Media

United Way BC’s Healthy Aging team is proud to honor BC Seniors’ Week, which takes place from June
2nd to 8th, 2024, as a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions of
seniors to our communities.

“BC Seniors’ Week provides an opportunity to showcase, celebrate, and reflect on the many contributions
made by the older adults in our midst. In a society riddled with ageism, the tenor and activities of Seniors’
Week can provide a glimpse into a world where ‘the last acceptable form of discrimination’ is put to rest,”
says Dr. Beverley Pitman, United Way BC’s Senior Regional Community Developer.

“By commemorating BC Seniors’ Week, we can raise awareness about the specific needs and challenges
faced by seniors. This recognition helps foster a sense of inclusivity and respect for seniors, promoting
their overall well-being and quality of life. It also encourages intergenerational connections and
understanding, bridging the gap between different age groups within the community,” added Sarrah
Storey, Regional Community Developer in BC’s North.

In our communities, seniors are the backbone of volunteerism, dedicating their time and skills to various
causes and organizations. At United Way BC, we are privileged to witness the dedication of seniors who
actively engage in volunteer work, particularly through initiatives like the Better at Home program, where
older adults support others with day-to-day tasks so they can age in place.

Seniors also play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of our work. Through their involvement in the
Community-Based Seniors’ Services (CBSS) Leadership Council, older adults provide essential guidance
that informs United Way BC’s community engagement efforts and strategic initiatives. Their advocacy
ensures that resources and support are equitably allocated to meet the evolving needs of BC’s aging
population.

At United Way BC, we are committed to fostering opportunities for meaningful engagement with older
adults, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their perspectives valued.

“Through our new Community Collaborative model, we actively encourage the establishment of advisory
groups, ensuring that seniors have a seat at the table in decision-making processes,” says Bobbi Symes,
director of United Way BC’s Healthy Aging department.

With BC’s population continuing to grow and age, it is imperative that we prioritize access to health and
community-based services, enabling seniors to age safely, with dignity and independence.

United Way BC’s Healthy Aging programs are dedicated to supporting older British Columbians,
empowering them to live fulfilling lives in their own homes while remaining healthy, active, and engaged in
their communities.

Through initiatives like Better at Home, Therapeutic Activation Programs for Seniors (TAPS), Social
Prescribing, and Family & Friend Caregiver Supports, we provide essential resources and support
systems that enhance the well-being of more than 37,000 seniors and their caregivers.

“The programs we have in northern BC are extremely important, especially in communities where we call
seniors resilient. As we age, we need support and deserve to have that support no matter where we live.
Being resilient sometimes means we are suffering without. It can also mean we are afraid to ask for help.
Once a senior realizes they do not have to suffer alone and there are supports and help for them, it’s
amazing to see their self-esteem and joy of life, even in simple ways, be returned,” Storey says.

“I receive countless stories about the lives that have been enhanced through our Healthy Aging programs.
In some cases, it’s a shut-in who has opened to the world again; in other cases, families being at ease
knowing that there are eyes and ears in the community supporting their aging parents. From much needed medical transportation to friendly visits and social gatherings, to connecting families digitally; the
impact these programs have runs deep,” added Lisa Cyr, Regional Community Developer for BC’s
Interior.

Join us in commemorating BC Seniors’ Week by engaging with and expressing gratitude for the older
adults in our lives. Take the time to reach out, attentively listen to their stories, glean wisdom from their
experiences, and acknowledge the profound value they impart to our communities and beyond.

A message from United Way BC’s Healthy Aging team and the CBSS Leadership Council

Wednesday, January 26, 2022 – In 1973 a little girl, forcibly removed from everything she loved and everyone she was loved by, arrived at St. Joseph’s Mission residential school. There, the last physical reminder of all that had been taken from her was also stolen – an orange shirt, gifted to her by her grandmother.

40 years later Phyllis Webstad, who established Orange Shirt Day to increase awareness about the horrors that she and thousands of other children experienced, used her story to help light a fire that has burned bright enough to light the way home for the Indigenous children across this country who did not survive the residential school system.

Yesterday the Chief and council of Williams Lake First Nation revealed the official findings to date at the property surrounding St. Joseph’s Mission; more confirmed young ones hidden beneath the ground of a former residential school.

In his courageous statement about the findings Kukpi7 Willie Sellars said, “There is no reconciliation without truth”, and we agree. United Way British Columbia continues to stand with survivors and their relations, and we mourn with those who mourn these atrocities of our shared history: we are witnesses to your suffering, guests on this land, allies in the path forward, and we believe you.

For the precious little ones gone (both found and still lost), survivors who continue to bravely share their stories, and the generations who are still experiencing the impacts of this incomprehensible and intentional trauma, our hearts are with and for you as we listen, learn, and commit to the action required to create meaningful change.

We stand with you.

*United Way British Columbia acknowledges the homelands of the Indigenous Peoples of this place we now call British Columbia, and honours the many territorial keepers of the Lands on which we live, work, and play, including the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Secwepemc Nation.

