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Thanksgiving is the season of reflecting on what you’re grateful for and thanking the people in your life. What better way to celebrate the co-workers you’re thankful for than by sending them something to let them know they have made a difference and brighten their day in the process?  

The United Way Givin’ Thanks campaign is back with its digital stars, which are available online to be purchased, customized, sent and received between now and Dec. 10.  

For a $20 online donation, students, faculty, postdoctoral scholars and staff can send unlimited Givin’ Thanks stars to colleagues throughout the campaign. All proceeds go directly to United Way Calgary and Area and will have a positive and lasting impact in our local community. 

Givin’ Thanks has long been a meaningful way to recognize our colleagues and raise funds for an important cause, says Dr. Natasha Kenny, PhD, senior director of the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning and co-chair of the 2021 United Way Campaign. 

“This year has been challenging, and the Givin’ Thanks stars are a way for the ��ݮ����Ƶ���� community to connect with each other, and to let others know they are appreciated and contribute greatly to our community,” says Kenny.  

“The unlimited number of stars for a set donation amount allows more people to send and receive messages of thanks and acknowledgement. It’s a fantastic way to spread gratitude across our academic community.” 

Start Givin’ Thanks

Just log in to the Givin’ Thanks page on ��ݮ����Ƶ����’s United Way donation portal using your employee login and make a minimum $20 donation. At 9 a.m. the following morning, you’ll receive a link by email to send Givin’ Thanks messages. Make sure to save the link — you can use it to send Givin’ Thanks stars as often as you like throughout the entire United Way campaign, which ends on December 10.

Show your local love

Together, we can build strong communities while addressing the issues of poverty, child health, mental health and social isolation. Your donation invests in programs and collaborations that provide vital services to all Calgarians and helps connect people with the opportunities they need to thrive. Together, we can build a great city for everyone.

Our goal this year is to raise $625,000 for the United Way. The 2021 campaign runs from Oct. 4 until Dec. 10, and highlights the intersections between research and philanthropy. Watch for stories featuring researchers who are making progress in overcoming poverty, raising successful kids and building strong communities to learn how ��ݮ����Ƶ���� is addressing these issues and to .