Penny Parade

Our Goal: To Grow Future Community Leaders

The Penny Parade is an exciting new initiative geared towards engaging youth in activities that expose them to the importance of giving, of being community leaders. Most importantly, they learn about the needs here in our very own communities and how the United Way of Central Alberta and agencies support those needs.

Did you know that 1 in 3 Central Albertans will use services supported by United Way in their lifetime?

The Penny Parade

The 2009, Penny Parade pilot project engaged three schools and 300 youth. It was integrated to be a formal component of the education curriculum. Each student took part in a six-week learning experience. Through this journey they discovered the needs within our community and what they can do to help.

Making Change...

At the start of the journey, students were given a red piggy bank. A piggy bank full of pennies is worth $8 but the value of that piggy bank is one meal for Meals on Wheels. The purpose of the piggy banks is to show how pennies make change.

Don’t just judge your success of this program by the amount of money you receive for UW. There are so many more benefits to what you are doing.” Joan Donald, *a leading philanthropist in Red Deer, AB

There were 280 students able to see this change at the United Way Day-of-Caring where they gained invaluable hands-on experience during their visit to 24 participating agencies. Here the students assisted the agencies and by doing so, gained awareness of what it is the agencies do and why it is important. The United Way Day-of-Caring wrapped up with lunch and the opportunity to hear from, and speak with, local philanthropic leaders.

But the students weren't the only ones who benefitted from this experience. At the end of the journey, students showcased what they learned. Each of the displays featured a unique experience but they all had one thing in common - they beamed with community pride. Now doesn't that speak volumes?

The students created awareness of the needs in their community to their friends, family, and the community and now those people are making change too.Imagine how much more change could be made, if more students could join the Penny Parade - if we could grow more future community leaders.

"In addition to contributing financially to the campaign, an even greater benefit was engaging our students, schools and community in addressing real needs in our community. The links to the program of study were strong and there is good potential for continued partnerships and success." Bruce Buruma, Director of Community Relations, Red Deer Public School District

The United Way of Central Alberta would like to expand the Penny Parade route beyond the city limits of Red Deer to include all of the schools in Central Alberta.

"No Donor Dollars Used"

"No Donor Dollars Used" is a goal of the Penny Parade that was successfully met in the pilot project. Resources from the Aviva Community Fund would help maintain this goal and help the Penny Parade take flight. Funding would go towards: purchasing additional reusable red piggy banks; promoting awareness; and the United Way Day-of-Caring including transportation and lunches.

Now More than Ever

"Growing young philanthropists is not just a desire of ours, it’s a responsibility.” G. Clarke

Help us grow future community leaders. Make Change...Now More Than Ever and vote for the Penny Parade.