United YYC

If there’s one thing Calgarians do really well, it’s community spirit. From public art to crisis support, Calgarians are always ready to lend a hand. But it goes far beyond that — it’s not just about stepping in when help is needed; it’s about actively contributing to something bigger than yourself. Whether it’s supporting local food banks, mentoring youth, championing the arts, or building inclusive spaces, Calgarians show up with heart, purpose, and a sense of shared responsibility. These everyday acts of generosity and involvement are what make Calgary not just a vibrant city, but a connected, compassionate one.

The heart of connection‍

Back in 2013, when devastating floods swept through the city, Calgarians rolled up their sleeves and came together in an incredible show of community spirit. When wildfires displaced families in places like Jasper, Fort MacMurray, and the Northwest Territories, they opened their homes and hearts without hesitation. During the pandemic, neighbours organized balcony concerts and meal drop-offs to keep spirits high and support those in isolation. And with one of the highest volunteer rates and charitable giving levels among major Canadian cities, Calgarians continue to lead by example.

Unsurprisingly, that same spirit of generosity and connection is alive and well in United Active Living communities, where residents and team members alike find meaningful ways to give back and strengthen the communities around them.

It starts at home‍

Who doesn’t love to be on the receiving end of a pair of hand-knitted mittens or a cozy scarf? At United, it’s certainly not an uncommon sight to see a group of ladies congregating in the lounge, knitting needles in hand, working away on their latest projects. But for many residents, the activity means so much more than just something to keep busy, or a chance to catch up. “A lot of us quit knitting or crocheting because we ran out of space or people to gift to, not because we stopped enjoying working on our projects,” says Arlene, a resident at Fish Creek. “But we all came together and now we create pieces to give directly to organizations like the Salvation Army and the Mustard Seed — giving back to people who need a little bit of comfort.” Arlene continues, “It feels really good to connect with others and contribute to something bigger, together. It’s a good mix of people, beginners, and experienced crafters all come out to support the cause. It’s nice to be a part of a group contributing to our community instead of staying in your suite.”

Joy, a resident at The Lodge at Valley Ridge has spent a lifetime caring and advocating for furry friends. She works passionately with Pets for Life, the Alberta SPCA, and numerous other organizations and has left an indelible mark on animal welfare in our province. Her leadership in securing funding, organizing fundraising events, and advocating for ethical treatment has led to tangible improvements in the lives of countless animals. Even beyond her official roles, Joy remains deeply engaged, and continues to inspire those around her to take action. “I have always loved and been fascinated with animals, even as a young child” says Joy, “seeing the animals thrive gives me purpose — it's my reason for being, my life’s work.”

At Garrison Green, residents proudly showcased their creativity in a community art show and sale, raising funds in support of Alzheimer Calgary. The artwork, lovingly created in the community’s art studio, was generously donated by residents, helping raise $1350 for the cause. “Alzheimer’s affects us all in one way or another, and it’s so nice to give back,” says Jim, a long-time Garrison Green resident.

At Trinity Lodge, giving back is part of everyday life. Residents and team members are always finding ways to support the greater community. Each holiday season, they come together to fill nearly 40 shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse “Operation Christmas Child,” sending gifts and joy to children around the world. Closer to home, the Trinity Lodge sales team, often with a helping hand (and delicious treats) from Chef Allan and the Culinary team, can be found joining in on neighbouring community events. “Connecting with our neighbours is a big part of who we are,” says Edlyn Balicao, Community Relations Manager at Trinity Lodge. “It means so much to both our team and the residents to give back to our fellow Calgarians. It really gives us all a sense of purpose.”

Jan DeLisle, Community Relations Manager at Lake Bonavista Village, shared several inspiring resident-led initiatives that connect the community with the greater community. “For the past eight years, we’ve been making sandwiches with the Calgary Unity and Wellness Society and delivering them to organizations across the city. It’s very important to our residents that we give back,” Jan says. “We also donate the proceeds from our craft and bake sales to charities such as the Sheriff King House, Inn from the Cold, and Mary Dover House. Staying connected to our community gives us purpose and offers a way to stay connected with our fellow citizens.”

A bigger picture

‍With deep Calgary roots, United Active Living has long championed partnerships that enrich local lives and strengthen community ties. In 2015, the company established the United Active Living Foundation, supporting applied research in gerontology, alleviating poverty for older adults, and improving access to resources for seniors in need. The Foundation has donated on behalf of employees and residents to several local organizations working to enhance the lives of older adults in the wider community.

United has also forged longstanding partnerships with local organizations like the Calgary Philharmonic and The Wilder Institute / Calgary Zoo to offer residents unique opportunities to experience the best of Calgary’s cultural life, while supporting the institutions that mean so much to its residents and our broader community. As a locally owned and operated company, United remains deeply committed to strengthening community ties in meaningful and lasting ways.

United and ‘Unison’

In 2024, the United Active Living Foundation partnered with Unison Kerby Centre to provide support through a donation to their community pantry, and by adopting a classroom in their downtown Calgary headquarters.

In June, United team members ventured downtown to the Kerby Centre to spruce up a classroom space used to facilitate day programs and provide a welcoming space for their members to congregate, host events, and hold classes. “The Kerby Centre is many things to many people,” says Andres Guiterrez, Corporate Development Officer at Unison. “Having this space means we can accommodate more programming for our clients, whether it’s language classes, community events, pickleball or anything in between.”

For more than 50 years, Unison Kerby Centre has provided essential services and support to older adults in Calgary, helping them maintain their independence and quality of life through comprehensive programs, which include wellness services, community resources, and social support.  Unison Kerby Centre has become a well-known cornerstone in the Calgary community for older adults of all backgrounds.

“We were thrilled to breathe some new life into this classroom,” says Arianne Brady, VP, Marketing and Communications at United, “At United, we believe that no matter what age you are, you can be learning and experiencing new things.” She continues, “Being able to support this space aligns with our philosophy and values, and allows us to broaden our impact in serving older adults in their pursuit of lifelong learning. Our team was really excited to roll up their sleeves and get going on this one.”

“We have a lot of programming initiatives going on at Unison, and this classroom space is essential for our active aging department,” says Mel Lefebvre, Communications Manager at Unison, “Now that the space is refreshed, I’m sure our clients will feel great spending time in the classroom. It shows that we care about the people who come through each day. It’s truly a labour of love.”

Sharing is caring

‍As we age and our circle becomes smaller, finding ways to connect to the greater community can offer a sense of belonging and purpose. It brings purpose, sparks joy, and reminds us that no matter our age, we all have something meaningful to contribute.

Whether it’s knitting warm essentials for those in need, using art to raise funds and awareness, championing animal welfare, or driving efforts to expand access to vital services for Calgary’s older adults, United’s residents and team members are making a real difference, every single day. Their passion, creativity, and commitment are a powerful reminder that building a better community starts with the people in it.

Come see the spirit of United in action: you’ll be inspired by what’s possible.