The United Way Central Alberta is celebrating another successful year of substantial donations made by Central Albertans and a number of local businesses.

“At this point, we’ve hit the $2 million mark but we still have a handful of campaigns to go. We’re hoping to see that number go up,” said Brett Speight, CEO of United Way Central Alberta.

The money will go towards programs that support issues in our local communities. Canadian Mental Health Association, Family Services of Central Alberta, and local Big Brothers and Big Sisters programs are only a handful of the programs that the United Way Central Alberta helps to support.

The provided support is not limited to money either, says Speight, “I’ve been really trying to get out and talk to our partner agencies about what they need from us outside of money.”

A large portion of these donations come from businesses that campaign within their own business, and money that they gain from the public.

The connection of business and social issues is one that is very powerful according to Speight, “Where our power lies in our fundraising, is connecting the businesses and connecting the business and the social community together.”

Looking ahead into 2019, the United Way has many plans and is looking outside to other United Ways across Canada for input on their successes as well.

“We as an organization want to engage the younger generations a little more and engage earlier with college students and millennials and so you’ll be seeing some stuff happening around that,” said Speight looking forward.