Bulletin
Expression of interest for your workplace United Way BC Campaign
November 19, 2021
To: All MoveUP members at FortisBC
Are you interested in getting involved with the United Way! Each year employers’ partner with the United Way BC and conduct for the annual workplace giving campaign, including FortisBC!
We’re looking for volunteers to help with this year’s United Way BC campaign. It’s a great opportunity for you to build skills, engage with your colleagues in different parts of the organization and make a real difference in your community. The United Way BC, isn’t just working in the Lower Mainland, they work to support organizations, large and small, all-over BC.
The United Way BC support seniors who are suffering from isolation as well as those dealing with addiction or mental health issues. They help those who are most vulnerable living in poverty by helping provide access to safe and affordable housing, access to nutrition. They provide job skills training and help people find meaningful jobs. They help children and youth maximize their potential and succeed in school by providing after-school programs, offering mentoring and leadership development opportunities, and programs that promote emotional and physical well-being. Their impact in our communities is felt every single day.
1 in 7 Canadians currently live-in food insecure households – and that number is even greater for families with children, single mothers, seniors, newcomers, Indigenous communities, and Black Canadians are amongst those who have been most impacted by food insecurity. In close collaboration with our community partners, the United Way BC were able to quickly set up over 150 United Way Food Hubs.
While over 80% of BC families with kids ages 19-28 support them financially, these supports are often not available to former youth in care like Jodi. Some students work multiple jobs while at school. Others hit pause on their education, withdrawing for a semester to work and save money, then returning when they can afford it. Thanks to the support from United Way British Columbia – working with communities in BC’s Interior, Lower Mainland and Central & Northern Vancouver Island (United Way British Columbia) and its donors, more former youth in care are getting a fair shot at success alongside their peers. That’s local love in action. Thanks to local love, United Way has been able to respond to the crisis and ensure that our most vulnerable neighbours can get the help they need.
These are but a few of the initiatives the United Way BC champions, if you’re interested, in volunteering at your workplace, please send an e-mail to rkronebusch@moveuptogether.ca as there is not much time so please reply by the end of day Friday, November 19, 2021.