The United Way movement was started in Denver in 1887 by a Rabbi, a Minister and a Priest, who came together to help miners' families. The United Way's roots in Canada began in 1917 in Toronto and Montreal. The United Way of Fort McMurray began in 1978 and our first campaign took place in 1979 when $83,000 was raised to support social services throughout this region.

When you give to the United Way, you can rest assured that your gift will be invested wisely, reaching every sector of the community and addressing multiple needs. As the largest non-government funder of social services in our region, the United Way is accountable to you and the community.

Our Community Fund supports a vital network of more than 60 local programs. Our volunteer Community Investment Committee evaluates every agency that applies for funding to ensure that your donation is invested where it can have the maximum impact. Every year, experienced volunteers, including our Board of Directors and professional staff, review United Way member agencies to ensure they fulfil stringent guidelines.

United Way provides funding to three priority areas:

• All That Kids Can Be
• Healthy People, Strong Communities
• From Poverty to Possibility

Additionally, United Way believes in community impact - a focus on creating meaningful, long-term improvements to the quality of life in our community. This is done by creating programs targeted at addressing the root causes of social issues.

Board of Directors

Barb Jewers, President
Syncrude Canada

Ben Dutton, Vice President
CEO, The Casman Group of Companies

Doug Simms, Treasurer
Syncrude Canada

Andy Carter, Campaign Chair
Manager, Tailings Operations, Shell Canada

Sudarshan Kalra, Community Investment Committee Chair
Suncor Energy Inc.

Marty Giles, Director
Owner, Northstar Ford

Bryce Kumka, Director
Senior Account Executive, Rogers Insurance North

Phil Meagher, Director
Councillor, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Associate Superintendent, Fort McMurray Public School District

John Evans, Director
Director & President, UBS Canada

Kevin Thomas, Director
Business Representative, International Union of Operating Engineers
Local Union No. 955

Roxanne Fudge, Director
Principal, Fort McMurray Public School Board

Larry Gouthro, Director
General Manager, Oil Sands Finning Canada

Colin Hartigan, Director
Broker/Owner, Coldwell Banker Fort McMurray

Craig Cachia, Director
Suncor Energy Inc.