United Way News

United Way of Saskatoon and Area Loaned Representative Program

United Way of Saskatoon and Area's Loaned Representative program offers a unique professional, personal and community development experience for your organization's up-and-coming employees. By participating in our program you not only make a meaningful and measureable investment in the community, but you also make an investment in your employee and your business.

Loaned employees plan, implement, monitor and evaluate workplace campaigns. They are a key resource during the Community Campaign and with their help, we can be confident that we are developing and managing campaigns that will result in the greatest impact for the community. Loaned Representatives receive professional training and experience in fundraising, project management, public speaking, communications, negotiation, strategic analysis and planning, as well as improved leadership management and team-building skills.

The Loaned Representative program offers your organization the opportunity to be leaders in the community. Along with our comprehensive recognition program, your organization will also receive exposure through new contacts in the communtiy.

For more information plese review our brochure:

2012 Loaned Representative Program Brochure

United Way of Saskatoon and Area is hiring.

Are you ready for a career that has it all? We offer a professionally rewarding experience and the personal rewards of knowing what you do every day makes a lasting difference in our community. Visit our Employment Opportunities page for more information.

As part of our ongoing commitment to capacity building, United Way of Saskatoon & Area has partnered with KPMG to present a complimentary accounting seminar designed to address the operational and accounting issues currently facing not-for-profit organizations in Saskatoon.

In January 2012 not-for-profit sector accounting standards were updated. These modifications may affect your organization. Please join us as we explain the changes, and discuss a work-plan to help your not-for-profit organization make a smooth transition to the new accounting standards.

Date:
Thursday, May 31, 2012

Location:
Sheraton Cavalier Hotel, East Room
612 Spadina Crescent East
Saskatoon, SK

Time:
7:30 am to 8:00 am - Breakfast
8:00 am to 9:00 am - Presentation & Questions

Registration:
Please contact Brianna Bergeron.
T: 306.934.6263
E: bbergeron@kpmg.ca

Volunteers are the Heart and Soul of United Way of Saskatoon and Area

Because it takes a whole community working together to change social conditions, we engage community volunteers for many aspects of our work.

One critical group of United Way volunteers is the Account Executive group. The Account Executives play a vital role in initiating fundraising campaigns across a number of workplaces in our community.

We recently spoke with Account Executive volunteer David Barer of TD Commercial Banking. To David, “The Account Executive role provides amazing benefits to volunteers, donors, and beneficiaries alike. It starts with a desire to support the community within which we live, work and play, and the realization that we are all aiming for the same goal. For the volunteer, this is a fantastic opportunity to meet engaged and interesting people, learn about the world of non-profit and business, and help out with a great cause.”

This year we are happy to extend a warm welcome to 30 Account Executive volunteers for the 2012 Community Campaign. Over the next few months this dedicated and diverse group of individuals will give their time, energy and leadership to build a network of influence while making a measurable difference in our campaign results.

Our sincere thanks to this dedicated team as we begin on the 2012 Community Campaign trail.

Give. Volunteer. Act.

Another important volunteer group is the United Way of Saskatoon and Area Community Investment Panel. This group recently wrapped-up their work of assisting Board members with agency funding decisions. Their primary task is to ensure donor dollars are being used efficiently, while respecting agency autonomy. This process is the hallmark of United Way’s accountability to our community.

Cara Cameron of Affinity Credit Union is a three-year veteran volunteer with United Way of Saskatoon and Area. We recently chatted with her about her volunteer role, and what it means to her.

United Way of Saskatoon and Area:  Cara, what originally motivated you to get involved with United Way of Saskatoon and Area’s Community Investment Panel?

Cara Cameron: I am very fortunate to work for Affinity Credit Union, an organization that is very focused on community and encourages their employees to “give back” as much as possible. My colleague, Josh Pion, has been actively involved with United Way for many years. He is very passionate about the work United Way does and told me about the Community Investment Panel volunteer opportunity.

UWSA: What is it about this volunteer opportunity that keeps you coming back?

CC: I have been volunteering on United Way’s Community Investment Panel for the past three years, and it has been the most rewarding volunteer experience I’ve encountered. The Community Investment Panel has provided me with the opportunity to observe first-hand the remarkable work many organizations are doing to make Saskatoon a better place to live. It has been an honor to witness so many passionate people striving to make a difference in addressing a vast number of social issues. 

I truly enjoy everything about volunteering on the panel, but I think what stands out the most to me, are the people. I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with so many wonderful people including United Way staff, other panel members and of course the staff of the funded agencies. It is very gratifying to meet people who genuinely want to make a difference.

UWSA: The Community Investment Volunteer Panel Review is a comprehensive process by which community volunteers review agency programs and finances and make recommendations on Community funding for each agency. These recommendations advise United Way of Saskatoon and Area’s Board of Directors in their decision-making. What are your thoughts on the level of responsibility you hold as a liaison decision-maker?

CC: I take my responsibility as a liaison decision-maker very seriously. All of the United Way funded agencies are doing valuable work but resources are limited and impact becomes very important when making funding decisions. I feel a responsibility to all those that donate to United Way to ensure that their money is being put to the best use possible.

I value the independence and the accountability that is ingrained in this decision-making process. It incorporates many different perspectives and allows for the best possible utilization of resources to occur.

Cara goes on to say, “My experience with United Way has far exceeded my motivations. I would highly recommend this opportunity to anyone wanting to give back.”

It takes a whole community working together to create positive change. United Way of Saskatoon and Area is fortunate to have such engaged and passionate volunteers. It’s like we say, “Without you, there would be no Way.” Thank you all for your hard work and dedication throughout the year.

Provincial Government & City of Saskatoon employees celebrate 2011 campaigns

City of Saskatoon

On April 21 City of Saskatoon Employees came together to recognize and celebrate the amazing efforts of Management, Labour, and employees across the city at their annual celebration lunch. With 40% of all employees participating in their workplace United Way Campaigns, $197,000 was raised to be invested back into our community. The Luncheon saw Civic Co-Chairs Mitch Riabko (Manager of Transit Services), and Linette Nelson (Engineering Technologist with Saskatoon Light and Power, IBEW Local 319), step down after many years of leading the City of Saskatoon to great successes. Jeff Bent, Superintendent of Patrol, Saskatoon Police Services, will take over the helm and lead the 2012 City of Saskatoon United Way team to another successful year. Congratulations and best of luck in 2012!

Community Services Department receives an award for their ongoing commitment to their community via their United Way Campaign. With over 250 employees spread to each corner of the City it takes an organized and committed group to be successful. Way to go Community Services!
From L to R – Tara Martin (United Way), Debbie Hillstrom, Shall Lam, Linette Nelson, and Dylan Botting (City of Saskatoon employees)

Provincial Government

Just one week later Provincial Government employees gathered over their own pizza lunch to acknowledge an exceptional year. With a 26% increase in funds raised, and a total of over $77,000 there was certainly reason to celebrate. 2011 saw a strong foundation created and momentum built, ensuring success for future campaigns. Congratulations to Provincial Chair Angela Schmidt (Enterprise Saskatchewan), the organizing committee, and all Provincial Government employees. All the best in 2012!

Angela Schmidt (VP Competitiveness & Strategy, Enterprise Saskatchewan) presenting the Provincial Trophy to Dawn Weber (Information Services Corporation of Saskatchewan). The trophy will be presented annually to the Department with the best overall performance in the Community Campaign. Congratulations ISC!