The 2021 United Way Central Alberta (UWCA) Campaign is officially underway.

With COVID restrictions changing almost weekly, United Way decided to once again hold their Kick-Off Event outdoors. Drawing on last year’s Kick-Off success, another “drive-in” event was held in the parking lot of Carnival Cinemas in the Capstone area of Red Deer.Tickets were completely sold out this year.

 “Central Alberta agencies depend on us to provide vital funding for their regular programs, Covid-or no Covid”, said Brett Speight, UWCA Chief Executive Officer. “That’s what Campaign is all about – raising funds for core programming. The considerable funding we have distributed for Covid is over and above what we raise during Campaign.” “I am continuously amazed, but not surprised, at the generosity of our donors,” continued Speight. “So far this year, we have received donations of hundreds of litres of hand sanitizer, thousands of face masks, and truck loads of hygiene items for our Period Promise initiative. We are able to connect these donors and donations with the agencies that need them, in essence – we ‘unite’ them, and United We Are Stronger.

This year’s Campaign Chairperson is Edie Hiebert. “The need in the community is always greater than the funds available, but United We Are Stronger - we can make a difference,” said Hiebert. “We are only starting to see the impacts that the pandemic has had on individuals, and you hear stories about the impact on mental health. The need will only grow as life starts to return to normal.”

This year’s Kick-Off Luncheon was presented by Johnston Ming Manning LLP, in partnership with Carnival Cinemas, Parkland Audio, the Red Deer and District Labour Council, Bo’s Bar and Grill and Capstone.

This year's attendees listening to Crystal Zens from BBBS Lacombe. Photo courtesy of Christine Curtis