Some of the strongest connections to community begin at work.
Sometimes, all it takes is one person stepping into a new role to strengthen the bridge between workplace and community.
Campaign Associates (CAs) are employees sponsored by workplace partners to join United Way of Calgary and Area on a short-term secondment during campaign season. As part of our team, they support workplace giving, volunteerism and community engagement, while building stronger connections between United Way and workplaces across Calgary and area.
This year’s CAs come from AltaLink, ATCO, the Canada Revenue Agency, Worley and Service Canada, each strengthening the connection between colleagues and community.
At a time when many challenges are not always visible, those connections matter. Financial pressure, mental health struggles and isolation can affect colleagues, neighbours and families without us realizing it. We see the need. It’s closer than you think.
For many CAs, the experience helps them build new skills, strengthen leadership capabilities and make a meaningful impact in the community. Here’s what this year’s CAs had to say:
Daniel Ross | AltaLink
“As a new parent and the son of an aging parent, I care deeply about ensuring that young people, like my son, have the supports and tools they need to build successful futures and navigate life’s challenges.
I’ve seen firsthand how this work makes a difference for the people and issues closest to my heart, while giving me the opportunity to raise awareness and encourage others to support our community.”
Daniel Ross, AltaLink
Evan Mazur | ATCO
“Being a Calgarian is a big part of my identity, and I’ve always taken pride in how our city comes together to support one another through challenges and celebrations.
Over these last two months, I’ve been able to focus entirely on giving back, and the experience has inspired me to continue that work when I return to ATCO.”
Evan Mazur, ATCO
Terra Hocken | Canada Revenue Agency
“Before joining CRA, I worked for the Boys and Girls Club in Thompson, Manitoba, where I saw firsthand how a caring community can change the trajectory of a child’s life. That experience reinforced the importance of organizations that help people access support, opportunities and a sense of belonging.
As a Campaign Associate I connect people to causes that strengthen our communities. To me, giving back means helping create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Terra Hocken, Canada Revenue Agency
Herve Lamah | Service Canada
“Earlier in my life, I benefited from programs that helped me move forward, and that experience shaped my belief that everyone deserves the chance to build a better future.
I see my role as showing people that their contributions, whether through donations, volunteering or advocacy, can create meaningful change.”
Herve Lamah, Service Canada
Vala Soleimani | Worley
“Like many people, I sometimes focused on what wasn’t going the way I had imagined in my own life. However, through my experience as a Campaign Associate, I have had the opportunity to learn about the challenges many people in our community face every day.
One of the lessons that has stayed with me came from a fellow Campaign Associate, who said that if people truly understood how far even a small donation can go, they would be amazed by the impact it can have.”
Vala Soleimani, Worley
CAs turn workplace campaigns into something more personal: an opportunity to learn about the community around us, start conversations and get involved.
Because some of the strongest connections to community begin at work and grow when colleagues choose to act together.
Interested in Sponsoring a Campaign Associate?
If your organization would like to sponsor an employee for this unique leadership opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.