United Way brings together social agencies, schools, organizations, and governments to make a meaningful difference in the community through local programs and services that empower people to improve their lives. By working together, we create lasting change and build a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.
When you support United Way, you are an important part of a movement with others who share your social purpose and want the best for our community. Your contribution to United Way stays 100% local, providing life-changing support to individuals and families within the Edmonton region.
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United Way is a network of more than 75 local United Way offices. Since 1941, we’ve worked in the Alberta Capital Region for the betterment of all.
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26 September 2023 @ 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
Every year, passionate fundraisers and volunteers from hundreds of organizations across the Alberta Capital Region gather to learn and inspire one another to help build strong and vibrant communities through a United Way fundraising campaign. Last year, campaigners raised more than $24.8 million and helped 257,000 people in the Capital Region! And with your help, we know we can make the 2023 season our biggest one yet!
Join us for United Way of the Alberta Capital Region’s annual Kickoff luncheon event!
Get Tickets
United Way programs and initiatives help create resilient, connected, and thriving communities where no one is left behind. Kickoff is a fun and inspiring event where United Way supporters can connect, get motivated AND motivate each other to make a real and lasting impact in our communities.
Enjoy a delicious meal and listen to inspiring speakers, including this year’s keynote address from model, actor, and First Nations activist Ashley Callingbull. Our Kickoff host, Vinesh Pratap from Global Edmonton News, will guide you through an engaging program featuring live entertainment, opportunities to connect with other volunteers, and inspiring speakers sharing stories about how United Way programs and funded partner services have changed their lives for the better.
Date: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Location: Hall D, Edmonton Convention Centre (9797 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB)
Ticket Pricing (includes meal)
Regular (Sales close September 19, 2023)
Official Media Partner
Water Sponsor
Flash Philanthropy Sponsor
Ashley Callingbull-Rabbit is an actress, model, host and First Nations activist from Enoch Cree Nation in Treaty 6 Territory. She is an actress on Blackstone and Tribal and was a contestant on Amazing Race Canada.
Ashley is also an international motivational speaker and has been a keynote speaker at Harvard University, TED Talks, and WE Day.
Ashley is an ambassador for Hillberg & Berk, RW&Co, The Saskatoon Blades, The Saskatchewan Rush, and Nike. She is also the physical fitness ambassador for the Indigenous Sports Council of Alberta. In March 2022, Ashley was announced as the first Indigenous First Nations woman to become a Sports Illustrated Model. Ashley is currently an In Game Host for the Canadian Football League, the National Lacrosse League, and the National Hockey League. She also recently signed her first book deal with Harper Collins publishing and will be a published author in 2024.
Vinesh Pratap is Global News Edmonton’s morning and noon news co-anchor. He has been a journalist with Global News for nearly two decades.
“I grew up watching Global Edmonton (then ITV) and see news as a critical public service; a chance to give a voice to those who might not have it and to keep the public informed about what’s going on in their communities,” he says.
Prior to becoming a co-anchor on Global News Morning and Global News at Noon in December 2020, Vinesh was Global Edmonton’s city hall reporter — focusing on civic affairs issues and the impacts of decisions made at city hall.
Vinesh started his career at independent television stations in Medicine Hat and Lloydminster. A graduate of the Radio and Television Arts program at NAIT, he was born and raised in Edmonton.
Indulge in a custom-curated meal crafted by Edmonton Convention Centre’s culinary team led by award-winning Executive Chef Serge Belair.
Alberta summer corn soup with garden sage and buttermilk drizzle, finished with southern Cajun corn fritter and smoked paprika
Greek Souvlaki-style, skin-on chicken breast marinated with Serge’s special blend of seasoning with traditional tzatziki, Indigenous inspired six-grain rice, crispy Brussel sprout, roasted lemon thyme jus
Vegetarian Option:
Moroccan spice charred cauliflower and chickpea stew, featuring a falafel crumble, fresh cilantro, and house made plant-based yogurt
Valrhona double chocolate crunch mousse bar with milk chocolate ganache glaze, strawberry sauce and fresh berries
Served with assorted buns and breads, freshly brewed coffee, and a selection of premium teas.
Soul-Stirring Collaborative Performance by Mantra Movement & The River Cree Singers
Brace yourselves for an inspiring performance presented by Essence Talent Management, showcasing the talent of the all-new studio, Mantra Movement!
Mantra’s recent achievements include clinching the first place at the prestigious Kaos Dance Convention in Los Angeles, a remarkable second place finish at the Represent Dance Competition, and a triumphant first place win at the local all hip-hop showdown, Artists Emerge.
Performing collaboratively with Mantra Movement are the River Cree Singers, a group that has been harmonizing since 1995! Their name came from the River Cree People in honour of their ancestral connection to the North Saskatchewan River, before Enoch Cree Nation was called Enoch.
The River Cree Singers have as diverse repertoire that includes both their original compositions and timeless traditional songs passed down through generations. With two impressive recordings under their belt, they’ve earned well-deserved nominations for various awards. The drum they currently sing on is a Paskwâw Mostos/Bison drum!
Coffee & Cream, a young band coming out of Edmonton’s northside, is looking to continue to grow and find their sound as they work towards gaining traction in the Edmonton music scene. The band comprises five members: Damian Caballeros (lead guitarist), Aiden Murphy (rhythm guitarist), Mahonri Alejo Lepe (bassist), Hyrum Alejo Lepe (drummer) and Ian Ayotte (lead vocalist). Influenced by big names such as Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, Interpol and local artists such as Dead Friends, No Problem, Ruby Plume, Misfortune Tellers and Dylan Ella, Coffee & Cream carries a deep appreciation for indie rock, but finds inspiration from a vast array of genres such as psychedelic rock, indie pop, garage rock, and punk. The band strives to develop their own unique sound within Edmonton’s music scene.
Show your solidarity and embrace the compassion, strength, and energy of our community by donning United Way Red.
Wear what you already have or purchase a custom United Way t-shirt for just $28.15 (+GST)!
Order Now!
Online from Print Machine
Purchase your t-shirt online through the Print Machine webstore! Choose from free local pickup in south Edmonton or Canada Post shipping. (Shipping Note: To ensure you receive your t-shirt in time for the event, please place your order before September 11, 2023.)
Buy On-Site
Grab your t-shirt on-site at the event – just look for the booth at the Kickoff reception! Keep in mind that stock is limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
