2022 Community Campaign Achievement

by Shauna Morrison on April 4, 2023 Comments Off

Over $3.9 Million Raised in 2022 United Way Community Campaign

Name: United Way of Saskatoon & Area
Address: 100-506 25th Street East, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 4A7, Canada
Telephone: 306-975-7700
Price range: CAD

Nutrien, employees and United Steelworkers reach historic fundraising milestone

Today, United Way announced the incredible achievement of raising over $3.9M through its 2022 Community Campaign; a community-wide effort of individuals, corporations, local businesses, and unions.

“Every year our community’s generosity and support of United Way inspires me! 2022 was no different,” says United Way of Saskatoon and Area CEO, Sheri Benson.

Benson adds: “Every year we start at $0, and we see our donors, volunteers, corporate partners, and unions come together to change lives for the better. Their hard work and dedication have resulted in another incredible Community Campaign Achievement.”

This Community campaign marks a historic first for United Way and Nutrien and their employees and members of the United Steelworkers – raising over $15M in accumulative donations to United Way.

“It’s inspiring to work alongside people so passionate about our community – people who share our vision for a community that is truly great for everyone. We express our gratitude and deepest appreciation to Nutrien, their employees, and the United Steelworkers for their unwavering support of United Way and our community.” Says Sheri Benson, CEO, United Way of Saskatoon and Area.

Because it takes a whole community working together to change social conditions, United Way of Saskatoon and Area builds partnerships and community connections that mobilize and galvanize resources to help people every day. Working together with communities, agencies, funders, governments and individuals United Way strives to bring positive change by working and investing in programs, services, and community-wide initiatives that will move people from poverty to possibility, build healthy people and strong communities, and help kids be all that they can be.

That is how we truly build vibrant caring communities. Support from all parts of our community means United Way can continue to create opportunities for a better life for everyone in our community and achieve lasting, positive change.

Tampon Tuesday 2023

by Shauna Morrison on February 22, 2023 Comments Off

United Way of Saskatoon along with our dedicated labour partners are proud to host the 7th Annual Tampon Tuesday collection drive.

3 Ways to Get Involved

There are 3 easy ways you can support the need for period products in Saskatoon and surrounds rural areas with Tampon Tuesday

1.

During the entire month of March, collect boxes pads and tampons with your friends, family, and/or colleagues. Schedule a free collection pick-up by calling United Way of Saskatoon and Area at 306-975-7700 or email office@unitedwaysaskatoon.ca.

2.

Make a financial donation online here. United Way will use your donation to purchase boxes of pads and tampons to distribute on your behalf. You can also mail-in a cheque to 100-506 25th Street East, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 4A7.

3.

Visit your local Shoppers Drug Mart store, including their new location in Warman, between March 4th and 18th to purchase boxes of pads and tampons. Donation drop-off bins will be located at the front of the store for your convenience.

How is my donation helping?

This year, United Way will work alongside our community partners to distribute all products collected and purchased through cash donations.

In 2022, Tampon Tuesday® collected nearly 2,000 packages of period product and raised $36,000 with community. Product was donated to 23 agencies, organizations, and urban and rural schools.

Questions?

Andrea Howe
Director, Labour Partnerships & Community Impact
Cell: 306-380-6114 I Office: 306-975-7700
ahowe@unitedwaysaskatoon.ca I office@unitedwaysaskatoon.ca

Thank you

On behalf of our Labour and United Way Partnership, thank you for your 2023 donations. Your concern, compassion, and generous spirit enable vulnerable individuals to have free access to these basic necessities. We sincerely appreciate these gifts and the local love you have shared!

Thank you to Shoppers Drug Mart for supporting Tampon Tuesday for the past six years and for continuing your generosity again in 2023.

211 Day

by Shauna Morrison on February 3, 2023 Comments Off

What is 211 Saskatchewan?

211 Saskatchewan is a free, confidential service that connects people to government and community services and programs across the province.

You can connect with the service by texting 2-1-1, calling 2-1-1, or visiting the website sk.211.ca, to search or chat with a community navigator. No matter what method you choose to connect with 211 Saskatchewan, a real person is standing by to help you find the service or program that best meets your needs including childcare, shelter, or financial services.

The service is accessible 24/7, in 175 languages, including 17 Indigenous languages over the phone.

What is 211 Day?

211 Day (February 11) serves as a reminder that help starts with 211. You can help spread the word about 211 by sharing the images below and using #211DayCanada and #HelpStartsHere. By spreading the word about 211, you can help community members get connected with the services they need the most right.

