Volunteers take annual initiative to new heights with generosity, warmth, commitment
By Marc Weil, Chair, Enbridge’s 2014 Calgary United Way Campaign
A couple of years ago, I was approached by a colleague, Wanda Opheim, to help out with Enbridge’s 2013 United Way Calgary campaign as its co-chair. Having been away from Calgary for a few years, I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into. But I can still hear Wanda’s voice telling me: “It’s all about the volunteers” – and she was so right.
This past fall, I served as chair of Enbridge’s 2014 Calgary United Way campaign, which ran from Sept. 8 to 22 – and what a privilege it was to be surrounded by the true volunteer spirit. I have been so amazed by the generosity, warmth, commitment and endless energy that they all have. Without our volunteers, our campaign would never get off the ground.
That's your basic auction, Western style! The auctioneer calls the bids during this year's silent and live auction, to benefit the Aspen Family and Community Network Society, as part of Enbridge's Calgary United Way campaign.
All the events this year were amazing: the almost-snowed-out golf tournament (yes, snow in September); the entertaining bidding wars in the auction; the competitive softball tournament; the charity luncheon focused on immigration; the executive improv event, with our entertaining host Richard Bird; the floor scavenger hunt; the big bingo winnings; and the Dress for the Cause event that allowed team members to wear jeans just a little longer – which is unique for our Calgary office.
While we make sure to have fun and engage our team members during our campaign, it’s all about giving back to our community with our time and our financial support. The United Way of Calgary and Area works to create lasting change in three focus areas – ending poverty, supporting kids’ education and growth, and establishing healthy, vibrant neighborhoods.
The Calgary office’s theme in 2014 was “younited,” and I would say that we definitely stood “younited” in helping to bring positive change to our community – in fact, we set an all-time record by raising $1,471,395 between special events, employee donations, and corporate matching.
A large component of that record-setting total was our team participation. We set out an ambitious objective this year, and more than 69 per cent of our Calgary employees donated to the United Way – a huge gain over 2013.
I am so proud of our Enbridge team in Calgary. Not only did we raise money for those less fortunate, but we did it having fun and living our values of safety, integrity and respect while supporting our communities, the environment and each other.
Next fall, Veenu Narula will be chair of Enbridge’s 2015 Calgary United Way campaign, while Christine Neff will act as co-chair. Given their leadership abilities, and the incredible volunteer spirit that’ll be waiting to be harnessed, the possibilities are virtually limitless!
