It was a momentous occasion for the United Way Alberta Northwest as the organization celebrated 50 years of operation in the Peace Country and beyond.
June 11th saw a fun-filled day for the United Way, kicking off with the inaugural Breakfast Blitz and finishing with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and dinner at Centre 2000 in Grande Prairie, which recently appointed Executive Director Ken Loudon describes as a significant landmark for both his organization and the region’s residents.
“I think United Way is making a mark on the community, getting our message out that we’re vibrant and alive and well, and we’re here to build the community in an uplifting and positive way,” he says. “It was phenomenally receptive and the community stepped up as Grande Prairie does.”
The humble Loudon credits those before him with making such a milestone possible, saying he sees the 50th anniversary as a confidence booster for him in his new role.
“1974 seems a very long time ago and yet the number of people that have stepped up to keep this organization and build it to where it is today, I think we are standing on the shoulders of giants,” he says. “Being part of this organization, and knowing that I just stepped in at this monumental moment, it gives reassurances and comfort and strength, and buttresses up the platform for us to move forward.”
Both Loudon and his Board Chair Amber McGuinness spoke on what the anniversary means for the future of the United Way in Northwestern Alberta, saying they are both excited to continue fostering community connection with local organizations through events like the Breakfast Blitz becoming an annual affair.
“Our Fall Fair and Heli-drop which started last year, was a huge success and really just brought the community together, worked with other charities and got us really excited to keep doing it in the future,” McGuinness says.
“I’m looking forward to what’s in front, one of our biggest focuses is elevating our capacity and expanding our capacity to support the local non-profit organizations within our community that don’t have charity status,” Loudon adds. “When we build them, we build ourselves.”
Both the Breakfast Blitz and ribbon-cutting ceremony were well-attended by local leaders and city officials who described the day as significant for everyone involved.
