United Way BC kicks off fall campaign fundraising across province, including the Okanagan

Photo: Contributed

United Way BC has officially kicked off its annual fall workplace campaign fundraiser.

Organizations in both the private and public sectors are participating in this annual campaign, all with the shared aim to raise funds in support of their communities and those in need across the province.

Dollars raised from the annual campaign are used directly to support United Way BC’s mission of strengthening vital connections and building healthy, caring, and inclusive communities.

Through donor-supported funds, United Way BC can provide nutritious, culturally appropriate meals to those in need, give local kids access to high-quality, after-school programs, and lift isolated seniors from loneliness.

United Way BC programs such as Community Food Hubs and School’s Out, directly address the diverse needs of the most vulnerable in our communities.

School’s Out has proven successful in helping school-aged children access safe spaces where they can get the mental wellness and developmental support they need after school hours.

To date, the United Way has helped 4,000 children attend 33 United Way British Columbia School’s Out programs with almost 207,000 snacks delivered.

Almost three in five Canadians say it is currently difficult to feed their household, and with rising inflation, food security is a critical issue in our communities. United Way BC’s Community Food Hubs provide a vital lifeline in communities to address issues of accessing nutritious and culturally appropriate food.

Thanks to donations, 2.5 million meals were provided to families and individuals in need last year by our 16 regional community food hubs and seven food-recovery organizations.

“With the cost of living rising and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic still being felt in our communities the need for supports for our most vulnerable has never been higher. The generosity of our workplace partners and their employees during each campaign season is not only much appreciated but is vital in driving our organization and the work we do in community,” says Michael McKnight, president and CEO of United Way BC.

The United Way BC fall campaign season runs until the end of the year. Organizations throughout the province are participating in unique ways that not only raise funds for United Way BC but also inspire teamwork, employee engagement and action within.

United Way supports healthy, caring and inclusive communities by strengthening vital connections that support people in need. Representing the six regions of Central and Northern Vancouver Island, East Kootenay, Lower Mainland, Southern Interior, Thompson Nicola Cariboo, and Trail and District, our organization serves a population of more than four million people, with a focus on kids and youth, seniors, poverty, mental health and food security.