There is help and support available for those who are processing this grief, and experiencing pain or distress related to this subject matter, including:

• The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) 24/7 toll free crisis line: 1-800-721-0066 (or visit irsss.ca).
• The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line (24-hour support and crisis referral services): 1-866-925-4419 (or visit http://www.trc.ca/resources.html).
• The KUU-US Crisis Line Society (BC-based, Indigenous-specific 24-hour crisis line): 1-800-588-8717 (or visit kuu-uscrisisline.com).
• Or visit https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/ehealth/virtual-doctor-of-the-day

Dear neighbours,

United Way British Columbia – working with communities in BC’s Interior, Lower Mainland and Central & Northern Vancouver Island acknowledges the homelands of the Indigenous Peoples of this place we now call British Columbia and honours the many territorial keepers of the Lands on which we work. I write to you from our head office in the City of Burnaby, where we recognize that we are on the ancestral and unceded homelands of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking peoples. We are grateful to be on this territory.

The Government of Canada has declared September 30 a federal statutory holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is an important step in the reconciliation process. It provides an opportunity to acknowledge our country’s history of systemic racism, recognize and commemorate the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, and honour their victims, survivors, families, and communities.

Across the country, Canadians will face the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in different ways. For those impacted by ongoing trauma related to residential schools, it’s a day to seek healing and community. For others on a personal learning journey towards reconciliation, it’s a day to continue learning and to seek stories and teachings from Indigenous voices.

United Way British Columbia and United Way Centraide Canada (UWCC) are committed to Indigenous reconciliation. Reconciliation is an opportunity for our organization and our network to honour Indigenous Peoples across this land by committing to acknowledge and work towards rectifying past wrongs. We have a responsibility as community-based organizations to increase our own understanding and help dismantle the legacy of colonialism.

United Ways serve and partner with Indigenous people in over 5,000 communities across the country, including here in B.C. We work with community experts to create more equitable access to supports and programs that enable opportunities for all people to reach their full potential.

On September 30 and every day, we seek to honour our Indigenous staff, partners, and volunteers here in British Columbia. We recognize the intergenerational trauma resulting from colonialism and the residential school system, and we hold space for you on your healing journey.

As we all consider personal journeys of reconciliation, there are many resources available to the public including Indigenous Residential School Survivors Society, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, and Equal Futures Network.

With reverence,
Michael McKnight
President and CEO, United Way British Columbia – working with communities in BC’s Interior, Lower Mainland and Central & Northern Vancouver Island

Head Office, Burnaby, B.C., June 22, 2021: Six United Ways have merged as a single organization to increase impact in local communities around the province, including in Central and Northern Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, Thompson Nicola Cariboo, Southern Interior, Trail and District, and East Kootenay.

The strategic transformation was guided by a shared mission to strengthen vital connections over the long term to create healthy, caring, inclusive communities. By merging, the six United Ways will share resources and expertise across six regions of the province. Four Regional Councils will ensure donations are maximized at the local level and the Chair of each Regional Council will sit on the Board of Directors.

“By coming together as one organization, we can help more people and make a bigger difference,” said Michael McKnight, CEO of the new organization. “We are excited to amalgamate as a single entity because we will be stronger together. This is the natural next step for us and will help ensure strong, healthy and caring communities.”

Learn more.

June 2024

• Task Force presents roadmap to end period poverty in BC
• Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society, offers complimentary rides to cancer patients in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Now, thanks to a $50,000 grant from United Way BC, this invaluable service can extend even further
• Newcomers to B.C. struggling to find housing and stability
• Summer Fun: Programs for kids experiencing poverty

May 2024

• United Way BC Period Promise Campaign seeking donations as it strives to make menstrual products more accessible
• New guides help British Columbians prepare for emergencies like wildfires
• United Way BC opens recovery fund for wildfire evacuees
• Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo to receive almost $3 million in federal funding for homeless
• B.C. unveils 240-language racism helpline as survey suggests systemic problems

April 2024

• Over $22K raised through annual United Way Drive-Thru Breakfast in Penticton, B.C.
• 7 Surrey Women in Business award winners named at sold-out luncheon
• 100 More Homes Penticton looks back at 2023 as achieving key milestones in fight against homelessness

March 2024

• Archway in Abbotsford helps newly displaced Ukrainians find housing

February 2024

• Purpose-driven and thriving: this year’s ‘BC’s Top Employers’ are announced
• 211 Day highlights essential support services helpline for British Columbians
• This is why you’ll be seeing red at some Burnaby landmarks on Sunday

December 2023

• United Way and Interior Health partner to support food security
• Why purpose-driven businesses are booming in British Columbia

November 2023

• There is a growing housing crisis facing BC seniors (Op-Ed)
• Community cupboard in Abbotsford is open 24 hours a day
• Burnaby-based non-profit named one of Canada’s top employers
  

