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Donor generosity makes a difference every day
Letter to the Editor
Dear East Kootenay residents:
If you are a regular donor to the United Way East Kootenay, I wish to thank you for your support and understanding of the important role your United Way serves in the community. Your donations have helped to ensure over 6,000 people receive the support they need due in part to United Way funding that in many cases provides aspects of programs and services not covered by other funders.
If you are not yet a United Way donor, consider the information in this letter and check out these websites https://www.unitedway.ca/ and www.facebook.com/ourunitedeway for a better understanding and factual information.
Donor generosity makes a difference every single day. Our United Way invests in services that meet the urgent needs of our communities, within our focus areas of children, strong Communities and poverty issues. We do not receive government or United Way Canada funding to do this good work but rely solely on the generosity of community donors. Donations are tracked to ensure that they are invested in the community where they came from to address that community’s priority needs.
Social needs are increasing, and larger numbers of donors are required to help meet these needs, especially now due to COVID-19. We are also able to go beyond helping one person at a time by tackling in collaboration with our partners, identifying and addressing the root causes of many social issues. Your donation to United Way supports the combined efforts of a network of programs that provide coordinated care for individuals and families in need and helps establish longer-term solutions for local issues.
In 2020, 12 agencies and our bc211 initiative received United Way funding. bc211 is a 24/7 province-wide online information/referral service accessible by computer, mobile device or telephone in the East Kootenay providing immediate information when you need it. Further information on our supported agencies, can be accessed on our website www.ourunitedway.ca under “What we do.”
Every year United Way receives funding applications from local organizations. Detailed applications outlining the needs, budget requirements and anticipated outcomes. These are reviewed and assessed by an Investment Committee made up of a diverse group of our community.
Once the committee has completed all necessary steps to determine investment decisions based on previous year’s Campaign Donations, recommendations are forwarded to the United Way Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors reviews the recommendations may ask for additional information, ensures that all processes have been completed and arrives at final investment decisions for the current year. Over the past 10 years $722,100 has been invested in our communities. In addition, United Way initiatives bring approximately $400,000 to $500,000 to the East Kootenay providing programs for families, seniors, and children.
The needs are great and that is why we are looking to caring people like you, to help us “Make a Difference.”
Donate what you can, big or small, you will be part of helping United Way keep community investments sustainable. Our operational costs remain low with the generosity of local supporters and volunteers keeping community investments at a minimum 85% of donated dollars. By supporting your United Way, we all benefit with a strong, caring community and healthy people. Please make your donation today; it will “Improve Lives Locally.”
E-transfer is now available for your convenience. Email your donation to [email protected] noting your full name, address and any preferred donation instructions in the message box for charitable receipting purposes.
Donna Brady Fields,
United Way East Kootenay Executive Director
