UCalgary community raises record-breaking funds for 2019 United Way campaign

University of Calgary students, faculty and staff showed their community spirit once again supporting the university’s annual United Way campaign. It was another exceptional year with $724,923 raised, setting a new university record.

The campaign was led by Dr. Bill Rosehart, dean of the Schulich School of Engineering, and Dr. Cindy Graham, vice-dean of the Faculty of Science. They were supported by the leadership giving committee, led by Dr. Natasha Kenny, senior director of the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning, and a cabinet of more than 40 volunteers representing every faculty and unit. Karen Jackson, general counsel, was the executive sponsor. All were present at a celebratory wrap-up event on Tuesday, where after much anticipation, the 2019 fundraising total was announced.

“It has been a tough year for many in the community, and the university has not been immune,” said Rosehart at the event. “Despite that, through this campaign, we saw the commitment of our campus community to help improve the lives of all Calgarians everywhere.”

Special events, such as bake sales, fitness classes and book sales raised $100,000, and major donations brought in $247,000. There were a record number of Leadership donors this year, 173, up from 168 last year. This group brought in $294,910.

“The United Way is a key partner for the university. We find ourselves working in similar areas, such as mental health, intergenerational trauma, and school and career success," said Graham. “Many of our students and researchers work with United Way and their agency partners. We have a better ability to make lasting change by working together and this campaign is meant to show our support for their work.”

• Photo above: Winners of the Cannon Challenge Cup, Very Special Events, and Leader in Leadership Donors, along with UCalgary Campaign 2019 co-chairs Cindy Graham and Bill Rosehart, Leadership Giving chair Natasha Kenny and executive sponsor Karen Jackson. 

At the wrap-up event, five awards were given to the faculties and units who excelled in their campaigns:

• The Leader in Leadership Donors award went to the Cumming School of Medicine, which had the highest number of Leadership Donors and the highest amount of Leadership Giving donations.
• The Hard Core award went to Finance, for having the largest number of Core donors, which is any donation less than $1,200.
• The Mover and Shaker award went to School of Public Policy, which saw the largest growth from last year in donations and in number of donors.
• The Very Special Events award goes to Haskayne School of Business for raising the most money through special events. Thanks in large part to Chillin’ for Charity, a student-run initiative, having a banner year.
• The Cannon Challenge Cup goes to UC International for their incredible accomplishments in special events, participation and employee donations.

“I am very proud of what the University of Calgary has accomplished during this campaign,” said Jackson. “More of us stepped up this year to make a difference — whether it was through donating or volunteering or learning more about the issues our neighbours face daily.”

Learn more about the United Way of Calgary and Area and how your contributions do local good in Calgary communities, and visit our site to learn more about this year’s campaign and future activities.