United Way Southern Vancouver Island launched its fall campaign Sept. 14 at Centennial Square in Victoria.
The launch featured local food trucks, live music, traditional cultural performances and a raffle and scavenger hunt.
The event also featured many of the agencies UWSVI supports, sharing examples of the positive community impact and the announcement of its campaign target – $5 million.
“With the entire community uniting with us, I am confident we will meet this target,” 2023 campaign chair Darlene Hollstein said during the launch.
Longtime United Way supporters, Dick and Linda Auchinleck and Beverley King will match donations of $1,200 and greater until Oct. 31, up to $100,000. Their challenge allows leadership-level donors to effectively double the value of their donations.
The positive impact of donations ripples through the community, especially in the UWSVI three areas of action – seniors, families and people with mental health and addiction challenges. Currently, the organization is directing resources to mitigate challenges such as the increasing cost of inflation, the lack of affordable housing and rising food costs, by supporting social service agencies as diverse as the Cridge Centre, and neighbourhood houses throughout the region.
This year the local United Way awarded grants to 63 agencies and 77 programs, plus five youth micro-grants.
“There are many ways to unite with us and support UWSVI during this year’s fundraising campaign,” executive director Erika Stenson said. “Individuals can make donations in person or online, which is an easy option. Workplaces can kick off their own fundraising efforts, which are often fun and creative team-building exercises. And businesses can provide their corporate support.”
There is also a community campaign raffle that closes Oct. 13.
Learn more at uwsvi.ca.
Thank you #lək̓ʷəŋən dancers for getting us started! #unitedway #campaignkickoff pic.twitter.com/lzmLaEfcxL
— United Way Southern Vancouver Island (@uwsvi) September 14, 2023
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