Record-breaking United Way campaign recognized at Spirits of Gold awards ceremony

The University of Calgary was honoured with a Leading the Way award at the United Way of Calgary’s annual Spirits of Gold Awards, on Wednesday, Feb. 7. The event was an opportunity to celebrate the dynamic workplaces, individuals and agencies who stepped up to meet the growing needs in our city during the United Way of Calgary’s highly successful 2017 campaign, which raised $52.6 million, plus $2 million Tomorrow Gift Fund.

UCalgary set another record for its United Way campaign this year, with a total amount raised of $639,048 (unaudited), exceeding the campaign goal of $550,000. And it was the university’s 157 leader donations — the highest in university history — that resulted in the Leading the Way award, which recognizes organizations and employees who have demonstrated outstanding support of the Leadership Giving program. Leaders are those individuals who give $1,200 to $9,999 on an annual basis.

“It is wonderful to be recognized for the generosity of our university community,” says Diane Kenyon, vice-president (university relations). “I’d like to thank the Leadership Giving Committee for their hard work, as well as all the leadership donors for making a lasting impact on the city.”

Championed by the Leadership Giving Committee, led by Bill Rosehart, dean of the Schulich School of Engineering, leadership donations through UCalgary brought in a total of $278,915 (unaudited).

UCalgary’s 2018 United Way campaign will launch next fall, with hopes of breaking even more fundraising records in support of Calgarians.

United Way impacts the lives of 500 Calgarians every day, through local community partners to develop, manage and deliver social programs. Last year, 34,000 Calgarians gave to the United Way, impacting the lives of 178,000 people in our city. The University of Calgary is deeply invested in the community we serve and lead, and we believe that everyone should be given an equal start in life to achieve their full potential and truly flourish.