North Okanagan residents are being urged to rally around vital community services.
The United Way launched its $240,000 campaign in September and since then, individual donors are sitting at 50 per cent of last year’s final results. There are also outstanding results from major banks, who are raising funds.
“In order to support the needs of the community, United Way is asking for your help to make a difference in the lives of kids, families, and seniors,” said Linda Yule, executive director.
“United Way needs the support of the community to raise $240,000 to fund programs addressing some of the most urgent needs in our community – from programs for prenatal nutrition, to youth engagement, to post-partum depression and trauma counselling for women, as well as safe, enriching places for kids after-school.”
Last year, requests for support were more than double the available funding of $197,000.
“The demands on our community partners are increasing,” said Yule.
“One in five children live in poverty. More than 50 per cent of households are only two paycheques away from losing their car or house. One in five people live with mental illness and we have a homelessness crisis in the cities across our region. These issues and challenges impact all of us.”
All donations received by Dec. 31 will get a 2017 tax receipt. To donate, go to unitedwaynocs.com/donate or call 1-866-448-3489.
