United Way’s Heartland Challenge is a collaboration of businesses and organizations committed to building a stronger, more connected community. They invite companies to come together, challenge one another, and spark powerful connections between employees and the communities where they work and live.
Heartland Challenge unites local organizations, volunteers, and community partners to take action on projects that matter. From improving spaces vital to the clients of agency partners to expanding frontline services, each initiative reflects the power of collective action.
In 2025, the Heartland Challenge team transformed spaces at BriarPatch Family Life Education Centre, creating both an outdoor healing sanctuary and improved indoor counselling and office spaces. These upgrades—including a new multi-use outdoor space for play and grief support as well as more welcoming therapeutic rooms — will help BriarPatch better support families in building resilience, healing, and healthy coping strategies.
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This year, the Heartland Challenge partnered with the Strathcona Food Bank, a volunteer-run organization that supports food security for thousands in the community. Volunteers transformed the space with a renovated entrance, a new confidential office area, and a 40th anniversary celebration, improving both service capacity and the experience for clients and volunteers.
In 2023, the Heartland Challenge supported the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank through 50+ volunteers from 13 organizations working on sustainability and facility improvements. Projects included building garden beds and a greenhouse, installing rainwater systems, and enhancing volunteer spaces through a breakroom, appreciation events, and locally sourced materials.
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In 2022, volunteers through the Heartland Challenge partnered with A Safe Place to improve safety, comfort, and functionality across the shelter. Efforts included assembling new beds, painting and repairing key spaces, upgrading the crisis room and intake areas, and completing deep cleaning and mural installations.
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In 2021, the Heartland Challenge partnered with BGC Fort Saskatchewan to support youth programming and facility improvements. Volunteers prepared food packages, completed outdoor maintenance and garden work, upgraded lighting, and created a new computer lab to support learning and creativity.
I 2020, through the Heartland Challenge, volunteers partnered with Next Step School to show care and support for students in a non-traditional learning environment. Initiatives included delivering care packages, donating Chromebooks, and providing graduation gowns to help students feel celebrated and supported.
Learn MoreThe Heartland Challenge holds personal protective equipment drives to collect work gear to help those who need it. These essential health and safety items can be expensive, creating a barrier to those who need the equipment to find work, but can’t afford the upfront cost. Since 2019, more than 440 people have benefited from donations of work boots, coveralls, insulated workwear, protective eyewear, hard hats, and work gloves.
The Heartland Challenge initiative is made possible through the dedication of volunteers, community partners, school districts, and funders – collectively committed to ensuring individuals and families in the Capital Region can thrive.
Contact us to learn how your organization can get involved with the Heartland Challenge.
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