Thanks to you, more than $1 million flows to organizations in need
At the United Way, we are immensely grateful to our community for their generous donations. Because our donors have risen to the challenge, we are able to invest in programs that are so critical for our region’s most vulnerable citizens. Even during the trying times we face with the COVID-19 pandemic – and sometimes because…
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In 2021, we see hope – and need
As we launch into a new year with collective hope that the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic will ease and we will succeed in moving past it, I want to express my most sincere gratitude to our donors, supporters and partners in helping our community’s most vulnerable during this most difficult time. With generous support,…
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The enduring strength of the human spirit
Many have remarked on what a strange and difficult time this year has been. And while that’s certainly true, it has also been a year in which the very best in people, and our community, shone through. Here at the United Way, we are deeply impressed by the unity of purpose and the determination shown…
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Summer school with promising results backed by Million Dollar Pledge
Summer school with promising results backed by Million Dollar Pledge A unique summer school quietly backed by a group of socially minded business leaders in New Brunswick is showing such promise in helping students in reading and math that officials are eyeing expansion to other areas of the province. As kids get ready to head…
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Say No To Say Yes
This is my favourite times of the year. The successes and stories from our funded partners are rolling in. For the 3rd straight year the results are not only impressive they are frankly awe inspiring! Sometimes I feel as though I spend more time saying no than saying yes. Here are three quick reasons why…
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Measure Twice, Cut Once
There are strong feelings in the community sector whether social improvements can or even should be subject to measurement. My preoccupation with this tension started in grad school learning program evaluation and then the first five years of my career as I helped charities in Saskatoon evaluate programs. It was never straightforward or easy, but…
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Function Follows Form
Every single charity was created by someone with the passion to solve a problem they saw. Stretched to the point of breaking In my experience, far more new programs and charities begin than end. Donations to charity in Canada have flatlined. This creates a perfect storm and means more competition for human (e.g., board volunteers…
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What Does Risk Mean to You?
The board of directors of our United Way recently went through an exercise to develop a ‘risk strategy’, because that is what a responsible charity does. I know, yawn! But we challenged ourselves to think about risk differently. Of course, we need to consider risks to our revenues and operations and mitigate and prevent these…
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Have a Clear North Star
I work in the community sector because I want to help make the world a better place. I also have a graduate degree that focussed on program evaluation. Taken together, this means I realize that to create the best possible impact and outcomes, we have to make tough decisions. Our United Way has undergone…
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