Two United Ways become one sooner than expected in a bid to help grant south Island residents better access to provincial funds.
“It will ensure this region is able to access the provincial dollars that other areas of the province already can,” executive director Erika Stenson told Victoria News.
Announced in September, the merger of South Vancouver Island United Way and United Way BC becomes official Feb. 1, 2025 – two months earlier than originally planned.
“What we’re seeing is those provincial dollars are having a significant impact. For our region, we want to make sure our people benefit from those provincial programs. It really comes down to serving the community the best way,” Stenson said.
The south Island will also benefit from technical capabilities the larger organization has, and shared services in some of the back office functions.
A local office will remain, as will funding campaigns to help local programs. The BC United Way does function slightly differently, providing more programming rather than funding others to provide programming, but also maintains regional delineations.
“Different communities do have slightly different needs,” Stenson noted.
The merger follows shifts in 2021, when United Way BC absorbed six branches – Central and Northern Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland, Thompson Nicola Cariboo, Southern Interior, Trail and District and East Kootenay.
“This community has always been here for the United Way, the United Way has been here for 87 years, though the name has changed,” Stenson said.
Despite the past name changes, folks have supported the charity.
“People here still care. They still do great work and I know the community will continue to support to ensure we can continue to support people who need it most in our community.”
UWBC is expected to share more information – including details about its strategy for investing in the community – as the amalgamation nears.
“I’m exited but I hope people will continue to see that as important because that money will stay here through that merger,” Stenson said. “On the fundraising side, money that is raised here continues to be invested here. That work will need to continue, that will augment any provincial dollars.”
The United Way Southern Vancouver Island community campaign to raise $4 million for local programs continues. Learn more at uwsvi.ca.
