An inspirational walk down memory lane highlighted the 2013 United Way Community Building Awards at MacDonald Island earlier this week as community supporters gathered to recognize those who were integral to the success of the Community Campaign and celebrate the 35th year of United Way in Fort McMurray.

Guests were treated to a special guest speaker, Maryanne Warren, the founding president and pioneer who led to the incorporation of the United Way of Fort McMurray in 1978. Maryanne spoke of the social profit landscape in the 70’s and the leg work of getting the United Way office open. Maryanne took it upon herself to obtain a $5,000 loan to secure the office space, a decision she ran by her husband after the fact. However, once he realized the decision was not up for debate, he had no choice but to hope she was making the right choice. A truly special message of doing whatever it takes to make the community a better place.

Executive Director Diane Shannon with Founding President Maryanne Warren

In a condensed version of the annual awards ceremony, Diane Shannon, Executive Director of the United Way of Fort McMurray, welcomed guests and acknowledged the Corporate Donors, Employee Workplace Campaigns and individual and family donors.

The Community Building Awards ceremony featured 3 awards to individuals who contributed to, and expanded the impact of the Community Campaign throughout their organization. Michael Becker received the Pillar Award, Campaign co-chairs for the RMWB Elaine Moores and Carmen MacRae received the Cornerstone Award while Will Abraham of the Fort McMurray Catholic School Board took home the Blueprint Award.

The United Way also presented a new award at this year’s festivities, the Foundation Award given to Rogers Broadcasting who has been a long time supporter and partner with the United Way since the beginning and is also celebrating 40 years in the community this year.

“It was a great honour to receive this very special award," said Stephen Peck, General Manager of Rogers Broadcasting, unaware that they were receiving the award. "Every member of the Rogers Fort McMurray Team was proud to be recognized for many years of support, hard work, and dedication to helping the Fort McMurray United Way reach its goals.”

A full list of Corporate and Employee Campaigns and Donors is available on our supporters page or in our 2012 Annual Report.

Our Mission: To improve lives by building capacity in our community.

For more information please contact:

     Trevor Sheppard

     Communications Director

     United Way of Fort McMurray

     Phone:  780.791.0077