United Way News
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United Way Dinner Date 2011 a HUGE SuccessMore than 800 people attended United Way's annual Dinner Date in honour of Bill and Eleanor Edwards. This year's event included entertainment by the Skip Kutz band, opera singer Laura Buckwold and the creative works of emcee Steve Shannon. All in all, the event was a true celebration fitting of its theme: To Life! Each year United Way of Saskatoon and Area recognizes an individual or couple in our community for their exceptional leadership. This year's honourees, Bill and Eleanor Edwards, own and manage Saskatoon Funeral Home and the W.A. Edwards Family Centre. Through their business they provide compassionate care and comfort and are committed to supporting the people around them. They have touched the lives of many through their work and their countless volunteer hours and their generosity. Examples of Bill and Eleanor's community support include past and present involvements with Saskatoon School for the Deaf; Saskatoon Downtown Rotary Club; Meals on Wheels; Telemiracle; St. Paul's Hospital Foundation; Saskatchewan Abilities Council; Saskatoon Association for Loss and Grief Education and Support; and of course United Way of Saskatoon & Area. Bill and Eleanor have led by example and contributed to making our community a better place to live, for everyone. United Way of Saskatoon & Area is proud and honoured to recognize Bill and Eleanor for their outstanding leadership in our community. The Dinner Date event is United Way's premier fund raising event. This year the event raised an overwhelming $250,00 towards our Community Campaign goal of $6.2 million. Since the event's inception in 1996 this event has raised more the $1.5 million to be invested back into our community. Past Dinner Date honourees include:
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2011 Community Campaign Kick-OffIt was a record-breaking Kick-Off to United Way of Saskatoon and Area’s Community Campaign. More than 250 community members participated in “Take it to the Streets” – the highest participation level to date – and announced the largest ever campaign goal – $6.2 Million. Citizens and volunteers gathered downtown to inform morning commuters of the ambitious goal, and then moved onto the Radisson Hotel Saskatoon for breakfast and a short program. The program included greetings from City Councillor Charlie Clark, messages from Campaign Cabinet Chair Kurt Wintermute, a letter from Governor General David Johnston, and a presentation by Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre Director of Operations, Laurie O’Connor. Social issues are complex and cannot be solved by one person or organization alone. United Way of Saskatoon and Area is a member of a movement committed to community impact. By collaborating with our partners - business, agencies, government and individuals - United Way works towards long-term improvements to the quality of life in our community, the place we call home. United Way engages the financial resources, time and knowledge of the community, directing these resources to where they are needed most. In every action, United Way is driven by and focused on our four community-identified priority areas:
United Way believes that a safe, supportive community is everyone’s responsibility and encourages the citizens of Saskatoon and Area to think about how they can contribute to this year’s community campaign as we strive to reach our goal of $6.2 Million. |
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United Way of Saskatoon & Area and National Aboriginal DayFor this year’s Day of Caring© event the staff of United Way of Saskatoon & Area volunteered to serve lunch at the June 21st National Aboriginal Day celebration. The Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre, a United Way funded agency, has been the lead organizer of the National Aboriginal Day celebration for over ten years. National Aboriginal Day began in 1996 as a way to recognize and celebrate the contributions First Nations, Métis and Inuit people have made to Canadian society. On June 21st of each year celebrations are held in honor of this day. Staff members of United Way of Saskatoon & Area happily served up lunch to all the people who were out enjoying the festivities at Friendship Park in downtown Saskatoon. Despite a little bit of rain, the day was a huge success. Thank you to all United Way staff members who helped out and a special thank you to the Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre for allowing us to take part in this very special day. |
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Connect to What Matters…Volunteer Saskatoon is a program of the United Way of Saskatoon & Area, and is part of our Community Impact work focusing on voluntary sector resources and support. www.volunteersaskatoon.com |
