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Home / News / Celebrating changemakers at the Red Tie Gala Awards of Distinction
April 10, 2025
For over 30 years, United Way’s Red Tie Gala has been a cornerstone celebration of community spirit in the Alberta Capital Region. This event recognizes the outstanding contributions of donors, volunteers, and community leaders who are dedicated to making a difference.
At the heart of the evening are the Awards of Distinction, which recognize outstanding individuals and organizations whose commitment to generosity, innovation, and leadership is driving lasting change.
This year’s recipients have gone above and beyond to ensure that no one in our region is left behind. Whether through workplace campaigns, innovative projects, or long-term volunteerism, their efforts have inspired action and transformed lives.
The Award of Excellence celebrates organizations that have raised more than $1 million in support of United Way during workplace campaigns.
PCL Construction
PCL’s 2024 campaign raised an incredible $2.5 million! Through innovation, education, and engagement, they have set the standard for workplace giving. Their campaign featured passionate ambassadors, creative fundraising events, and a commitment to making a real impact in the community.
Enbridge
Enbridge’s workplace campaign exemplified what’s possible when passion meets purpose. By introducing fresh ideas and fostering a culture of generosity, their team raised over $1 million to support United Way. Through strategic engagement and a culture of generosity, they continue to drive meaningful change in the Alberta Capital Region.
This year, our United Way introduced our newest Award of Distinction. The Community Leader Award recognizes the non-profit leaders who go beyond their roles to strengthen the social sector and create lasting change in their communities. Going forward, the recognition will be named The Liz O’Neill Community Leader Award, in honour of its first recipient.
Liz O’Neill | As the former executive director of BGC Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area, Liz goes above and beyond for the sake of a better community. Liz is a role model to the entire social sector within the Alberta Capital Region. She is the first to share her time, resources, and skills with others. Her impact has touched many lives and inspires us all.
The George Letki Volunteer of the Year Award honours long-standing United Way volunteers who have shown exceptional commitment for over a decade.
Pamela Spurvey | A passionate advocate for human rights and equity, Pamela has worked tirelessly on housing rights, Indigenous leadership, and lived-experience-informed policy change. Her dedication has shaped policies and programs that create a more just and inclusive community.
Pauline Smale | From her early days as an Employee Campaign Committee member to her role as CEO of The Family Centre, Pauline has been a champion for social change. Her leadership has strengthened United Way’s impact and empowered families and individuals across the region. Pauline was also recently awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her leadership in our community, and her numerous contributions to our United Way.
The Leading the Way Award recognizes organizations that recognize and celebrate the impact of workplace campaign donors who give $1,200 or more annually.
Safety Codes Council | Through its first pledge drive and payroll deductions, Safety Codes Council raised nearly $9,000, with 30% of employee donors contributing at the leadership level, setting a new standard for workplace giving.
The Expanding Our Reach Award honours efforts to engage the next generation of community leaders, retirees, and/or women and gender-diverse groups in campaign activities.
Edmonton Oil Kings | By leveraging in-game promotions and ticket incentives, the Edmonton Oil Kings mobilized their passionate fan base to collect over 500 coats for families in need and raise awareness for community support.
The Education and Engagement Award recognizes workplace campaigns that increase awareness of community needs and the impact of United Way donations.
Wheaton Group of Companies | Through their 2024 Sock it to Poverty campaign, Wheaton Group collected 16,651 pairs of socks and inspired employees to take action, all while increasing awareness of the importance of basic necessities.
The Big Idea Award recognizes innovation in workplace fundraising.
Primoris Canada | Through Paintball for Charity and Office Olympics, Primoris Canada’s creative campaign exceeded fundraising goals by 200%, increased payroll giving, and deepened employee engagement.
The Funded Partner Campaign Award honours United Way-funded agencies that show outstanding commitment in their own workplace campaigns.
Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE) | Through creative engagement and inclusive incentives, SACE energized staff and inspired generosity, making their workplace campaign the most successful yet.
The Welcome to United Way Award recognizes a first-time workplace campaign that made an immediate impact.
1-800-GOT-JUNK? | This organization stepped up for United Way’s Coats for Kids and Families campaign, offering free pickups and engaging employees in volunteer efforts. Their dedication ensured warm clothing reached hundreds of families in need and made an immediate and tangible difference.
The Outstanding Committee Member of the Year Award recognizes volunteers who demonstrated exceptional commitment to the success of their workplace campaign.
Bonnie Gattolliat, Alberta Public Service – Indigenous Relations | Bonnie’s creative initiatives and fundraising efforts tripled her workplace’s campaign contributions over two years, proving the power of collaboration and passion.
Bruce Ferguson, City of Edmonton | A 40-year United Way supporter, Bruce has championed workplace giving and fostered a culture of generosity among city employees, inspiring a new generation of donors.
The Employee Campaign Chair of the Year Awards celebrate individuals who demonstrated exceptional leadership in their workplace campaign.
Public Sector: Charlayne Bozak, Alberta Public Service – Infrastructure | Charlayne has been a driving force behind Alberta Public Service’s Infrastructure campaign, inspiring colleagues through her strategic approach, engaging events, and commitment to community impact. Her ability to rally support across departments led to record-breaking participation.
Private Sector: Chelsea Lawrysyn, Imperial Oil | Chelsea’s leadership at Imperial Oil helped create a culture of giving that extended beyond traditional workplace donations. Her innovative campaign strategies encouraged employees to connect personally with United Way’s mission, leading to increased engagement and generosity.
Private Sector: Reshma Appasamy, Enbridge | Reshma’s enthusiasm and dedication were key in Enbridge’s workplace campaign success. She fostered a strong sense of community within the organization, utilizing storytelling and employee-led initiatives to inspire meaningful contributions.
The Campaign Committee of the Year Awards recognize workplace campaign committees that demonstrated innovation, teamwork, and enthusiasm.
Under 250 Employees: Alberta Public Service – Executive Council | The Executive Council’s campaign committee brought together leaders and staff to create a dynamic, high-energy campaign that connected employees with United Way’s mission. Through creative events and strong peer-to-peer engagement, they made an outsized impact despite their smaller team size.
250-1,000 Employees: Dow Canada | Dow Canada’s campaign committee focused on deepening employee understanding of community needs while making giving fun and accessible. Their innovative approach included interactive learning sessions, engaging team challenges, and a strong social media presence to maximize participation.
Over 1,000 Employees: PCL Construction | PCL Construction’s campaign committee continues to set the benchmark for workplace campaigns. Their team’s passion, creativity, and hands-on involvement have made their campaign one of the most successful in United Way’s history. By fostering a culture of giving and leading by example, they continue to inspire their employees and the broader community.
Red Tie Gala’s Awards of Distinction not only honour these exceptional changemakers but also serve as a reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together. Each winner has played a vital role in shaping a stronger, more inclusive Alberta Capital Region.
To all our award recipients, thank you for leading with heart. You’ve proved that together, we can create extraordinary change.
A workplace campaign is a powerful way to bring your team together, boost morale, and make a lasting impact in your community.
Discover how healing in Indigenous and marginalized communities is rooted in interconnected relationships, cultural traditions, and community strength, as shared by Pamela Spurvey, Indigenous Wellness Coordinator and facilitator for United Way’s Empower U program.
Get a look inside the GenNEXT Cabinet, where young professionals in the Alberta Capital Region come together to lead initiatives, advocate for change, and create lasting impact through United Way.
