United Way a key part of community

trevor.kenney — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:32:22 +0000

The month of December is noted as a time of giving and recognizing the challenges of people in need. Supporting the United Way is one such way to make a difference.

This year, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's United Way campaign is taking on a different look. A new website (www.uleth.ca/unitedway) speaks to the benefit of the community organization and how its impact is felt by virtually everyone in southern Alberta.

Clark Ferguson, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's chief information officer, has taken up the charge as campaign Chair, and he's eager to share his reasons for supporting the United Way.

"As a relative newcomer to the city, I've been looking for opportunities to connect with people in the community and share my skills and experience," says Ferguson. "I am so impressed with the United Way's impact and I think it's important to understand just how far they reach into the community and how valuable it is we support the agencies and programs they provide."

Clark Ferguson is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's 2011 United Way campaign Chair.

The United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta supports a total of 21 different agencies and 25 programs, things that impact our families, friends, neighbours and co-workers. From the Big Brothers Big Sisters to Boys & Girls Clubs, the Canadian Red Cross and the St. John's Ambulance, the United Way is an essential element of a supportive community.

"Their Give, Volunteer, Act slogan speaks to the United Way mission and allows the opportunity for everyone to support the campaign in their own way," says Ferguson.

He urges ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ staff and faculty to either give a small donation through a regular payroll deduction plan, volunteer their time to any one of the many programs and services provided by the United Way, or to act and become a catalyst for positive change in the community.

"I'm particularly impressed by our students' contributions. JDC West, a student group that competes annually in a business case competition, raises money every year through its Chillin' 4 Charity event. This year the group raised a record $20,000. That's a substantial injection of funds. In addition, they donate their time to a variety of local charities. We are definitely proud of their commitment."

Ferguson says the United Way in some manner has influenced us all.

"I think it's important to recognize the value the United Way provides to this community and to give back; even if it is in a small way, every donation adds up to powerful change."

GET THE FACTS

· In the past year, the United Way handed out Baby Bundles filled with nutritional food and safety products to 1,468 new and expecting parents

· In the past year, a total of 519 women and children received shelter from a violent spouse

· In the past year, 88 youth in need of a role model were matched with a mentor

· In the past year, 5,135 pieces of medical equipment were loaned out to 3,145 individuals

This story first appeared in the December 2011 issue of the Legend. If you'd like to see the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

United Way campaign sparks campus generosity

trevor.kenney — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:15:44 +0000

Faculty and staff at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge have traditionally been extremely supportive of charitable causes and as the U of L United Way Campaign kicks off, employee generosity will be revealed once again.

The campaign this year is two-fold, featuring payroll deductions/one-time gifts and the popular Cash Calendar. While there are many worthwhile causes and charities, one plus of the United Way Campaign is that all monies raised are used to support local programs in Lethbridge and surrounding areas.

Barb Erler, campaign chair, encourages staff to donate through payroll deductions/one-time gifts and thanks everyone who has supported the United Way Campaign in the past.

"All donations, small or large, make a difference and help support local community service agencies in Lethbridge and southern Alberta," Erler says.

Staff at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ make it possible to sign up for payroll deductions and forms for employee payroll deductions/one-time gifts are available through Kyle Halluk in Human Resources.

"Monies raised from the U of L United Way Campaign support local programs in Lethbridge and surrounding areas and our support is critical to the ongoing operations of community service agencies," Erler adds. "Some of the agencies who receive funding from the United Way include Big Brothers & Sisters, CNIB, Interfaith Food Bank, Lethbridge Family Services, Red Cross and YWCA Harbour House."

The Cash Calendar forms part of the U of L United Way Campaign again this year. For $25 the Cash Calendar offers daily draws in November for prizes ranging from $50 to $500. If all 300 calendars are sold, the total prize amount given out in the month of November is $3,500, with $4,000 donated to the United Way. Those who purchase calendars prior to Oct. 15 are eligible for the $100 early bird draw.

Cash Calendars are available for $25 through one of the volunteer sellers or in the Office of the Vice-President (Finance and Administration).

"Faculty and staff realize that supporting local community service agencies is important and have shown their generosity in the past," Erler says. "I hope that staff will continue to support the work of the United Way of Lethbridge and southwestern Alberta and contribute to the 2009 campaign."

Campaign Volunteers
• Cathy Kanashiro, Faculty of Arts & Science
• Karen Mahar, Faculty of Fine Arts
• Carol Van Dyk, Faculty of Management
• Doris Kostiuk, Library
• Kristine Wall, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Advancement
• Annette Bright, Bookstore
• Patrick Mack, Human Resources
• Diane Boyle, Information Technology
• Shauna Haag, Facilities
• Greg Martin, Printing Services

UNews - campaign Chair

United Way a key part of community

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United Way campaign sparks campus generosity

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