United Way’s #1 Workplace campaign, Costco Kelowna raised over $93,000 in 2016 with 100% employee participation (front left to right): Adele Barton, Kim Komant, Barb Kellert, Aliel Leslie, and Barb Favali; (back left to right) Kathy Conway, CEO, Interior Savings and UWCSO Board Chair and Ian Gerbrandt, Interim Executive Director.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED

United Way CSO celebrated the 2016 campaign at Hanna’s on the Waterfront last week. Over 100 community leaders, corporate sponsors, media partners, workplace campaign contributors, volunteers and funded partners were treated to an evening of appreciation thanks to sponsor, Your Dollar Store with More.

As a result of the annual fundraising efforts and provincial funding, a total of $1.45 Million will be invested in the Central and South Okanagan/Similkameen communities this year. Last year, United Way invested a similar amount in 51 programs and initiatives delivered by community agencies that support children, youth, families and seniors in the community. More than 85,000 people in 22 communities are impacted by United Way investments in 3 focus areas: supporting all that kids can be, moving people from poverty to possibility and building healthy, strong communities.

“We partner with hundreds of people and organizations throughout the year to strengthen our community. People across the Okanagan are committed to taking care of each other, and it’s encouraging to see the local, community spirit that is helping people who are most in need,” said Kathy Conway, volunteer Chair of the United Way CSO Board and CEO of Interior Savings.

In addition to the social services provided by more than 40 local charities, the United Way investments support strategic initiatives like the new Central Okanagan Family Hub, 100 Homes Penticton Campaign, Emergency Transportation Tickets, Youth Initiative Grants and Child Safety Car Seat initiative. It also includes province-wide projects that United Ways deliver in partnership such as Better at Home and Success by 6.

“We are so thankful to every caring person and company that contributed to this year’s campaign,” said Ian Gerbrandt, Interim Executive Director for United Way CSO. “Our community is filled with everyday heroes. Working together, we can do amazing things to address local challenges that no one organization can solve on its own.”

Individual and corporate donations amounted to $1.25 million in 2016, with 70% of gifts generated by workplace campaigns. At the upbeat appreciation event, over 100 appreciation certificates were prepared for each workplace, corporate and media partner and presented to those in attendance. Locally, this year’s top 3 workplace campaigns were Costco, BMO and Gorman Bros. Lumber.

For more information on United Way CSO, visit www.unitedwaycso.com or follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/unitedwaycso

News from © iNFOnews, 2017