Community Impact Awards to honour Calgary’s community champions
United Way of Calgary and Area celebrates the extraordinary agencies and individuals who work together to make a better life for Calgarians
It’s no secret that 2023 was a very challenging year. But with trials come opportunities to learn how to better tackle the issues facing Calgarians — now and in the years to come.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from last year is that meaningful change can’t happen without the dedication of an entire community, as evidenced by the tireless work of the city’s non-profit organizations, businesses, donors and volunteers, according to United Way CEO and president Karen Young.
“The toughest challenges in our communities cannot be solved by any one person on their own,” Young says. “Community impact is about believing we all have the power to make things better. It’s what happens when we harness our ideas, strengths and skills to tackle problems together.”
Every year, United Way celebrates the commitment of its partners who help make change possible with the annual Community Impact Awards.
The awards, which will be presented at a private event later this month, celebrate the individuals and organizations that have gone above-and-beyond in supporting United Way in the past year. Categories recognize campaign creativity, personal dedication to fundraising and growth of impact, but above all else, the Community Impact Awards shine the spotlight on the thousands of people who strive to make their communities a better place.
ALL HANDS ON DECK
This year’s United Way of Calgary and Area campaign benefitted from strong leadership, including this year’s campaign co-chairs Jana Mosley and Vivek Warrier. Strictly a volunteer role, the campaign co-chair uses their network and voice to raise awareness and funds for United Way.
Mosley, president of ENMAX Power, was struck by the passion and commitment of volunteers from all generations and various levels of personal means.
“Calgary is full of innovative, caring and collaborative people who are willing to give in small and big ways to make our community better. That’s what made this year’s campaign such a success,” she says, adding that ENMAX proudly supports the United Way’s Basic Needs Fund, which helps those in need of housing, food and utilities.
Mosley is proud of what’s been accomplished but recognizes there’s still more work to do.
“There are still far too many people in need in our prosperous city, but, together, we can continue to make a difference in their lives by giving of our time and resources and magnifying the impact we have through organizations like the United Way.”
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt partner Warrier adds, “I am a lifelong Calgarian, so have had ample opportunity to enjoy the vibrant spirit of generosity and compassion that characterizes our community. Nothing could have prepared me for the sheer magnitude of engagement we witnessed on the campaign this year.”
Warrier helped kick off several workplace campaigns where he was inspired by the passion and commitment of volunteers and the generosity of the Calgary business community. Nearly 700 companies partnered with United Way in 2023. Thousands more committed volunteer hours to make Calgary a better and kinder place for all.
One of those volunteers is Jason Luinenberg, who became involved with United Way through a workplace campaign and Days of Caring at Imperial. After witnessing the work of the organization firsthand, he made the decision to grow his personal donation in 2023, saying his choice to donate was an easy one.
“For me, it was the focus on local action within each of the local charities. The thing that stood out for me was the United Way events we do at Imperial,” says Luinenberg, who also served as 2023’s Imperial United Way Campaign co-chair. “The impact that my contributions could have to United Way was really driven home.”
Imperial is one of several organizations nominated for this year’s President’s Award, which honours recipients for their exceptional contributions to both United Way and the surrounding community.
For Young, she sees the upcoming evening as not only an opportunity to celebrate and recognize those who are working to make Calgary a better place; it’s also a chance get inspired by innovative campaigns and learn from the people who are making a difference. She says it’s the collective energy of the evening that truly set the wheels in motion for 2024.
“When we all come together, we can be unstoppable!”
Stay tuned for March 14 when the full list of recipients is announced at www.calgaryunitedway.org.