United Way News

United Way of Saskatoon & Area Celebrates
2011 Community Campaign Total

On Tuesday, January 24, 2012 United Way of Saskatoon & Area announced the results of the 2011 Community Campaign. A press conference held at the Saskatoon Indian & Métis Friendship Centre (SIMFC) revealed a total of $6,374,143 for our community. This result surpassed the goal of $6.2 Million set in September, and is the largest-ever Community Campaign for United Way of Saskatoon & Area.

The press conference kicked-off with messages from Executive Director Sheri Benson, thanking the community for their continued confidence in United Way of Saskatoon and Area. ‘Your confidence allows our organization to take action against poverty; to create learning and personal development opportunities; and to take steps towards a safe and more accessible community for everyone’.

In the evening, United Way of Saskatoon & Area hosted a celebration of their achievement. The theme for the evening was ‘Change Worth Celebrating’. Special guests Vanessa Charles, David Shingoose and Alice Wong spoke about the positive impact and positive changes that will develop from the money raised during the Community Campaign. Workplaces and volunteers were recognized for their outstanding contributions and community spirit. (For a list of award winners please visit the Award Recipients section of our site. For pictures of the evening, please click here.)

United Way of Saskatoon & Area’s mission is to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action. By focusing on four community-identified priority areas, United Way strives to bring about long-term improvements to the quality of life in our community. Funds raised during the 2011 Community Campaign will be invested back into the community to support this mission.

United Way Funded Agencies Major Contributors to 2011 Community Campaign

Many do not realize the extent to which the funded agencies are involved in the campaign. Each long-term funded agency organizes a workplace campaign, and each year a funded agency Executive Director acts as Agency Division Chair on the Campaign Cabinet Team. This year, Trish St. Onge, Executive Director of Catholic Family Service volunteered her time for this role; thank you Trish, for your time, assistance and leadership.

Please join United Way of Saskatoon & Area in celebrating the incredible achievement of our funded agencies. Thank you all for your hard work, time and commitment to the campaign and to our community.

2012 Labour Community Service Award Ceremony and Dinner

United Way of Saskatoon & Area and Saskatoon & District Labour Council (SDLC) are proud to present the 2012 Labour Community Service Award Ceremony and Dinner.

When: Friday, February 10, 2012

Where: Heritage Inn, Saskatoon

Guest speakers for the event include:

Cornelia Laliberte – Chair, United Way of Saskatoon & Area Board of Directors;

Kelly Harrington – President, SDLC;

Mayor Don Atchison;

Ken Georgetti – President, Canadian Labour Congress and

Laurie O’Connor – Interim CEO, Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre. 

The highlight of the evening is the presentation of the Labour Community Service Award. This award honours a trade unionist who has demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to our community through volunteer work. 

For more details or tickets please contact Andrea Howe, Coordinator, Labour Programs and Services at 975-3478.

Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Services Responds to Needs of Saskatoon & Area

Rita Field is the Executive Director at Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Services Inc. (SCIS), an organization providing crisis resolution for people in distress. They offer mobile crisis service through their office, via telephone and in the community 24/7/365. They also focus on crisis management and service coordination.

Rita knows from experience that a crisis situation can arise in seconds, during even the most routine daily tasks. She has shared a story with us to illustrate the work of SCIS, and their responsiveness to the diverse needs of our community.

“An older adult calls our Mobile Crisis Line. He is tearful and exhausted. He explains that his wife, who has a specialist appointment at the hospital this morning, is refusing to get into the car. The wife has reduced mobility and dementia and is often frightened about leaving the house. Usually the caller can convince his wife, but today is very difficult. In addition, the caller suffers from hypertension and should try to keep his stress levels in-check. 

The crisis worker responds to the caller with a consoling voice, a listening ear and supportive suggestions. It is decided that Mobile Crisis will go to the home to help stabilize the conflict situation and provide reassurance to those in distress. Once the Mobile team arrives, resistance turns to compliance and everyone experiences relief. A very tired and thankful caller is amazed at how quickly and smoothly the crisis was resolved. He makes a plan to call SCIS again later to discuss resources and options for future additional support.”

Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Services Inc. is a United Way funded agency. Funding streams, capacity building projects, collaborative partnerships and relationship building are all tools used by United Way of Saskatoon and Area on our path to a better community for everyone. By building up our citizens, especially those in vulnerable circumstances, we can build a strong and resilient community.