What defines ‘community’?
Is it the people in our neighbourhoods? Our colleagues and teammates?
What about our family and friends?
A community of United Way supporters at UBC
Any way you choose to define it, a community can be as diverse and unique as the people who call it home.
There are also times when we find and build community unexpectedly: by trying something new or by pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zones.
A different way to build community
Every year, local companies, organizations and unions help United Way raise millions of dollars by generously sponsoring or “loaning” individuals (known affectionately as CAs) through the United Way Campaign Associates Program.
Loaned employees take a paid leave from their usual post and receive training and support to temporary serve as United Way fundraisers. Campaign Associates not only inspire thousands of other donors to give – they keep United Way’s administrative costs excellent.
For 27 passionate and energetic individuals, a new community was built through their time with the 2018 program.
“I’ve made true friendships with other CAs that I know will continue past our work together here,” says Meredith Laird, a campaign associate sponsored by Prospera Credit Union. “I am really struck by the spirit of teamwork shared by our team.”
Meredith (fourth from the left) at the University of the Fraser Valley on September 21st, United Way Day
This sentiment is readily shared by Ralph Jumawan, a CA on loan from CIBC.
“One of the most rewarding parts of being involved in the program were the connections I was able to make with the other Campaign Associates, United Way staff, and all the people at the workplace campaigns,” he says.
Learning from each other
Not knowing what to expect when he first came into the position, Ralph is excited by what he’s learned over the past four months.
“Every Campaign Associate brings a unique skillset. It was amazing to be able to learn from each other,” he says. “The program is fast-paced and always keeps you on your toes, so skills learned can be applied to any job role – such as time management, public speaking and how to run a campaign from start to finish.”
Ralph (top, middle) with members of his CA community
He also looks forward to applying it toward future fundraising opportunities.
“I look forward to bringing back what I now know about the United Way and applying it to my own workplace campaign next year.”
Stores to share
Bonnie Lynn Duncan came to the program on loan by the City of Vancouver and CUPE 1004. She found inspiration from the stories of her fellow campaign associates – some of whom found their own live-saving connections at United Way-supported programs in the past.
“The life stories and experiences my colleagues have shared with me are truly heart-warming,” she says. “Seeing everyone’s commitment and determination to the betterment of our communities has been the most rewarding experience.”
Bonnie (third from the right) stands with her fellow CAs, including Vanessa Soboca (second from the right), on United Way Day in downtown Vancouver
Echoing this is Vanessa Sobocan.
“All of the people involved in the United Way campaign have a real passion for giving back and helping others in the community which inspires me to keep doing this kind of work.”
This year, Campaigns Associates helped run over 400 workplace campaigns throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, raising millions of dollars to help those most in need.
On behalf of the hundreds of thousands of people helped by United Way: Thank you Campaign Associates!
The 2018 Campaign Associates.
Organizations helping community
Vanessa was loaned by CUPE 402 in Surrey. Other organizations and unions who sponsored or loaned an employee are:
- BCAA
- British Columbia Institute of Technology
- Boyden Global Executive Search
- Capilano University
- CIBC
- City of Burnaby & CUPE Local 23
- City of Delta & CUPE Local 454
- City of Surrey & CUPE Local 402
- City of Vancouver* & CUPE 1004
- Cummins Western Canada*
- IBEW Local 258
- Langara College*
- Morneau Shepell Ltd.
- Prospera Credit Union
- RBC Royal Bank*
- Saida Rasul
- Simon Fraser University
- TD Bank Group
- Teck Resources
- TransLink
- University of British Columbia*
- Vancity Savings Credit Union
*Sponsored 2 Campaign Associates
Special thanks also goes to BCIT for supplying free training facilities for the Campaign.
Interested in taking part in the United Way Campaign Associate Program? Find out more here.