Funding partners work together to provide safety to more children in B.C.

United Way British Columbia – working with communities in B.C.’s Interior, Lower Mainland and Central and Northern Vancouver Island, believes that no family should have to choose between the safety of their child and other essential costs.

Over 150,000 children, or almost one in five, live in poverty in B.C., and around one in five children do not have access to an appropriate car seat. United Way BC has been working with funding partners, the Paul Docksteader Foundation, Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, and the Central Okanagan Foundation, to help families in need acquire this essential safety equipment.

“This year, more than ever, I am so very pleased and proud to continue in our ongoing support of this very important initiative,” said Paul Docksteader of the Paul Docksteader Foundation. “The need has never been greater, and I am humbled to say, that together with the Paul Docksteader Foundation, others have stepped up to match, join in, and contribute to this incredibly important cause. Thanks again to the United Way for their spirited leadership, hard work and generous support, as we all team up to make a kind and positive difference in the communities in which we all live.”

The compound impact of COVID-19, cost of living increases, and the ongoing housing crisis have forced many families to make unthinkable decisions between the roof over their heads or safety as they drive around.

Since 2015, United Way BC and partners have worked collaboratively to address this gap and have provided over 700 car seats across the Okanagan to community agencies that support low-income families. In 2022, through the generous contributions of the funding partners, the initiative has secured 320 car seats and 200 booster seats.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has further deepened the need families are facing, and we are grateful to all our partners for coming together to expand this essential program,” said Kim Winchell, Provincial Director, Community Impact & Investment at United Way British Columbia. “We will continue to work hard on initiatives like this to strengthen vital connections in our community.”

Car seats are distributed to families in need through 20+ United Way charity partners in local and rural communities across the Southern Interior, including the Kootenays, Lake Country, Kelowna, West Kelowna, the Westbank First Nation, Summerland, Penticton, Oliver, Keremeos, Vernon, Lumby, Nakusp, Enderby, Salmon Arm, Sicamous and Revelstoke.

The Child Safety Initiative has been transforming the lives of families in need, thanks to the generosity of partners, sponsors and the support of keen volunteers across the region.

For additional information about the United Way BC’s Child Safety Initiative.

United Way BC

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