A Century of Charity

Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."

Charitable work is never just limited to charitable organizations, but some of these organizations have a long history in our city. The Salvation Army has been helping out less fortunate Edmontonians since 1893. As the population increased, so did the need. The YMCA opened in 1907, followed by the Bissell Centre in 1910. In 1929, the onset of the Great Depression created the need for a soup kitchen in Edmonton's inner-city to serve meals to hundreds of people struggling with unemployment and homelessness. They called it Hope Mission. More recent organizations like Boyle Street, started in 1971, and the Food Bank which began in 1981.

Author Anne Frank said, "No one has ever become poor by giving."

There are hundreds of charitable organizations from the Red Cross to the Children's Wish Foundation. As your life intersects with these organizations, like those that do medical research or provide support for special-needs children, you are more likely to support their work. If everyone gave a little, many more needs could be met.

Since 2012, the City of Edmonton has supported the United Way of the Alberta Capital Region as its corporate charity of choice. The annual United Way campaign is an opportunity for staff across the organization to build stronger neighbourhoods and communities while leaving no Edmontonian behind. United Way looks at the big picture in order to deliver a coordinated network of services and programs to address a range of needs for children and families who are struggling. Funds raised to strengthen our community and help fund over 100 programs in the Alberta Capital Region.

Original Article written by Gary Dick on an internal Edmonton Website.