Sherri Merkel is one of United Way of Calgary and Area’s longest standing workplace volunteers, serving as an employee campaign coordinator at NOVA Chemicals (NOVA) since 2001. This Father’s Day, and as part of our 85th anniversary, she shares her passion for United Way and commitment to giving back—a trait she inherited from her father.
It’s not hard to make Sherri Merkel smile. You just need to ask about her father.
“My dad was someone who loved people, and people loved him,” she remembers. “He loved talking, he loved making connections and I think that all fit really well together.”
Albert (Al) de Laforest was a member of the board of the YMCA in Red Deer in the early 1980’s and, as a “mover and shaker” in the community, he was soon asked to join United Way in the Central Alberta town.
“He worked on things like broadening availability of programs and awareness of programs that existed for kids who had nowhere to go after school, things like that,” Sherri remembers.
A family legacy of community service
Sherri grew up surrounded by the spirit of volunteering and helping people. When she joined NOVA Chemicals in 2001 as a communications specialist and found out part of her job was aiding in the United Way campaign, she just had to tell her dad.
“He was absolutely tickled,” she says. “He loved hearing about campaign every year, he wanted to have conversations and for me to tell him what we were doing and he was absolutely tickled that I was taking a step in that direction and getting involved.”
That direction is one with a deep focus on empathy, compassion and community service.
“I really feel like life is about taking care of people and giving back. (Dad) would probably say that strongly and loudly to a lot of people. I’m probably a little quieter about it,” she laughs. “But I hope I can still take some of those messages forward.”
The fire still burns
Now in her 25th year at NOVA, Sherri’s zest for United Way’s campaign hasn’t softened. She credits United Way’s work in the community for keeping that fire burning inside her.
“There’s still that focus on root causes and taking care of the whole person,” she adds. “I think that is still core to what United Way does along with the convener aspect of bringing people and agencies together. I think there is a stronger emphasis on taking the lead and initiating some of these new things that United Way has been focused on.”
She points to initiatives like Action Table Calgary, All In for Youth and Community Hubs as ways United Way of Calgary and Area has adapted to the needs of the community and being a leader in the city.
“At NOVA they’re who we always look to first, when disaster happens. We know that United Way is equipped to very quickly mobilize and know where all the resources are needed.”
Sherri’s faith in United Way is reciprocated. In addition to various awards that NOVA has been nominated for, Sherri herself has received two awards at United Way of Calgary and Area’s annual recognition event. She’s been chosen as the People Power and Power of One award winner, in appreciation for her tireless work in support of United Way.
“Sherri exemplifies the spirit of community and the power of legacy,” says Karen Young, president and CEO of United Way of Calgary and Area. “Her commitment to giving back, inspired by her father’s example, is not only moving—it’s a testament to the values that build stronger communities. We’re so grateful for Sherri’s leadership and passion. She has made a lasting impact through her work with NOVA Chemicals and her unwavering support of United Way.”
Inspiring others going forward
She’s happy she’s had the chance to be involved in many of the initiatives firsthand, something she knows her father would be proud of as well.
“I think about being so proud that I got to have him for my dad, and so grateful,” she says. “I hope that I can continue to honour him by bringing all of those things forward in my life with United Way and just generally.”
She has another piece of advice that her father has passed to her.
“Go volunteer. Go help somebody else. You can’t feel bad when you are doing good and helping somebody else, and that’s something that I think comes to me through him and is what I pass on to people.”
About United Way of Calgary and Area
United Way of Calgary and Area (United Way) is celebrating 85 years of innovation and impact. Since 1940, we have united individuals, workplaces, community partners and government to create lasting social change.
Rooted in a global movement more than a century ago, United Way has been dedicated to improving lives through the power of collective community action. We invest strategically, partner with purpose and mobilize agencies to work together and solve complex social issues like poverty and mental health. Our work and investments stay local.
Join us in shaping the future. Visit hope.uwca.ca to be part of the change. Thank you for 85 years of inspiring hope and strengthening our community.