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I give because it's a chance to make a difference.

At just 22 years-old, Cherry Pecovnik has already set her sights on making a difference.

Growing up in Venezuela, a country where poverty and corruption were the norm, Cherry felt a sense of exasperation, knowing she could do little to help. When she came to Canada that changed, and she saw that here she could make a difference by giving back to her community any way she could.

“I realized that there are issues even here, but for once I was able to say ‘I am going to do something’ and act on it,” she says.

At 18 Cherry began donating to United Way, an organization that strengthens community from the ground up. At first, Cherry admits she was confused about what exactly United Way did and was all about.

“I wasn’t sure of what they did and whether they were merely an umbrella organization,” she says. “It wasn’t until I got involved that I realized United Way does so much and makes such a difference in our city. They have the connections, resources and ability to connect people together to really have impact and lead change at all levels through research, policy, programming and funding.”

She did a lot of research to better understand the many programs United Way supports, in addition to the initiatives designed to address social issues in and around Calgary.

Cherry says giving is simply about doing what you can to help people in need in your community, whether that is by providing financial support to a family who can’t afford to eat, helping to send kids to school or connecting with seniors.

“It doesn’t matter whether you are young or old, so long as we recognize that there are problems and that we are willing to be part of the solution,” says Cherry. “That is why I donate, because giving is a way to participate in community and create a healthier tomorrow.”

Today, Cherry continues to give because she says we all have a role to play and everyone has something to contribute. Cherry is one of many donors who make it possible for United Way to support the programs and initiatives that make Calgary a great city for everyone.

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