From the start, the University of Alberta has sought out challenges to create change. Poverty is one of those challenges. Poverty stops thousands of people from meaningfully participating in our community and as part of this community, we at the U of A share responsibility for its well-being.
The U of A’s annual United Way Campaign gives us an opportunity to address the root causes of poverty and show up for the people in our community who need it most. Through the United Way, we can focus on improving substandard housing, food insecurity and healthcare access. We can help a family with young children, a newcomer to our community or someone close to giving up hope.
This year in particular, amid the ongoing affects of COVID-19, we had an even greater opportunity to transform lives right here at the U of A. Supporters of our campaign were able to direct their dollars to the cause they cared about most, including the Campus Food Bank.
Many groups came together for a number of fundraising events on campus, including the Daily Grind Coffee Sales Fundraiser, Faculty of Education Tools for School campaign, Plasma Car Derby, JDC West Chillin' for Charity event and the Forest Society Christmas Tree Sale fundraiser.
By standing together, listening to each other and pooling our resources, this year we were able to raise over $424,000 — and every dollar stays in the community. These donations could go on to ensure:
- 442 students receive supplies for the school year
- 221 youth participate in after-school programs
- 442 hours of distress line support can be delivered
- 277 parents receive basic products to care for young children
Because of your efforts, the United Way will be able to provide hope and funding to these crucial programs. Of the total raised, $14,232 was designated for the Campus Food bank.
As chairs of the United Way Campaign, we are so thrilled to see our university come together to support a campaign that provides immediate impact to our campus community and the City of Edmonton as a whole. Your commitment to making a positive impact in our community is truly inspiring and we are proud to be part of such a caring and generous team and to know that when there is a need, our community rises to the occasion.
The U of A and the United Way share a history of more than 40 years of fighting poverty in our larger community. The Fyrefly Institute and the Community-University Partnership (CUP) are two on-campus partners that make up over 50 social sector partners the United Way works with to deliver more than 100 local programs and services. Many United Way member organizations also partner with our university, opening their doors to students through internships, co-ops and joint research initiatives. These connections run deep, creating more opportunities to lift people in our community out of poverty.
More than ever, the challenge of poverty needs the strength of our U of A community. Donating is more than an act of charity — it's an act of justice, and a way to unlock enormous human potential. By creating pathways out of poverty for hundreds of thousands of Edmontonians, we are transforming lives and leading with purpose. Thank you for your continued support and investment in the health and well-being of our neighbours in the Alberta capital region.
Peggy Garritty, Joseph Doucet and Rob Munro
Peggy Garritty is Chancellor of the University of Alberta and Chair of the Senate, as well as Honorary Chair of the U of A's United Way Campaign.
Joseph Doucet is the interim college dean and vice provost of the University of Alberta’s College of Social Sciences and Humanities and a Co-Chair of the U of A's United Way Committee.
Rob Munro is the Executive Director of the University Initiatives Office and a Co-Chair of the U of A's United Way Committee.