United Approach – Kelowna Capital Information

~United Way Southern Interior

2021 will be remembered as the year the United Way saw the largest merger in Canadian history. On July 1, six United Ways formed United Way British Columbia, working with communities in BC’s Interior, Lower Mainland, Central & Northern Vancouver Island (UWBC). The single organization is now amplifying the impact of its donors in local communities across the province, including the Southern Interior region.

The organizational transformation was guided by a shared mission to strengthen vital connections to continue to create healthy, caring and inclusive communities. With the merger, the six United Ways now share resources and expertise across the province.

The results of this uniting for the benefit of local communities were immediately visible as United Way BC responded to devastating wildfires across the province on the very first day of reunification. The result of this response was the United for BC Wildfire Recovery Fund, which invested almost $550,000 in affected communities.

When floods hit the province, the UWBC United for BC Floods Response Fund was immediately established and is already providing support to those who have been displaced or have lost their homes, property and/or jobs, or have suffered physical or psychological trauma and have new needs.

This year’s UWBC annual campaign, themed “Not All Pandemic Stories Are Created Equal,” focused on supporting isolated seniors, children and families facing economic hardship, food security and more.

The generosity of UWBC donors remains fundamental to efforts to strengthen vital connections, and the merger has already proven successful as local support grows. The UWBC team is proud and deeply grateful for the results of their wonderful work and recognizes that it could never be accomplished without the collaboration and invaluable support of our champions.

Because united we are stronger.

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Annual review 2021charity