaign by hosting back-to-back Poverty Simulations for their entire staff. With mandatory attendance, full-day volunteers, and committee support, they ensured the nearly 130 participants had a meaningful experience. This campaign initiative reflects their dedication to fostering empathy and awareness within the team.
The Safety Codes Council made an impressive debut with their 2023 workplace campaign! They hosted an engaging employee event, a Coats for Kids and Families collection drive, and a heartwarming holiday celebration. For future campaigns, they plan to explore payroll deduction, the KAIROS Blanket Exercise, and more volunteer opportunities.
