United Way Campaign
Office of the Vice-President (Research) Portfolio
Welcome to the 2025 VPR Campaign Page!
The United Way and the University of Calgary are working together to tackle local issues through the lens of four key outcomes:
- Socioeconomic Well-being,
- Mental Health,
- Social Inclusion
- and Healthy Relationships.
Giving to the Community Impact Fund is the best way to make an impact, as funds are targeted to where they are needed most in our community. The Fund provides stable funding to over 120 agencies, ensuring Calgarians can access services and supports when and where they need them. It supports United Way in responding to urgent and emerging community issues, seeding innovative ways to tackle society's biggest problems, and transforming the systems perpetuating societal disparities.
Through your donation, you are choosing to invest in programs and collaborations that provide vital services available to all Calgarians.
The VPR Portfolio is launching fundraising events taking place until Dec. 21 to help the university reach our fundraising goal of $325,000.
Join us for some social (or solitary) activities for a good cause this giving season!
We recognize that challenging times continue for everyone in our campus community. Please note that participation in all United Way activities is completely optional.
Learn more about UCalgary's commitment to our community with the 2025 United Way campus campaign:
Quick Links
Our Community "Star Partners"
Stay tuned to hear about our community partners donating prizes for this year's fundraising campaign!
VPR Pet Photo Contest
Do you have adorable photos of your beloved pet? Now is your chance to enter your top photo into our competition and win a prize!
Don't have any pets? Don't fret! Members of the VPR Portfolio will be contacted to cast a ballot and submit their votes for their favourite pictures!
Submit your top photo, support our United Way Campaign and you could win a PAWSOME prize!
Details:
- Photo Entry - Donate $10 through the United Way donation portal.
- Email your donation receipt and pet photo to Colleen until November 4 to confirm participation in the activity.
- Voting will run from November 10-14: stay tuned for an email with instructions on how to submit your votes for your favourite photos!
Key Dates:
Photo Entry: October 21- November 4, 2025
Voting Period: November 10-14, 2025
Your Activity Host:
Questions? Reach out to Colleen Geary Joo at cgeary@ucalgary.ca.
Card Making Workshop
Flex your creative side with some simple card making, you can make up to four handmade any occasion cards, no previous skills required.
Wednesday, November 12 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm in MT 701
$20/person space is limited, email Kim Campbell if you are interested.
Your Activity Host:
Questions? Reach out to Kim campbek@ucalgary.ca
Soup Sale
Calling all soup lovers
Warm hearts and bellies by signing up to donate a batch of your favourite homemade soup for our upcoming soup sale.
To participate, simply email Martha by November 10 to let us know you're in.
Key Dates:
Deadline to enter: November 10
Soup Sales: November 19, 11:30 am- 1:30 pm: Main Floor MacKimmie Tower
Other information:
Soup should be brought in a crockpot so we can keep it warm and ready for serving during the lunch hour.
An ingredient list is required for each soup.
Full details will be sent to all confirmed participants.
Your Activity Host:
Questions? Reach out to Martha martha.wallace@ucalgary.ca
The Great VPR Bake Sale
Calling all Bakers:
Heat up your ovens for a good cause and help us bake tasty treats for our VPR-hosted United Way bake sale.
To join the fun, please donate some of your favourite goodies for our University community to enjoy! We want everyone to be able to participate so donations can be either homemade/home prepared or prepackaged/commercial items, as long as they're delicious!
Details:
To donate baked goods, please include:
- a name and list of ingredients for the product
- portions wrapped individually
- indicate if your product meets specific dietary restrictions (gluten-free, lactose-free, etc.)
- all goods MUST BE NUT-FREE
Key Dates:
- Deadline to enter: November 28
- Bake Sales: Tuesday Dec. 2 | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Other information:
- Email Clayton on or before Nov 28 to indicate your participation
- Donated baked goods will be collected through the RSO office: 6th floor of MacKimmie Tower
- The activity host will be in contact with bakers to arrange drop off times
- Bake sales will be held in the Hunter Student Commons on the main floor by the revolving doors.
Your Activity Host:
Questions? Reach out to Clayton clayton.lewis@ucalgary.ca
Pilates Class
Join us for a pilates class on Monday. December 8.
- Donation amount: $15
- Materials: bring your own yoga mat
- Location: Active Living room TBC
- Materials: bring your own yoga mat
Your Activity Host:
Questions? Reach out to Stephanie: stephanie.vahaaho@ucalgary.ca
Winter Collection Drive
Help those in need stay warm as the weather turns frosty by donating much needed items from October 27th – November 7th
The following items are needed to help spread the warmth this winter:
- Winter jackets
- Winter pants
- Winter boots
- Mittens, toques, scarves
- Socks (new only)
- Bath towels
- Pet items (please see a list of acceptable items here)
Donation bins will be located in the following two locations beginning October 27th until November 7th:
- Main campus:
- MacKimmie Tower, main floor by the elevators
Foothills campus:
- Health Science Center, B301
Questions? Reach out to Clayton Lewis at clayton.lewis@ucalgary.ca or Jan Rose at jan.rose@ucalgary.ca
Cheer Mail for Seniors
Cheer Mail for Seniors
Help spread kindness and joy this winter season by writing cheer mail for seniors!
Gather together with colleagues to make cards for seniors to help improve their wellbeing and quality of life. Materials will be provided.
Date:
- Nov. 26th
Time:
- 12:00-1:00pm
Location:
- MacKimmie Tower, 7th floor (room TBC)
Space is limited. Details on how to sign up are coming soon!
Sparks of Gratitude
UCalgary’s Sparks of Gratitude campaign is a fun new way to show appreciation for your colleagues and give to United Way at the same time!
This campaign supports a positive, engaged culture, and helps make UCalgary a great place to work and learn. Write messages of thanks, encouragement or just let someone know how they make UCalgary a better place for all. Collect your “sparks” from your area’s United Way cabinet representative.
Details
- Donate $10 and receive 5 “sparks” to share with your colleagues
Key Dates
- Purchase sparks until December 21
More information
Visit: Sparks donation page