Nov. 18, 2020
Why we give
PeoplesupportUnited Wayfor many different reasons—becauseit allocates money where it’s needed mostorworks withlocalcharities to make a difference in the community—butsomehavehad a personal experiencewith a charity or organization that receives funding from the United Way.These are the reasons thatstick with us.
Three university employees shared the stories that inspired them toof $1,200 or moretoɫUnited Way campaign, showing that any reason for giving is the right one.
Becauseher baby needed care atthe Alberta Children’s Hospital
JodieJeworski,manager, compensation and recognition, Human Resources,became aleadership donorin 2019,onlya short timeafterher one-year-old son Nathan, pictured above,was rushed to atrauma bed at theAlbertaChildren’sHospital.
The sound ofchoking and coughing wokeJeworski, who rushed toNathan’s room to find himunable to breathe properly.
“Hewas hysterically crying and throwing his head back to try to breathe,” she says.“When we got to triage, they took one look at Nathan, did quick vitals, and rushed us to a trauma bed. I didn’t even have time to hand over his Albertahealth card.”
Nathanreceived life-saving treatmentto reduce the swellingin his airways. He was diagnosed with croupand kept overnight for observation.
It was a frightening experience forJeworskiand her family, but she saysthemedical care they received was incredible.
“As a relatively new mother, Ihad no idea what croup was or what was happening,” she says. “The doctors and nurses all treated us with the utmost of care, respect, and empathy.”
Jeworskidirects her entireUnited Waydonation to the Alberta Children’s Hospital, so they can continue providing the same level of excellent care to other children and families.
BecauseUnited Way helped her finish high school
This is the first yearthatNora Molina,director, career services, StudentandEnrolment Services,has given to United Way at aleadership level, but her connection to United Waystarted years ago when she was 16 years old and pregnant.
Shemoved to Calgary to attend the Louise Dean Schoolfor teenage mothers, a program funded through the Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Catholic SchoolBoard andsupported byUnited Way.
“If not for that program,I’ve often wondered if I would have even graduated high school,” says Molina, who continued her education atUCalgary, earning a BA and an MBA.“In all my education pursuits, graduating high school is still hands-down the hardest goal I’ve ever achieved, and I still think it was the most important one. That was made possible because of the school boards and theUnited Way.”
Because the lightbulb went on
Ray Patterson, Haskayne Research Professorship and Area chair, Business Technology Management, has been aleadership donor to United Way on and off since 2001.
Early in Patterson’s career, he wanted to enhance his resume with some volunteer work, so he approached his local United Way chapter and becameaboard member for a charityfunded by United Way— a daycare centre providing subsidized care to the children of low-income women.
“The program enabled the mothers to work and provide for their family,” says Patterson. “That experience of seeing how important the United Way organization is to making real change happen in the community was an important lesson for me — a light bulb turned on, and we’ve always included United Way in our giving strategy since.”
Become a leadership donor
A payroll deduction of$50 per paychequemakes you a leadership donor and afterapplyingthetax credits, your $1,200 donationcostsonly$552.
It’s a great year to become a leadership donor.First-time donors of at least $1,200 will have their contributionsmatched dollar for dollar.If you’re an existing leadership donor, any increaseabovelast year’s contribution will also be matched.
You canand, when you’re ready, you can donate to theUCalgaryUnited Way campaign online by
Registerto attendLeaders in Social Innovationin support of United Way
Join this special session on how members of our community are embracing innovation andentrepreneurialideas while investing United Way dollars to serve our local community in local and tangible ways.At this online opportunity to gather with our colleagues from across campus we will hearfrom Jeff Dyer, CEO of Trellis, and Beth Gignac, COO of United Way of Calgary and Areaon innovation in the social sector, including the new ideas and methods needed to face of our current reality with creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Wednesday, Nov. 25, noon to 1 p.m.
Not ready for leadership giving?Take part in20 for 2020
The pandemic hasbeen challenging for us all, but vulnerable Calgarians havebeen especially affected.This year,UCalgaryis challenging the campus community to take part in theinitiative. If you haven’t given before,give$20. If you donate monthly or annually, increase your contribution amount by $20 or 20 per cent.
You can also donate$20to purchaseunlimitedstarsfor your colleagues.It’s the first time thesecards have been available online,and the initiative has already raised$3,115. Stars are only available to send until Dec. 11,so send yours soon.
Show your local love
Having a common purpose brings us together, makes us stronger and creates community. That might look like helping local families put food on the table, connecting Calgarians with crucial mental health services, or providing people a sense of belonging and inclusion. When we stand united to help others, we are part of something bigger than ourselves, and create ripples of positive impact. .
If you have questions or require assistance with donating, contact DJ Kelly, manager, community engagement at 403-220-3152 or dj.kelly@ucalgary.ca
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