United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island (UWCNVI) launched its annual fundraising campaign Change Starts Here on Friday.
The campaign aims to raise $225,000 for critically needed programs for kids, youth and seniors in the Comox Valley.
UWCNVI is looking to companies, employee campaign teams in workplaces, labour partners, and individuals to raise the much-needed funds. There are a variety of employee-driven campaigns that are looking to beat their fundraising amounts from last year.
“There is no question that times are tough for many in our community with an uncertain and shifting economy – high child poverty, the stresses on working poor families, struggles with mental health and addictions, domestic violence/bullying and the rise of the number of vulnerable seniors,” says Signy Madden, UWCNVI executive cirector. “The good news is that there is a way to help.
"Your gift to United Way fuels the incredible work our partner agencies are doing on the ground day in and day out here where you live. Lives are changed for the better and people gain hope and learn skills to make a better life through United Way funding.”
Brad Bayly, UWCNVI Community Development Coordinator, looks forward to partnering with local business, labour partners and individuals throughout the fall campaign. If you would like to volunteer, donate, start a work place campaign or make bequest, call Brad at 250-702-2911.
The Change Starts Here campaign will fund 11 local organizations into 2013:
• Boys & Girls Club of Central Vancouver Island
• Canadian Red Cross – Youth bullying program
• Central Island Crisis Society – Suicide prevention program
• Comox Valley Family Services – Help for disadvantaged families
• Comox Valley Head Injury Society
• Comox Valley Senior Peer Counselling – Seniors supporting seniors
• Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding Society
• Comox Valley Transition Society – Mentoring for groups at risk for violence, substance or exploitation abuse
• Eureaka Club – Adults teaching kids about mental illness through puppets
• Stepping Stones Recovery House for Women Society
• Wachiay Friendship Centre Society – Suicide prevention programs.
Donations can be made online at www.uwcnvi.ca or by calling 250-338-1151.
Since 1958, United Way CNVI has invested in programs and services that help people to improve their lives and that strengthen our community. Last year, UWCNVI raised $986,000 across Central and Northern Island communities.
Because of the generosity of donors and volunteers, UWCNVI was able to make grants in 2012 to 44 charities supporting 50 programs for children, youth and seniors in Central Island, the Comox Valley and Campbell River. UWCNVI also manages the Success by 6 early childhood development programs throughout the Central and Northern Island.
— United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island