United Way updates fundraising drive

Jan 28, 2016 | 11:47 AM

KAMLOOPS — It’s always a highlight of the year when the United Way gives its annual results for its fundraising drive to support key agencies within the community.

Last night, the good news for 2015 was revealed at a get together to announce major donations for the past year. Spokesman Dr. Todd Ring says they had a great year in 2015.

“Our overall three year goal is $6.5 million, and this year we raised $2.1 million, so we’re definitely on target, I think it is really great to see that we were able to come very, very close to being on that target given some of the financial times that we are going through right now,” said Ring.

The United Way changed its efforts to a three year goal rather than a goal for each year. Executive Director Danalee Baker says the United Way is focusing on three key areas of service, and these dollars will go a long way to help.

“We are really looking at going up stream, wrapping around children and young families, but we also see the need to intervene in critical issues such as homelessness and addiction, mental health issues as well, that will be 40 per cent of our funding, we are looking to make a really healthy and vibrant community where everyone can be supported,” said Baker.

The United Steelworkers and Highland Valley Copper’s partnership again led the fundraising drive, with over $500,000 contributed from that group alone.