We’re thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration between our city’s newest professional sports team, the Calgary Surge, and United Way of Calgary and Area (United Way). The power of these two social impact brands combines the power of basketball with community building through the Home Team Tour, an initiative designed to enhance public spaces and foster social inclusion.
“Our collaboration with the Surge will create connections, generate opportunities, foster inclusion, and benefit Calgary’s youth and families for years to come,” says United Way of Calgary and Area President and CEO Karen Young.
Surge Vice-Chairman & President Jason Ribeiro and United Way of Calgary and Area President and CEO Karen Young
What is the Home Team Tour?
This exciting collaboration is about placemaking – a concept involving hands-on activities that improve local communities and boost social inclusion in public spaces. The Home Team Tour, led by the Surge and United Way, will deliver shared experiences and messaging across Calgary and area. These events will blend basketball and active recreation with arts, culture, and social giving, creating a basketball-powered community hub.
United Way will be front-and-centre during the Home Team Tour, with branding, activations and fundraising opportunities.
“Working with United Way of Calgary and Area to improve local lives through sports, arts and culture is an absolute dream for us,” says Calgary Surge Vice-Chairman and President Jason Ribeiro. “The Home Team Tour began as a listening exercise when we first launched the team in October 2022. Today, with the United Way’s support, it is growing into a powerful community engagement vehicle that meets citizens where they’re at to bring sport, live entertainment, and philanthropy to more and more Calgarians.”
Engaging the Youth in the Community
The Calgary Surge is a great fit for United Way’s youth-focused initiatives like Planet Youth Calgary and All In for Youth, as the organization has already made a strong statement on its commitment to the community through its Surge ASSIST program.
To date, Surge ASSIST has raised more than $250,000 from corporations and donors in Calgary, allowing it to send thousands of deserving kids to basketball games. The initiative also distributed thousands of souvenir t-shirts and removed transportation and food barriers where they existed. In recognition of these efforts, United Way of Calgary and Area is proud to see Jason Ribeiro receive the Family Award for Philanthropy at the 2023 Community Impact Awards. The award recognizes Calgarians shaping the future through their work in the community and charitable giving.
Surge mascot alongside the Planet Youth team in Forest Lawn
Earlier this year, the Surge collaborated with Planet Youth Calgary to support the revitalization of a Forest Lawn community basketball court. Surge staff, along with their mascot, were on hand to lend a hand and cheer on youth and volunteers as they cleaned and improved the court, and turned it into a work of art.
Inaugural Season Success
In their first season, the Surge supported more than 150 free community events. These events brought together diverse Calgarians from across the city in safe and accessible spaces, showcasing the power of community and inclusivity. United Way is excited to help grow these experiences, bringing the energy and fun of sports to communities and kids of all ages.
The United Way booth at the Surge’s 2024 season opener at the Saddledome.
Join us July 25th!
United Way will become the Presenting Sponsor of Fan Appreciation Night, the Surge’s final Regular-Season Game on July 25. Our team will be there to cheer on the Surge and thank Calgary for helping create stronger communities.
Join us in celebrating this exciting initiative and stay tuned for more updates on how the Calgary Surge and United Way are making a positive difference in our community. We can’t wait to see you at the Home Team Tour events and the Sponsored Game. Let’s create vibrant, inclusive spaces and build a stronger, more connected Calgary!