Spread the Word

Help spread the word about 211 by sharing on social media. Please click the images/button below to download 211 Day images and suggested posts.

SOCIAL MEDIA SAMPLE TEXT

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

211 Statistics

Please click the image below to enlarge the view.

Find 211 on Social Media

Click icons to be connected to 211 Sask’s social channels.

Visit the 211 Sask Website

To learn more about 211 and 211 Day, please visit sk.211.ca.

Need help?

2-1-1 Saskatchewan

Community, social, government and health services
Dial 2-1-1

Saskatoon Collaborative Funding Partnership

by Shauna Morrison on January 13, 2023 Comments Off

The Saskatoon Collaborative Funding Partnership is a unique collaboration of multiple Saskatoon and area funding organizations:

City of Saskatoon – Social Services Grant
United Way of Saskatoon and Area – Community Initiatives Fund

By working together we are able to improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities in Saskatoon and area. The partners believe that together they are stronger and more effective than they would be if they worked individually. Together they can have more impact on the quality of life in Saskatoon than any single organization alone can have.

Provide local community-based organizations and groups a streamlined granting process. Your application could be funded by one or more grant programs based on the individual funder’s priorities and criteria.

Applications will be accepted starting January 13, 2023. The deadline will be 11:59 PM February 15, 2023.

United Way of Saskatoon and Area – Community Initiatives Fund

To be eligible for a grant from the United Way of Saskatoon and Area Community Initiatives Fund, an organization must be registered as a charitable organization with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The CRA charitable registration number must be provided in the Application for Funding (under the section titled Information About your Organization, item #8 – Corporate Status of Your Organization).

The focus of United Way of Saskatoon and Area Community Initiatives Fund is intended to support non-profit organizations in Saskatoon and area to develop and execute programs and services aligned with United Way’s Community Investment strategy. An underlying theme of “Vulnerable Individuals and Families” has been identified to act as a connector for the Community Investment strategy. UWSA recognizes that all people can experience vulnerability in different ways at any point in their lives and as such, individuals and families may need to seek programs and services supported by UWSA, ultimately, leaving the threat of falling into poverty.

Our 3 focus areas are:

All That Kids Can Be – Goal: All children and youth are successful in school and during life’s transitions
Poverty to Possibility – Goal: Support for families in all their forms to secure all life’s basic needs
Strong Communities – Goal: Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Well-Being

For additional information about the United Way of Saskatoon and Area Community Initiatives Fund, contact Andrea Howe at (306) 380-6114 or ahowe@unitedwaysaskatoon.ca.

City of Saskatoon – Assistance to Community Groups Grant

To be eligible for the City of Saskatoon’s Assistance to Community Groups Grant, an organization must be registered as a non-profit organization under The Non-Profit Corporations Act of Saskatchewan or under The Co-operative Act of Saskatchewan or registered as a charitable organization with the Canada Revenue Agency.

Objective:

To support human service groups in activities that are of general benefit to Saskatoon citizens and enhances their quality of life, especially in relation to the family. Focus is on supports and services to vulnerable populations within our community.
The major overall criteria by which applicants shall be judged is the degree to which the proposed program meets a demonstrated community need that is supported by the City.
Assistance shall not be provided for programs which are considered to be a duplication of services already provided.

Priority shall be given to those projects and groups which:

work in a cooperative and collaborative fashion in the delivery of human services
provide direct services, either pro-active or remedial, that enhance the quality of life for vulnerable citizens of Saskatoon
work with a community development focus to meet demonstrated areas of current and urgent need
demonstrate “client group” involvement demonstrate, by the nature of their activities, the maintenance of a stable community

This program will not fund sport, culture or recreation initiatives, economic development,or capital expenditures.

For additional information about this funding program please contact the Grant Administration Clerk at (306) 975-3383 or grants@saskatoon.ca.

Apply Now

Community Services Recovery Fund

by Shauna Morrison on November 23, 2022 Comments Off

2023 Leadership Match

by Shauna Morrison on September 30, 2022 Comments Off

Double the LOVE in 2022!

All new individual Leadership donations will be doubled in 2022!

An individual donor who makes a gift between $1,200 and $9,999 between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023, and has not donated at this level in the previous fiscal year, will be recognized as a New Leader and their gift will be doubled!

This match is possible thanks to the support of a generous and anonymous Local Love Leader. New Leadership donations will be matched up to a total of $100,000.

