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.
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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.
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Home / Partner With Us / Employee Engagement / Engineering Challenge
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.
United Way brings together companies wanting to do local good with opportunities to make a bigger impact and supports them throughout their projects.
Participating companies challenge each other to provide a greater connection between employees and their community.
The collaboration has resulted in 15 successful projects and over $24 million funds raised over the past 16 years.
Over 70 volunteers from 17 engineering firms in the Alberta Capital Region came together to upgrade the outdoor space at two transition homes operated by the John Howard Society.
The project consisted of large-scale fence replacements, storage improvements, installation of outdoor meeting and recreation spaces, including seating, lighting, fire pit, and a gazebo.
Over 70 United Way volunteers from 16 Edmonton-region engineering firms came together to transform Camp Yowochas, a year-round outdoor education centre and campsite run by YWCA Edmonton.
This September, more than 70 volunteers from 16 engineering firms across Edmonton came together for United Way’s 16th annual Engineering Challenge to transform Camp Yowochas, a year-round outdoor education centre and campsite on Lake Wabamun, for YWCA Edmonton.
This year, United Way’s Engineering Challenge renovations included upgrading multi-use campsites, refurbishing staff cabins, and creating a brand-new archery range for campers.
These upgrades will enhance visitors’ experiences while creating a nurturing, healing space to promote mental and physical wellness, says Katherine O’Neill, CEO of YWCA Edmonton.
The Engineering Challenge is back for its 15th year!
To celebrate this milestone, our team of volunteer engineers selected two community agencies to support with a renovation project.
The new e4c Alberta garden space will feature Indigenous medicine plants, a new layout and space for Indigenous ceremonies and programming, and better accessibility for those in wheelchairs and with limited mobility. As well, the residents at Operation Friendship Society’s Pioneer Place will see a refreshed backyard with a new gazebo, safer pathways, and an improved seating area.
We know that getting outside has a bright spot for many, and we hope these refreshed spaces for e4c & Operation Friendship will help the community continue to enjoy the great outdoors.
The Engineering Challenge partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association of Edmonton in 2020 to revitalize their resident building, Northern Arms which was in need of a space to promote health and wellness for the families that it serves.
Over 70 volunteers and 10 in-kind sponsors came together to create a safe and welcoming outdoor space complete with garden beds, a gazebo, patios, and storage lockers.
“I can’t believe this is my yard. It reminds me of those makeovers you see on TV, the kind of yard rich people have. I never thought I would have such a beautiful space to enjoy with my child.” – Building Resident
“One resident told us how much this space will do for her mental health and wellbeing and how she needed something like this to happen in this hard time in her life. Other residents were calling family in Jamaica, showing off the space with pride via FaceTime and squealing and crying.” – CMHA Staff Member
More than 70 volunteers from 16 engineering firms came out to reconstruct the courtyard space for the senior residents at Operation Friendship Seniors Society (OFSS). OFSS has been working with Edmonton’s seniors to create a community and improve the quality of life for seniors in the inner city since 1969. At their McCauley Lodge, the agency provides housing for 58 low-income seniors.
The renovation projects included:
Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS) provides immediate and low-barrier shelter, temporary housing, and individualized wraparound support for youth ages 15—24. They focus on working collaboratively with our youth supporting partners on prevention and diversion out of homelessness.
In the Fall of 2018, the Engineering Challenge Day of Caring completed their 12th community project. Working with YESS, our extraordinary group of 50 volunteers completed renovation projects that rejuvenated the property and created new spaces for the youth to enjoy. The Engineering Challenge Day of Caring was a success thanks to volunteers like these; dedicating their skills, time, and hearts into the project each year. This year’s project impacted hundreds of youth who use the facilities and services at YESS.
The Engineering Challenge is made possible through the dedication of volunteers committed to ensuring individuals and families in the Capital Region can thrive.
Dan Serediak – Chair, Local Engineering Jasmine Thome – Worley Adam Firth – City of Edmonton Camille Chalifoux – Stantec Greg Wengreniuk, Enbridge Contractor Heather Toepfer, Lukay Research & Development Tanya Kloos, ISL Engineering
To get involved in the Challenge, call us at 780-990-1000 or email [email protected].
The Edmonton region’s engineering community joins forces to make a lasting impact through skilled volunteerism in support of United Way and Edmonton John Howard Society.
Engineering Day of Caring brought together 16 firms to challenge each other to strengthen communities across through donation, advocacy and sheer effort.
