April 21, 2026
For 85 years, volunteers have been the heartbeat of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region.
Before there were campaigns. Before there were programs and strategies and impact reports — there were people who simply believed their community could be stronger if they showed up for it.
People like George Letki.
In 1997, United Way created the George Letki Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award to honour a man whose commitment to this work stretched across decades and touched nearly every corner of our organization.
George Letki (1935–2018) understood something deeply important: volunteering with United Way isn’t just something you do. It becomes part of who you are.
As George once said:
“I don’t know what I would do without my work at United Way – it’s such an important part of my life. I started giving through a workplace donor program then eventually became a loaned representative. Now that I’m retired, I spend every spare minute volunteering and promoting the benefits of United Way. It means even more to me now than it did ten years ago. In all my years, I’ve never seen a better way to help our community.”
For the past few years, this award has been presented onstage at United Way’s annual Red Tie Gala by George’s great grandson, Levi Voss — a powerful reminder that volunteerism doesn’t just build stronger communities. It builds legacies.
The George Letki Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to United Way for 10 years or more — volunteers who embody our purpose to build a strong and vibrant community where no one is left behind.
And this year’s recipients carry that legacy forward in extraordinary ways.
Colin Lechelt
Since 2014, Colin Lechelt has been a driving force behind United Way’s growth and innovation. From Employee Campaign Chair to Cabinet leader and Co-Chair of the New Partnerships Cabinet, he has championed initiatives that expand impact and strengthen financial empowerment across our region. As a mentor and community builder, Colin leads with vision and generosity.
“To me, volunteering is incredibly important because I’m able to give my time when others can’t. Many people just need a leg up and a bit of support. And when they receive that help, they’re often the next ones to step up, volunteer, and make a difference in our communities.”
Linda Sabourin
For 12 years, Linda Sabourin has turned commitment into lasting impact — helping to raise more than $550,000 total campain funds for United Way. A fearless, compassionate leader, she mentors campaign chairs across the public service, creates innovative fundraising events, and shares her lived experience to inspire action. Linda doesn’t just run campaigns — she builds community.
“Volunteering gives me a deep sense of self-satisfaction. It makes me feel good inside, fills my day with purpose, and reminds me that I’m valued. It warms my heart and strengthens who I am as a person. I feel more complete because of it.”
As we celebrate United Way’s 85th anniversary, it’s impossible to tell our story without telling the story of our volunteers.
They are the campaign chairs who rally their workplaces. The loaned representatives who bring United Way into workplace boardrooms and break rooms. The cabinet members who open doors and inspire new partnerships. The community champions who simply believe we can do better together.
The George Letki Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award is a reminder that United Way has always been powered by people who choose to give their time, their voice, and their energy to something bigger than themselves.
Just as George did. And just as volunteers across our region continue to do today to make sure no one in our community is left behind.
Join our volunteer team today and help create a community where everyone can thrive.
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