Calgarians Stepped Up and Dared to Dream About a Great City for All

CALGARY, AB--(Marketwired - February 10, 2016) - Today, 870 people gathered to honor Calgarians' commitment to building a community of support. Thank you Calgary, you really stepped up!

"In a city that has benefitted from collective success, one thing we know is that economic success requires human success," said Lucy Miller, President and CEO of United Way of Calgary and Area. "Thank you for believing in a better Calgary; one where every child can finish school on time, seniors are cared for, a safe home is the standard and people have access to counselling, training and mentoring."

Together, Calgarians raised $55.2 million to build a supportive community that includes every Calgarian.

Lorraine Mitchelmore, former Country Chair and EVP Heavy Oil of Shell Canada and Brian Boulanger, Senior Vice-President and Director of ARC Financial Corporation, 2015's Campaign Co-Chairs, saw firsthand the impact Calgarians have on the city when they come together.

"I am really humbled by Calgarians' generosity, we are not just a city of 1.4 million people, we are a community," said Mitchelmore. "I am inspired to do more! You can count me IN."

Boulanger added, "I watched people give from their hearts. It didn't matter what role they played, the important thing is they leaned in, and they were not afraid to ask others to join in. This achievement is the result of all those efforts."

And our work is not over. "The truth is, right now people in Calgary are living with critical social issues," says Miller. "Calgarians live in poverty. The problem with poverty is that it decreases opportunities for greatness. Calgarians struggle with mental health issues, domestic violence and social exclusion."

Looking to this year's Campaign, she added, "I am thrilled to announce 2016's Campaign Co-Chairs, the Calgary Herald's Deborah Yedlin, someone who has covered all things energy and business for almost 20 years on radio and TV and print, and is one of Canada's most widely recognized business columnists and Mick Dilger, President and CEO of Pembina Pipelines, who has over 25 years of experience in the energy sector."

"Both Deborah and Mick are highly respected community leaders who care deeply about the needs in our city. They will be amazing Co-Chairs."

And Calgarians will continue to stand together. "As a city, we will fight for a community of support that will help build resiliency through difficult times. With your skills, passion and desire we will create opportunities for all Calgarians to thrive."

Thanks to our generous sponsors, including gold-level sponsor JPMorgan Chase & Co., no donor dollars were used for this event.

Follow United Way on Twitter: @UnitedWayCgy
2015 Campaign Achievement Announcement Hashtag: #united4yyc