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Home / News / Every Moment Matters: volunteers share why they give back through United Way
April 8, 2024
As part of National Volunteer Week, we want to take the time to celebrate and recognize United Way changemakers who invest their time and talent to make an extraordinary difference in the Edmonton region.
Volunteers are the backbone of our efforts, and we are so grateful that more than 2,000 volunteers invest their time, talent, and expertise in support of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region.
United Way volunteer opportunities provide hands-on and high impact experiences for you to make a real impact on the lives of our neighbours. Whether it’s leading workplace campaigns, sharing their story as an impact speaker, lending their unique expertise through skills-based volunteer teams, or shaping our community as a cabinet member, our volunteers’ commitment and dedication make an extraordinary difference in our community.
National Volunteer Week, an initiative of Volunteer Canada, is April 14 – 20, 2024. This year’s theme, Every Moment Matters, highlights the importance of every volunteer and each contribution they make at a moment. The sharing of time, skills, empathy, and creativity is vital to the inclusivity, strength, and wellbeing of our communities.
We want to take the time to celebrate and recognize United Way changemakers for their work in creating resilient, connected, and thriving communities where no one is left behind. Below, you’ll hear six passionate United Way volunteers explain why they share their time and skills with our organization.
I am a huge believer in educating and empowering people to improve their financial situation. It gives people confidence, hope, and skills that will do so much more for their lives rather than just solving the one problem they are working on at that moment. Empower U does just that. I have a background that I believe closely resembles what many of the participants may be experiencing and so it feels near and dear to my heart. There is this feeling of giving what I wished I had and the importance I place on it. Crystal Kelly, CFP, Amani Financial Empower U volunteer
I am a huge believer in educating and empowering people to improve their financial situation. It gives people confidence, hope, and skills that will do so much more for their lives rather than just solving the one problem they are working on at that moment. Empower U does just that.
I have a background that I believe closely resembles what many of the participants may be experiencing and so it feels near and dear to my heart. There is this feeling of giving what I wished I had and the importance I place on it.
I have always wanted to volunteer in some capacity so when presented with the opportunity to lead TransAlta’s United Way Campaign four years ago, I did not waste any time to take it. I especially like setting a personal challenge of signing up staff to donate to United Way for the first time. As campaign chair, I have learned that every campaign has a life of its own. I am fortunate and thankful to have a committee that is strong, devoted, and creative to help me on this journey. Chris Garner, TransAlta Workplace Campaign Fundraising Campaign Chair volunteer
I have always wanted to volunteer in some capacity so when presented with the opportunity to lead TransAlta’s United Way Campaign four years ago, I did not waste any time to take it. I especially like setting a personal challenge of signing up staff to donate to United Way for the first time.
As campaign chair, I have learned that every campaign has a life of its own. I am fortunate and thankful to have a committee that is strong, devoted, and creative to help me on this journey.
Volunteering fuels my passion and life purpose of positively making a difference in the lives of others. I support United Way specifically because of the difference they make in my community along with the commitment and heart the entire team brings to the work they do. Whether I’m volunteering as an Executive Coach for the leadership team, serving as a Mentor in the Mentoring Program, or sitting on the newly formed Seniors Cabinet, this work is fuel for my heart, my soul, and my mind. Linda Maul, CEC, PCC, Accountability by Design Executive Coach & Mentoring for Success volunteer
Volunteering fuels my passion and life purpose of positively making a difference in the lives of others. I support United Way specifically because of the difference they make in my community along with the commitment and heart the entire team brings to the work they do. Whether I’m volunteering as an Executive Coach for the leadership team, serving as a Mentor in the Mentoring Program, or sitting on the newly formed Seniors Cabinet, this work is fuel for my heart, my soul, and my mind.
I have been volunteering at United Way and the InKind Exchange since 1999. United Way helped me, I thought I might be able to return the favour. I have so many fond memories from my experiences. I have had an adventure a day. United Way are a collective of hard working and dedicated people. I see the work you do in the community, and it is amazing. Being a part of the process is a really good feeling. Cam Reid, InKind Exhange volunteer
I have been volunteering at United Way and the InKind Exchange since 1999. United Way helped me, I thought I might be able to return the favour. I have so many fond memories from my experiences. I have had an adventure a day.
United Way are a collective of hard working and dedicated people. I see the work you do in the community, and it is amazing. Being a part of the process is a really good feeling.
I have been a volunteer with United Way for three years, supporting workplace fundraising campaigns, participating in the Poverty Simulation and The KAIROS Blanket Exercise, as well as volunteering at a financial literacy session for high school students. I cannot express how much I have enjoyed volunteering with United Way. United Way provides a variety of volunteering experiences that are easy to get involved with and help you feel connected to our community in an extraordinary way. Alyssa Carson, Sherritt International Workplace Campaign Fundraising Campaign Chair volunteer
I have been a volunteer with United Way for three years, supporting workplace fundraising campaigns, participating in the Poverty Simulation and The KAIROS Blanket Exercise, as well as volunteering at a financial literacy session for high school students.
I cannot express how much I have enjoyed volunteering with United Way. United Way provides a variety of volunteering experiences that are easy to get involved with and help you feel connected to our community in an extraordinary way.
I decided now that I could give back, it would be to United Way for all the things they did for me. I have volunteered with my workplace campaign, Days of Caring, and as an impact speaker. Everyone I know has a story, a life, a history, and even a struggle. Maybe they didn’t need resources like I did, but I know if I am able to just touch one heart, one life, one struggle, it’s worth it to me. I don’t just volunteer to change the lives of those in need, but also to change the hearts of those who may be able to donate time or money. Together we can make a difference! Linda Sabourin, Government of Alberta Impact Speaker
I decided now that I could give back, it would be to United Way for all the things they did for me. I have volunteered with my workplace campaign, Days of Caring, and as an impact speaker.
Everyone I know has a story, a life, a history, and even a struggle. Maybe they didn’t need resources like I did, but I know if I am able to just touch one heart, one life, one struggle, it’s worth it to me. I don’t just volunteer to change the lives of those in need, but also to change the hearts of those who may be able to donate time or money.
Together we can make a difference!
By sharing their time, skills, empathy, and creativity, volunteers help build vibrant and welcoming communities. Every volunteer and each moment of individual impact ripples out into the greater Edmonton area, changing lives and making sure no one is left behind.
Together, we can tackle any challenge and create broad, lasting transformation in our region.
Our year-round volunteer options help you be a direct part of creating long-term solutions together and making our community a great place for everyone.
Women United supporters come together to create a brighter future for women and their families. But it’s not just about giving; it's about gaining a sense of purpose, developing a deeper understanding of the issues affecting women and girls, and becoming part of a powerful collective of changemakers. Let's embark on a journey through the inspiring stories of Women United champions and discover how Women United adds value to each of their lives.
Women United contributions go directly to United Way programs and local front-line agencies that offer services and resources to women and girls who face intersectional barriers to success. In this article, we share how United Way and our local front-line agencies work together to address barriers that largely impact women in our community.
