Alberta Capital Region fundraiser creates outpouring of talent, energy, generosity
By Ab Mouallem, Chair, Enbridge’s 2014 Edmonton United Way Campaign
So, you think we can give? Enbridge’s generous workforce in the Edmonton area has proven it beyond a reasonable doubt.
This year’s theme for Enbridge’s 2014 United Way campaign in Alberta’s Capital Region was So You Think We Can Give! And with our employees and contractors knowing that Enbridge shares the United Way’s vision of what it takes to make the changes we all want to see in our community, we raised an eye-popping total of $1,581,789, including special events, employee donations, and corporate matching!
This substantial total will help the United Way Alberta Capital Region focus on its 2014 theme, Poverty is Solvable. To create pathways out of poverty, the intent is to move beyond managing the symptoms – and work toward ending poverty.
The Enbridge Classic street hockey tournament is a time-honored tradition of Enbridge's annual Edmonton United Way campaign.
This year’s talent competition – possibly the highlight of our 2014 campaign, the bulk of which ran from Oct. 14 to 23 – was modeled after Fox’s popular TV show So You Think You Can Dance. A sellout crowd of more than 600 people jammed into the Citadel Theatre to watch various Enbridge departments dip into some obviously deep talent pools in the hopes of being proclaimed champions at our closing ceremonies.
It truly was amazing to see the time and energy that was poured into the performances. Equally amazing is the talent we have right here within Enbridge! This year’s winners hailed from the Pipeline Control Systems and Leak Detection department. The PCS LEDs truly lit up the stage – and we’ve got video proof right here! And who knew our IT department (the Floppy Disks) could bust so many moves . . . once again, here’s the blackmail-worthy evidence!
The 2014 Edmonton campaign also included signature events such as a pancake breakfast, auctions, a poker tournament, and Survivor Vineyard, as well as two time-honored traditions – the golf tournament and the Enbridge Classic street-hockey tournament.
This year’s opening ceremonies featured amazing performances by Alberta Ballet and the White Chocolate professional dance crew, which has opened for Ludacris, Ne-Yo, Ashanti, and Sean Paul, among others. The cavalcade of wonderful young talent from our community followed with performances by the Victoria School dancers and the Crystal Kids.
Our organizing committee should take a deep bow. I’ve never been so proud to be involved with such a devoted, creative, fun, and energetic group of people – they truly are amazing!
We don’t just think we can give. We know it. And our community is stronger as a result.
