What's Happening in Red Deer, AB…

The United Way of Central Alberta has officially kicked off its 2020 campaign this month in Red Deer, looking to raise money to relieve poverty in the area.

The campaign typically launches with a luncheon, but this year’s kick-off event took the form of a drive-in at Parkland Mall, with speeches from organization and community leaders. The campaign will look to provide contributions for United Way Central Alberta’s projects, such as the Lights On fund, which helps to pay utility bills for people in need, and Tools for School, which provides school supplies for children and teenagers who might not otherwise be able to afford them.

The United Way’s typical fundraising campaigns involve canvassing the community, whether it be through talking to friends, family and co-workers, or going from door-to-door. Often, organizations like this use brochure printing and online information to support canvassers.

In the age of social distancing, United Way of Central Alberta has had to adapt its strategies, with its online guide now referring to virtual canvassing and online fundraising events. Among the United Way’s digital tools is an online game called Make the Month, which allows players to put themselves in the shoes of people experiencing poverty and understand the difficult choices they must make.

The United Way of Central Alberta launched its 2020 campaign on September 10. Individual participants and groups will run their own campaigns over the following months, with each typically having a two-week timetable.