Originally appeared in the Calgary Herald, September 5, 2025.
Eighty-five years ago, Calgary was a city in flux, emerging from the Great Depression while the world was at war. Out of that turbulence, a new force for community took root—United Way came to Calgary to meet the moment.
In 1940, our community needed to rebuild from the economic and social upheaval of the 1930s. United Way of Calgary and Area soon found itself at the heart of our post-war recovery as a funder and collaborator with the many organizations also born to serve our community during crisis.
Since that time, we’ve been here, side-by-side with our partners, through every major social, economic or natural crisis including floods, wildfires, economic downturns and a pandemic. Hundreds of thousands of local lives have been improved because of the generosity of donors, the dedication of volunteers, the commitment of workplaces and the tireless work of agency partners. Together, through United Way, our community has invested more than $1.4 billion into local programs that address poverty, mental health, youth development and basic needs.
That is a legacy worth celebrating; the best parts of our community today are rooted in this history and in the can-do spirit of Calgarians.
For 85 years, our city’s spirit of generosity and compassion has been the driving force behind United Way’s purpose to improve lives and mobilize lasting social change.
Which brings us to now.
Today’s challenges are bigger, more complex and more urgent than many we’ve faced before. We see the need all around us. The affordability crisis is pushing families to the brink, as 47% of Albertans are $200 away from not being able to meet their financial obligations. More than 500,000 Calgarians face food insecurity. Mental health struggles are intensifying, with crisis lines on average handling double the number of issues per call. Many agency partners are seeing four times the demand for services compared to 2019.
The time for incremental change has passed. This moment demands bold and systemic action from all of us. Solutions that not only ease today’s pain but change the conditions that create it.
We are already moving in that direction. Planet Youth Calgary is a groundbreaking, evidence-based, community-led initiative that is making Calgary a place where young people start strong in life and reach their full potential. Community Hubs, in partnership with The City of Calgary and with Rotary Club as a founding partner, are welcoming spaces where people connect, access supports and work together to strengthen their neighbourhoods. Both initiatives are helping Calgarians today while building foundations for long-term resilience.
After 85 years, United Way is proving that we were built for this moment—taking bold actions to solve big problems together right here at home.
And tomorrow? That depends on you. Meeting the moment means coming together—every Calgarian—to shape what comes next. The story of the next 85 years is unwritten. But united, we can write a chapter of hope, resilience and prosperity for our city.
As we look ahead, we see the need clearly—and we see the opportunity to meet it.
The future is in our hands. Let’s make it better together!
Karen Young is president and CEO of United Way of Calgary and Area. September is United Way month in Calgary; learn more at calgaryunitedway.org.