In case you’re wondering, no, you haven’t stumbled upon a Pinterest page!
These images showcase our in-house talent—the incredible craftwork of our very own staff at United Way of Calgary and Area (United Way)! From knitting to miniature-making, our craft club—called the UCraft Club—is where creativity meets connection. It is a source of inspiration across teams, fostering collaboration, idea-sharing and celebrating the artistic spirit of our team members.
It’s a perfect complement to United Way’s Hope is in Your Hands campaign, as the hands creating these works are the same ones that uplift, cherish and hold our community together—helping individuals and communities not just survive, but thrive. Craftworks showcased above are made by Bethany White, Manager of Evaluation & Insights; Apryl Webb, Central Alberta Regional Community Developer, Healthy Aging Alberta (HAA); Michael Procinsky, Northern Regional Community Developer, HAA; Stephanie Banszky, Engagement and Communications Specialist, HAA; Stephanie Kvellestad, Assistant, People & Culture and Tess McCormick, Manager, Technology Delivery, Transformation.
How It All Began
In a world where hybrid meetings and tight deadlines dominate our workdays, finding time for creativity and personal connection is invaluable. One small gesture can create a wave of positive impact, and it was this spirit that brought the craft club together.
“It all started with a short note in Daily U inviting folks to join. I was surprised and delighted when Stephanie [Banszky], an artist, responded right away. That first bit of interest was all it took to get the ball rolling,” says Bethany.
Bethany envisioned a space where colleagues could connect beyond work to share ideas and find inspiration. What started as a casual idea in April 2024 quickly transformed into a diverse and inclusive group of around 15 members today, embracing all forms of crafting.
“I love seeing what other folks are working on and creating. We have so many crafty and inspiring people at United Way,” says Stephanie B.
Club Activities and Impact
The UCraft Club takes place over virtual meetings and through a Teams group chat. This allows members an opportunity to share photos of their craft work, discuss tips and techniques and stay connected.
Out-of-town team members, including Healthy Aging Alberta’s Michael and Apryl, benefit from an opportunity to engage socially and build relationships in a hybrid work environment.
“I’ve been inspired by joining. Seeing what others are creating made me try new things—like working with clay and vintage jewelry,” says Michael, who says one of his favourite projects was using old jewelry to create Christmas trees and decorations.
The club’s collaborative spirit is evident in many United Way initiatives and projects. For example, some club members came together to design and create decorations for the Pride Parade in September. Their efforts showcased their creative talents and strengthened bonds, demonstrating United Way’s inclusive work culture.
An Encouraging and Inspirational Space
At the heart of the UCraft Club lies its informal, low-commitment nature. Members are encouraged to share their ongoing projects or new hobbies.
Take miniature-making, for example. What began as Tess sharing her love for the craft sparked an exchange of ideas and inspiration between members:
“Stephanie B inspired me to try making miniatures from scratch, and I introduced her to craft kits I use. Now we’re both hooked—it’s been a fun exchange of ideas,” Tess shared.
Stephanie K, Michael and Karen King, Manager, Action Table Calgary, Community Impact & Partnerships, soon felt inspired to try their hand at it too!
“We’re just connecting with each other as humans. It’s not just about your role. Humans are multi-dimensional people with lives outside of these virtual walls. Finding a community, you can relate to around whatever might interest you is so important,” says Bethany.
This culture of encouragement ensures that the club remains a welcoming space for all skill levels, helping each other grow in their creative journeys.
Our Intentional Values in Action
The UCraft Club beautifully embodies United Way’s core values:
- Putting People First: The club fosters connections and prioritizes well-being through shared creative experiences. By welcoming all types of crafting and encouraging participation from remote employees, the club ensures that everyone feels valued.
- Stand United: The club works as a team to support projects like the Pride Parade decorations.
- Learn Forward: Members inspire each other to explore new crafts and push the boundaries of their creativity.
- Speak Up: The club’s casual nature provides ample opportunities for members to freely express their ideas and opinions.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, all the members hope to keep the club’s casual and enjoyable spirit alive while expanding its reach. Plans are underway to organize in-person gatherings with a hybrid option for the out-of-town members. These meetups aim to enhance the sense of community and create opportunities for collaborative projects. It’s safe to say the future of the UCraft Club is as vibrant as its projects.
“It’s always nice when you get to know your coworkers as people. It makes work feel more fulfilling,” says Stephanie K.
If you’re a United Way staff member looking for a way to unwind, get inspired or simply connect with colleagues over a shared passion, the UCraft Club welcomes you. Look out for UCraft Club posts in Daily U or connect with Bethany directly. Who knows? You might discover a new hobby or form lasting friendships – all while creating something beautiful.