For example, if you make a gift of $1,200, United Way will receive $2,400 to help support children, adults, and families right here at home. Your impact will be doubled!

QUESTIONS

Will the match impact my tax receipt?
No, your tax receipt will be for your personal donation amount only.
Will any donation amount be matched?
New Leadership donations between $1,200 and $9,999 (undesignated) will be matched.
How will my donation be recognized by United Way?
If you choose, United Way will recognize your Leadership donation on our website and in our Leadership Honour Roll. Your name will be listed based on your personal donation amount, not including the match. For more information on the recognition and benefits of United Way’s Leadership Giving Program.

Homeless for the Holidays

by Shauna Morrison on December 5, 2022 Comments Off

The holiday season is just around the corner. It’s time to bundle up and celebrate the season with family at home for the holidays. Every year we look forward to sipping hot chocolate, building snow castles, and being surrounded by those we love most.

Unfortunately, for many people in our community, the holiday season isn’t the most wonderful time of the year. Many people in Saskatoon are struggling to find stable and affordable housing and frigid temperatures make this even more difficult. Being without housing over the holidays creates a completely different holiday experience.

No one deserves to be homeless for the holidays.

Every donation no matter the size can make a difference.

Your donation can help warm the hearts and the hands of community members in need this holiday season.

DONATE TODAY

United Way Funds Warm Up Centre

by Shauna Morrison on March 11, 2022 Comments Off

The Salvation Army Crossroads Residential Services in Saskatoon is now able to accommodate more people seeking shelter from frigid prairie winter nights. With a generous grant from United Way Saskatoon and Area, The Salvation Army warm up centre is the only space in the city where people can come in from the cold between the hours of 10pm and 8am.

“Imagine, it’s 2 o’clock in the morning, it’s minus 30 degrees outside, -45 with the windchill and you need to get warm. Where do you go, what do you do?” asks Marc Cheriyan, Interim Executive Director of Crossroads Residential Services. “We noticed that we were the only place in the city that is open between 10pm and 8am, we noticed that because our lobby was full” Cheriyan explains.

The Salvation Army and United Way have a long-standing partnership collaborating on Saskatchewan’s Cold Weather Strategy – a government and non-profit initiative to ensure everyone has access to shelter during cold weather. Crossroads Residential Services was already operating at 142% capacity in December but knew they had to do more.

The partners of the Cold Weather Strategy identified a gap in services in Saskatoon. Although there are a number of options for community members to escape the cold during the day, there were fewer places to warm up at night. United Way accepted The Salvation Army’s request for funding to address an urgent need in the community.

“United Way is pleased to support through a one-time grant of $32,000 the expansion of The Salvation Army’s warm up centre. United Way’s leadership to launch the cold weather strategy in 2012 means our community can come together quickly to respond and provide safety and shelter to all who need it. The Salvation Army identified that while there are a number of options for people experiencing homelessness to warm up during the day, there were few options at night when the temperature drops dangerously low” says Sheri Benson CEO of United Way Saskatoon and Area.

Cheriyan says approximately 42 people visit the warm up centre each night and spend an average of four and a half hours inside. They can get coffee, hot chocolate and sandwiches while they are there and have access to additional cold weather clothing such as mitts, toques and scarves. “We’ll also make sure that we try to connect them with other services” Cheriyan adds.“Through generous donor support, United Way helped fund a short-term solution; however, we need to find a long-term solution to end homelessness in our community that will ensure everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home” says Benson.

The warm up centre will be open every night until March 31^st.

The Salvation Army Warm Up Centre continues to be the only safe option for community members to escape the cold weather between the hours of 10:00pm and 8:00am.

Tampon Tuesday 2022

by Shauna Morrison on January 31, 2022 Comments Off

United Way of Saskatoon along with our dedicated labour partners are proud to host the 7th Annual Tampon Tuesday collection drive.

3 Ways to Get Involved

There are 3 easy ways you can support the need for period products in Saskatoon and surrounds rural areas with Tampon Tuesday

1.

During the entire month of March collect boxes pads and tampons with your friends, family, and/or colleagues. Schedule a contact-free collection pick-up by calling United Way of Saskatoon and Area at 306-975-7700 or email office@unitedwaysaskatoon.ca.

2.

Make a financial donation online HERE . United Way will use your donation to purchase boxes of pads and tampons to distribute on your behalf. You can also mail-in a cheque to 100-506 25th Street East, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 4A7.