October 2023

• First-of-its-kind forum in New West to discuss period poverty solutions

September 2023

• Lumby seniors given gift of mobility as trishaw rides launch
• Two Burnaby venues will light up red for United Way BC Day
• United Way kick-off breakfast celebrates synergy shown during wildfire emergencies
• United Way fundraising campaign kicks off across B.C.
• Southern Interior United Way hosts fundraiser in support of wildfire relief
• United Way Thompson Nicola Cariboo kicks off workplace fundraising campaign
• Today is United Way BC Day

August 2023

• United Way launches B.C. recovery fund for wildfire evacuees
• United Way BC opens window for wildfire relief grant applications
• United Way awards Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society $160,000

July 2023

• United Way BC is there for the people when wildfires strike

June 2023

• Period Promise Campaign aims to collect 40,000 menstrual products in Kamloops
• United Way Period Promise garners massive support across Kamloops region

May 2023

• United Way BC tells a different kind of toy story
• ‘Sadscots’ initiative aims to raise awareness around children’s mental health struggles
• United Way BC sets goal of 700,000 period products for annual campaign
• Making sure everyone has menstrual products: Period Promise campaign kicks off
• United Way campaign seeking support to fight period poverty
• B.C.-wide period poverty campaign includes Tri-Cities fundraiser
• Penticton partners with United Way to reduce period poverty
• Period Promise campaign helping to end period poverty
• Period Promise Campaign to target period poverty in Kamloops

April 2023

• Easter egg hunt coming to Mission’s Griner Park

March 2023

• Community helps raise over $20K for the United Way drive-thru breakfast so far in Penticton
• United Way launches Food Link app in North Okanagan
• Surrey a launch city for new Food Link app powered by volunteer food-delivery drivers
• Food link app created to help tackle food insecurity in B.C.
• Food Banks BC, United Way BC included in $200M funding boost
• Vernon United Way drive-thru breakfast to drive home funds for food security
• Big support for United Way drive-thru breakfast
• United Way Drive-Thru Breakfast in Vernon brings in more than $24,000

February 2023

• Funding Indigenous-led non-profits a step toward reconciliation
• Burnaby landmarks lighting up red for 211 Day
• Three Tri-Cities landmarks to shine red light on social services for all
• Trail bridge will light up red for ‘211 Day,’ Saturday
• United Way East Kootenay presents to Kimberley City Council
• Breakfast that gives back

January 2023

• 10 period projects get funding across B.C. for those in need of menstruation products
• Period poverty tackled in Kamloops, Tk’emlúps
• United Way BC chosen to distribute pandemic recovery funds
• Over $1.1 million in federal funding eyed for central and north Island non-profits
• Applications open for $1.1 million post-COVID recovery fund

November 2022

• United Way Food Hub coming to the Mount Waddington region
• A season of giving: District comes together to support the annual United Way Campaign

October 2022

• United Way BC funding goes a long way in boosting local food security
• United Way BC’s School’s Out Program helps kids’ wellness and ability to thrive
• United Way BC kicks off fall campaign fundraising across province, including the Okanagan
• Support United Way with a pancake breakfast at Burnaby’s BCIT

September 2022

• United Way BC Making Investments to Help Youth
• Encore set for United Way Drive-Thru Breakfast

August 2022

• United Way helps deliver 520 child car seats to Kootenay and Okanagan families
• United Way, partners buckle Okanagan kids into safety

July 2022

• Displaced Ukrainians in need of housing
• United Way calls on B.C. residents to open their homes to displaced Ukrainians
• $34 million to help BC non-profit organizations
• Kelowna program aims to support incarcerated youth with brain injuries, prevent re-offending
• United Way, partners buckle Okanagan kids into safety

June 2022

• United Way Offers “School’s Out” Summer Program
• Here’s a sneak peek at the United Way’s Ukrainian photography exhibition
• United Way supports youth projects across the Okanagan with funding

May 2022

• B.C. aims to end ‘period poverty,’ expand access to menstrual products
• B.C.’s accessible period products problem prompts province-wide campaign
• How to reduce period poverty and stigma
• Period Promise looking to collect 700,000 menstrual products in BC
• UWBC aims to collect 700,000 menstrual products for its Period Promise campaign
• United Way to develop app with provincial funding for communities to request food
• United Way BC president says organization still focused on local not-for-profits after amalgamation

April 2022

• Youth mental health & Indigenous supports in focus for latest round of United Way grants
• Support services expanded for Ukrainians fleeing violence

March 2022

• Flood-torn communities of Fraser Valley to get $500K through United Way microgrants
• Over $22K raised for he United Way drive-thru breakfast so far in Penticton

February 2022

• Announcing the finalists for the 2022 Business of Good Awards
• Second Nick’s Nook opens in North Delta
• City of North Vancouver to offer free menstrual products in some facilities around the city
• Joint investment makes educational aspirations possible for youth formerly in care

January 2022

• SFU community contributes to BC flood relief efforts
• Coastal Community donates $25,000 for flood relief
• New Food Security Program In The Works For The Cariboo
• Elizabeth Fry Society’s Rent Bank providing grants to Merritt and area renters affected by flooding
• Okanagan youth initiative grants now open