Local donors rally Calgarians to remain #UnitedApart

Calgary, AB – United Way of Calgary and Area is encouraging individuals to join the movement to spread kindness on May 5, #GivingTuesdayNow.

Giving Tuesday, a global movement for giving and volunteering, typically takes place in December, but in response to the COVID-19 crisis, people are coming together May 5 for #GivingTuesdayNow.

In a true show of Calgary’s spirit, a generous group of local donors have come together to encourage Calgarians to participate in #GivingTuesdayNow and support local COVID-19 response efforts.

On Tuesday, May 5, this group of donors will make a $10 donation toward the COVID-19 Community Response Fund for every share of United Way’s #UnitedApart video on social media platforms, up to $50,000.

At the same time, for those who are in a position to donate, the donor group will also match donations up to $500,000 toward the COVID-19 Community Response Fund until May 31, 2020.

“This generous group of local donors knows how hard Calgary and the surrounding area has been hit due to COVID-19,” says Karen Young, President and CEO, United Way of Calgary and Area. “They understand that while everyone wants to help during this time of crisis, they may not have the financial capacity to do so right now.”

“This is a prime example of how Calgarians come together to support each other and help those who need it most,” she adds. “These donors are sharing the joy of giving and doubling the impact of community efforts so more people can be helped during this time of unprecedented need. I continue to be humbled by the generosity, compassion, and kindness being evidenced in our city each and every day. Even when we’re apart, we stand united.”

There are three simple ways to spread kindness:

  • Make a donation to the COVID-19 Community Response Fund by May 31st and your donation will be matched up to $500,000, thanks to a group of passionate local donors.
  • Share the #UnitedApart video on your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram accounts on May 5th between 8:00 am and midnight, and $10 will be donated, up to $50,000, to the COVID-19 Community Response Fund, thanks to a group of generous local donors.
  • Celebrate moments of connection and compassion in your community, give thanks to local support, and shine a light on how you’re spreading goodness in your own way using the hashtags #UnitedApart and #GivingTuesdayNow on your social media platforms, and it will be shared on UnitedApart.ca as well.

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Giving Tuesday is a global initiative that rallies people together to spread generosity and make a difference in communities around the world by encouraging contributions of time, resources and talent toward community need.

United Way of Calgary and Area brings together donors, corporations, agencies, and governments to solve complex social issues and improve the lives of more than 150,000 people every year. Since 1940, United Way has supported agencies that assist vulnerable Calgarians. Today, United Way invests in programs and collaborations with common outcomes, brings people together to coordinate systems change, and designs solutions that address root causes to create lasting social change. Collectively, this work deepens community impact. For more information, please visit www.calgaryunitedway.org.

For more information, please contact:

Lisa Rushka
403-816-1038
lisar@momentumcommunications.ca

Yvette Biggs
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
United Way of Calgary and Area
yvette.biggs@calgaryunitedway.org