Letter to the editor

Why should I give to United Way?

United Way working with local organizations, creates opportunities for a better life for everyone in our communities. We initiate change by targeting the root causes of social issues in our communities. By giving to United Way, you are investing in your own community – where you live, work, learn and play. United Way promotes working together with local social service programs and initiatives with the goal of ensuring a strong social support network. This network of services in turn strengthens our entire community. With extensive community collaboration we have identified priority issues in our communities and will with your contribution, help to build strong agencies, develop partnerships to address complex social issues and advocate on your community’s behalf, so that every contribution brings as much impact as possible to the community.

How much of my donation goes to administrative costs?

On average United Ways spend 15-18% of total revenue on fundraising and administration costs, which means that 85-82 cents of every dollar raised goes directly back to the community. United Ways strive to ensure that the funds raised are used as efficiently and effectively as possible. We rely on the generous contributions of community members and engage thousands of volunteers every year to keep our costs as low as possible. Locally our United Way receives generous gift in kind support of office space, office furnishings, equipment, office supplies and event expense support which all help to keep operational costs low.

When I give to United Way, where does my money go?

In 2016 sixteen agencies received United Way program funding. In addition, funds were directed to bc211 a province-wide online information/referral service (available in our region in 2017) and towards our Success by Six initiative that provides support to children age 0-6 in eight East Kootenay communities including the Ktunaxa Nation. If you would like more information, please contact our office or the agency office directly.

Community investments address priorities and ensure that the lives of many are being positively impacted. Agencies provide United Way with statistics and real stories on their successes throughout the year. The stories are encouraging: Children from single parent homes who have mentors helping them to be all that they can be, Young Parents gaining access to support services ensuring that their children receive a strong start in life, Seniors receiving more than just a place to live, more importantly, a place to be happy and connected to their neighbors, while staying productive in their community. In all cases not a handout, but a hand up.

Your donation big or small, matters. In the East Kootenay if 12,000 households made a $20 donation community investments would double and agency fundraising efforts may not be as necessary. It is important to know United Way does not receive government funding or money from United Way Canada. Community investments come from community donations, your support. Your donation is crucial to United Way providing adequate, sustainable community investments, investments that make a real difference.

The Canada Revenue Agency (https://www.cra-arc.gc.ca) mandates that a minimum 80% of donated dollars be invested back to the community. Our investments each year are higher than 80% as encouraged by United Way Canada. Every year funding applications total far more that what is available to invest and that is why it is important to have conversations with all residents to secure support. It is the hope of United Way East Kootenay that you will make your donation today.

For more information visit [email protected]

United Way East Kootenay

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