An annual United Way fundraiser aims to help bolster critical social programs on Vancouver Island. (United Way British Columbia)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

campaign underway

‘The need is bigger this year:’ United Way raises funds to boost social programs

Oct 24, 2021 | 8:28 AM

NANAIMO — A critical fundraiser to fuel hundreds of Vancouver Island social programs is even more important this year.

United Way British Columbia is aiming to raise $1.2 million through its annual campaign to benefit heavily leaned on Vancouver Island based social programs.

Regional director Signy Madden said dollars being raised now well help well over 100,0000 people on Vancouver Island from the Cowichan Valley north.

“We know that the needs are even higher than last year. Anyone whose interested in helping their neighbours to make a gift to United Way would be hugely important,” Madden told NanaimoNewsNOW.

She said programs for youth and seniors, both hit hard by the pandemic, are both funding priorities, as is access to food for people of all ages.

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“What we’re seeing is an increase in needs particularly with the seniors and the youth and food security. We anticipate there is going to be an increase on all of those agencies that we’re funding.”

Families requiring counseling also increased, which Madden said was a direct by-product of the pandemic.

Funds to help the homeless or those in unstable living environments are mainstays of United Way fundraising efforts.

Madden said core funding for society’s most vulnerable is at the heart of what they do.

United Way British Columbia works with more than 300 workplaces in the central and northern Vancouver Island regions to coordinate vital payroll contributions from employees.

The non-profit agency relied primarily on virtual meetings to get its message across of the impact its funding has.

Last year United Way contributions on the central island assisted more than 35,000 people through 116 programs and 73 agencies.

Donations to the United Way to support mid island specific programming can be made here.

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