Calgary, AB: United Way of Calgary and Area has wrapped up its winter 50/50 with an amazing final jackpot of $103,950. The winner, whose name was drawn at the United Way offices this morning, is Syreeta B. of Calgary, ticket #238722.
Syreeta B. and United Way will each take $51,975.
“We are excited to wrap up our first major 50/50 after raising an incredible $103,950 jackpot, thanks to the support of our ticket buyers and donors. I would like to give my personal gratitude to Calgarians for their acts of kindness and continued support,” said Rhonda Roth, Chief Development Officer at United Way of Calgary and Area.
“The money raised will make a major local impact to help ensure nobody gets left behind: from fulfilling basic needs, to providing mental health resources, to strengthening community supports.”
Syreeta B. was notified this morning by United Way Campaign Co-Chairs Michael Crothers and Janet Soles. Syreeta is an avid supporter of United Way who donates every Christmas and asks others to donate on her birthday. She says that the 50/50 helped remind her to donate this holiday season.
“This means so much to me and my family,” said Syreeta, when she was notified of her win. “United Way is such an incredible charity, and the fact that you give as much as you do and you’re available for families is just unbelievable. So thank you.”
United Way works in partnership with more than 70 agencies in Calgary to improve the quality of life for individuals and families, strategically investing our resources right here at home to maximize community impact and encourage collaboration, partnerships, and innovation.
On average, the organization supports more than 180,000 people a year in the community – a figure that has since grown with the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. United Way’s recovery priorities are focused on socioeconomic well-being, mental health, healthy relationships, and social inclusion. As the community enters the second holiday season of the pandemic, non-profits are experiencing higher demand with lower donations.
“We know that this time of year can bring more financial stress and anxiety to many people in our community. I have always been amazed by the caring spirit of Calgarians to help take care of each other especially in tough times,” said Roth.
“We have found that those who have the means to give, have been giving. Over the next few weeks, I invite Calgarians that can, to please donate through our website at calgaryunitedway.org.”
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About United Way of Calgary and Area
Everyone needs a hand at one point or another, and everyone deserves a fair shot at a good life. That’s why United Way exists—to improve lives locally. But in a city of nearly 1.4 million people, it is impossible for one individual or organization to respond to all the social needs—strong partnerships are key to creating change in our community. United Way of Calgary and Area operates within a strong network of social services to build a connected system of community supports so everyone has access to programs and services when they need them, guaranteeing daily assistance for our community’s most vulnerable people.
For more information:
Heidi Gammuac
(403) 410-2571
heidi.gammuac@calgaryunitedway.org