The Engineering Challenge is a collaboration of companies across the engineering community who come together annually in partnership with United Way to strengthen the Alberta Capital Region through a community engineering project.
The Engineering Challenge empowers participating companies to rally their teams around a shared purpose.
Together, they work with a social agency partner on a project that serves the community in a high impact and sustainable way.
United Way works alongside each company throughout the process, providing campaign support, project coordination, and storytelling tools to inspire action and demonstrate impact.
From revitalized community spaces to improved infrastructure for vulnerable populations, each project reflects the collective effort of industry leaders and volunteers who are committed to building up their community.
In 2025, the Engineering Challenge partnered with the Alberta Parenting for the Future Association (APFA) in Stony Plain to complete accessibility upgrades, expand gathering and play spaces, revitalize gardens, and create new counseling and sensory rooms. The project also included improvements to community rental spaces, walkways, and outdoor play areas, creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment.
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This year, our Engineering Day of Caring volunteers tackled a unique challenge that perfectly showcased the power of thoughtful design and community collaboration. At Families First Society Fort Saskatchewan, housed in a former RCMP station, our skilled volunteers worked to transform institutional spaces into welcoming, supportive environments where vulnerable community members can truly feel at home.
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Over 70 volunteers from 17 engineering firms in the Alberta Capital Region came together to upgrade the outdoor space at two transition homes operated by the John Howard Society. The project consisted of large-scale fence replacements, storage improvements, installation of outdoor meeting and recreation spaces, including seating, lighting, fire pit, and a gazebo.
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In September 2022, more than 70 volunteers from 16 engineering firms across Edmonton came together for United Way’s 16th annual Engineering Challenge to transform Camp Yowochas, a year-round outdoor education centre and campsite on Lake Wabamun, for YWCA Edmonton. Renovations included upgrading multi-use campsites, refurbishing staff cabins, and creating a brand-new archery range for campers.
Learn MoreThe Engineering Challenge is back for its 15th year!
To celebrate this milestone, our team of volunteer engineers selected two community agencies to support with a renovation project.
The new e4c Alberta garden space will feature Indigenous medicine plants, a new layout and space for Indigenous ceremonies and programming, and better accessibility for those in wheelchairs and with limited mobility. As well, the residents at Operation Friendship Society’s Pioneer Place will see a refreshed backyard with a new gazebo, safer pathways, and an improved seating area.
We know that getting outside has a bright spot for many, and we hope these refreshed spaces for e4c & Operation Friendship will help the community continue to enjoy the great outdoors.
The Engineering Challenge partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association of Edmonton in 2020 to revitalize their resident building, Northern Arms which was in need of a space to promote health and wellness for the families that it serves.
Over 70 volunteers and 10 in-kind sponsors came together to create a safe and welcoming outdoor space complete with garden beds, a gazebo, patios, and storage lockers.
“I can’t believe this is my yard. It reminds me of those makeovers you see on TV, the kind of yard rich people have. I never thought I would have such a beautiful space to enjoy with my child.” – Building Resident
“One resident told us how much this space will do for her mental health and wellbeing and how she needed something like this to happen in this hard time in her life. Other residents were calling family in Jamaica, showing off the space with pride via FaceTime and squealing and crying.” – CMHA Staff Member
More than 70 volunteers from 16 engineering firms came out to reconstruct the courtyard space for the senior residents at Operation Friendship Seniors Society (OFSS). OFSS has been working with Edmonton’s seniors to create a community and improve the quality of life for seniors in the inner city since 1969. At their McCauley Lodge, the agency provides housing for 58 low-income seniors.
The renovation projects included:
Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS) provides immediate and low-barrier shelter, temporary housing, and individualized wraparound support for youth ages 15—24. They focus on working collaboratively with our youth supporting partners on prevention and diversion out of homelessness.
In the Fall of 2018, the Engineering Challenge Day of Caring completed their 12th community project. Working with YESS, our extraordinary group of 50 volunteers completed renovation projects that rejuvenated the property and created new spaces for the youth to enjoy. The Engineering Challenge Day of Caring was a success thanks to volunteers like these; dedicating their skills, time, and hearts into the project each year. This year’s project impacted hundreds of youth who use the facilities and services at YESS.
The Engineering Challenge is made possible through the dedication of volunteers committed to ensuring individuals and families in the Capital Region can thrive.
Contact us to learn how your organization can get involved with United Way's Engineering Challenge.
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