The holidays simply highlight a tough time for local families who struggle to put healthy food on the table or pay the rent in any given month. Although on the face of it we live in a beautiful and bountiful region, it is all too easy to become complacent.
The local stats are staggering: Over 40,000 people in the Okanagan live below the poverty line, with 21 per cent of households spending more than half their income on rent. Over 3,000 people accessed local food banks last year, 33 per cent of them children under 15. 1,600 children in Central Okanagan elementary schools start their day with a donated healthy breakfast because they are not able to access one at home. Throw in the holidays and the stress piles on, compounding other physical and mental health issues.
“The holidays bring joy, but can also be a tough time for many of us,” said Helen Jackman executive director of United Way CSO. “The cost of living here in the Okanagan is high. Juggling competing demands from housing and food costs, to childcare and transportation, create challenges on a daily basis. The added pressure of the holidays can make it impossible and extremely stressful. We are all blessed to live in a caring and generous community that rallies to help each other in times of need.”
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Many partners in our communities are working together to find solutions and help in the long-term goal of moving people from poverty to possibility.
United Way recently connected one generous corporate donor, GRM Inc., with a single mom and her daughter to help give them a very special Christmas. Paige lives in a one-room basement suite and daughter Payten, who deals with a developmental delay in three areas, which means she requires more attention and support services to thrive and reach her full potential. GRM didn’t just shop randomly for gifts, but got to know the specific needs and desires of mom and daughter in detail and made their day magical.
“During the holiday season, we recognize the importance of cherishing the great fortunes we have in life,” said Joan Bigford with GRM Inc. “With the help of KAN Management Services, we were able to extend a helping hand to two deserving families. Not only did we hopefully fulfill their modest wish lists, we were also able to provide grocery gift cards for each family too.”
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Another great example of local love is the Pushor Mitchell United Way Day of Caring. This year, Day of Caring initiatives resulted in 23 corporate and student groups tackling 50 charity projects involving 310 volunteers! That’s over 1000 volunteer hours – a significant impact for our partner charities working hard to make life a little easier for people in our community, and a cost saving of over $15,000.
Last week, a group of UBC Okanagan students from the JDC West program volunteered at a Day of Caring for Karis Support Society, a home for women in recovery. They prepared and served the holiday dinner for the 50+ Karis residents, staff and alumni. Organized by United Way, the program connects volunteer groups with local charities who need a bit of extra help. The JDC West team not only got to feel good about preparing and serving a complete turkey dinner with all the fixins’ but they also learned about some of the fundamental challenges that are reality for so many in our community.
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