United for people in need.
Help connect BC’s most vulnerable citizens with the support they need.
Donate todayThe demand for local support services has never been greater in BC.
Our communities are facing tough times, and the rising cost of living is hitting families hard.
Your gifts over the past year helped us provide safe spaces for your neighbours to find support, resources, and connection. However, rising costs mean there is more work to do in 2024.
- Our local children deserve the opportunity to thrive through after-school and summer programs.
- Isolated seniors in our communities need companionship and care.
- People need assistance and connection to community resources to help solve life’s challenges.
- And for many, groceries are becoming increasingly expensive.
Although these needs are growing, we’re stepping in and tackling them. We need your help to carry out this work.
Donate Today to Support Community Connections
1. Help Us Fight Food Insecurity
Food insecurity is a pressing issue in our community. In 2023, 21.8% of BC residents lived in food-insecure households, translating to over 1 million people, including children, struggling to afford the food they need.
In 2023, here’s how we helped combat food insecurity:
United Way BC’s Regional Community Food Hubs collaborate with local organizations to provide groceries, food hampers, prepared meals, and other essential services.
- Delivered 3.1 million meals and 215,000 food hampers to 450,000 individuals and families last year.
- Partnered with 120 community agencies to help provide dignified access to food.
- Developed food literacy and wellness programming, and wrap-around services such as mental health support, employment services and childcare.
These hubs also offer food literacy and wellness programs, creating a sense of community and belonging.
3.1 Million Meals Delivered
Through our province-wide food hubs in 2023.
450,000 Individuals and Families Supported
With dignified access to healthy food and low-cost groceries food in 2023.
Impact Story: United for Food Security. More than just food – Food Hubs connect people and communities
During the pandemic and in the aftermath, food costs have risen significantly, driving the demand for more nutritional food.
“There just isn’t enough sometimes and I remember just a couple months ago … I went to the till to buy food and I couldn’t afford it all,” Justin says.
Regional Community Food Hubs prioritize choice so that those making use of the services have access to healthy, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods. Hubs share resources and knowledge to create a more accessible food system for their community members.
2. Provide Essential After-School Care
Give thousands of local kids access to safe, high-quality after-school programs. School’s Out and School’s Out Summer help ensure school-aged children have access to safe spaces where they can access the mental wellness and development support they need.
In 2023, here’s how we provided essential childcare:
- Supported more than 6,700 children at 159 sites across BC last year.
- Offered a vital, safe space to connect with new friends and mentors.
- Provided kids with fresh, nutritious snacks, educational activities, field trips, and emotional support for healthy development.
This support contributes to children’s self-confidence and self-esteem, which helps them develop positive social behaviours and lifestyles.
6,700 Children Supported
Through School’s Out and School’s Out Summer Programs in 2023
159 Program Sites Across BC
Offering year-round, after-school care supported in 2023
Impact Story: School’s Out – Thompson Nicola Cariboo. Programs designed to meet unique needs in each community.
Each School’s Out program is different. It’s adaptive by design to provide what each community needs and to meet the unique needs of the children.
While Patrick is excited to create something special for his imaginary friend’s birthday, his little sister Holly was learning her letters – proudly proclaiming that she has two L’s in her name.
The children’s father, Const. Richard Wright, says, “I can see the difference between the youths that are engaged in programming like this … just having that small engagement, that extra safe space where they feel they can come, their additional comfort within their own community can make the world of difference.”
3. Lift Isolated Seniors from Loneliness
Help our elders stay active, connected and engaged. These are the keys to health and wellness for everyone, but they become particularly important as we age.
In 2023, here’s how we offered support for seniors:
- Delivered 331 valuable programs for over 37,000 seniors in British Columbia.
- Provide help with day-to-day tasks like grocery shopping and light housekeeping so they can continue to live independently.
- Led research on healthy aging to ensure all our programs are meaningful and relevant to older adults.
Two programs – Healthy Aging and Better at Home – help seniors live independently at home for as long as possible. These friendly visits also help keep participants socially engaged and connected.
37,000 Seniors Helped
Through our Healthy Aging programs in British Columbia in 2023
331 Unique Programs Supported
Tailored to seniors’ needs delivered in 2023
Impact Story: Better at Home – A Nanaimo story. Invaluable services help seniors live independently and with dignity.
Thanks to United Way BC’s Better at Home, Myrna has lived in the same condo since moving to Nanaimo 17 years ago. Changes to her mobility meant she needed more help, especially as the city grew. After making the choice to give up her aging car, Myrna found it harder to access the services she needed
It was in 2014 that she first heard of Better at Home and their services. She decided to sign up for their ride service and hasn’t looked back. She and a volunteer driver with Better at Home started a coffee group for former Prince Rupert residents.
“Meeting the drivers is great. Whenever there’s a new driver, I always ask them where they’re from,” Myrna says.
4. Connect people with the help they need
Help connect people with the assistance they need during life’s many challenges. Resource Navigators with 211 British Columbia provide information about support and services in each community.
211 British Columbia offers referrals to a wide range of community, government, and social services for each unique situation that callers are facing. This could be connection to food banks, income assistance, legal resources, and more. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7, 365 days a year.
In 2023, 211 British Columbia:
- Provided support for over 52,000 people.
- Referred people in need to 136,000 local programs and services.
- Interpretation provided in more than 240 languages and dialects.
People can access 211 British Columbia by calling, texting, emailing, or chatting via our website.
52,000 people received support
Available 24/7, 365 by phone, text, email, and web chat.
136,000 local programs and services referrals
Through 211 British Columbia’s free and confidential support line.
Impact Story: 211 British Columbia – Help Starts Here.
For callers in stressful situations, being able to text or call a 211 navigator while remaining anonymous can provide a sense of security when they are feeling like their world is falling apart.
When Mary*, a single woman in her 60s, phoned 211 British Columbia she had been evicted from her home of over a decade when her landlord wanted to renovate; she found herself homeless for the first time in her life, and terrified.
With heightened emotions and anxiety, Mary needed to find low-income housing for seniors. Lost in a sea of conflicting information and unsure of where to turn, Mary called 211 British Columbia looking for support.
Donate today and see how your gift impacts our community.
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211 British Columbia
$15 Keeps us available 24/7 to connect individuals with food, shelter, and other essential resources.
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Food Security
$75 Supplies a family of four with fresh fruit, vegetables, protein, and grains for a week.
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Hi Neighbour
$100 Helps local residents build connections and fight isolation through neighbour-based projects.
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School’s Out
$320 Provides one child with a month of free afterschool care through our School’s Out program.
Make a donation today.
No matter your donation amount, you’re making a tangible impact in your community.
