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Campaigns & Programs

Youth Futures Education Fund

For those formerly in government care pursuing post-secondary education without family or other support can seem like an impossible dream.

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RISE Memorial – Kelowna Remembers

In honour of the five victims who tragically lost their lives when a crane collapsed in downtown Kelowna.

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Healthy Aging

Programs designed to help aging British Columbians remain active, connected, and engaged in their existing communities.

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100 More Homes Penticton

Working collaboratively to build a system of housing and supports to prevent and address homelessness in Penticton...

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Child Safety Initiative

Providing new car seats to families in financial need...

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Impact Stories

Join us at the 13th Annual South Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast!

Breakfast with a cup of care. Stronger communities start here!...

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22nd North Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast Raises Over $18,000 for Community

Donations will bring hope to local children and youth...

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Over $22,000 raised for the South Okanagan region!

Donations will bring hope to local children and youth...

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The 21st Annual North Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast raised over $24,000 for the region!

Thank you to all the incredible local businesses and amazing community members that showed up, donated, volunteered, and supported the event. ...

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The 11^th Annual South Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast helps bring Food Security to Local Communities

United Way BC is promoting the 11th Annual South Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast, hosted by the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre, to raise funds to increase Food Security to our community.

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United Way BC’s Child Safety Initiative delivered 520 child car seats in the Okanagan and Kootenays

Funding partners work together to provide safety to more children in BC...

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The 10th Annual South Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast raises nearly $26,000!

The 10th Annual South Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast raised nearly $26,000 on the morning of Wednesday, March 2nd – a record-breaking result made possible by the generosity of local businesses and community members.

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Food Security, Local Love and Vital Connections in the South Okanagan

Through our Food Security Initiative, United Way British Columbia is working with local community partners across the province to address British Columbia’s shifting food needs.

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The 20th Annual North Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast

This year's goal is to fundraise $25,000. All donations stay local and will support close to 20 charities and other initiatives that serve the needs of vulnerable children, youth, families and seniors in our region.

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Central Okanagan Poverty and Wellness Strategy seeks to unify work across the region to reduce poverty

The United Way British Columbia (UWBC ), Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) and partners are continuing efforts to develop a Central Okanagan Poverty and Wellness Strategy.

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United for Resilience: How Community and Support Rebuilt Hope After Wildfires

In the Summer of 2023, Fern moved to the North Shuswap with her five kids when the devastating Bush Creek wildfire raged through.

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Doane Grant Thornton is Committed to Community

In the communities of Kamloops, Kelowna, Trail, Salmon Arm, and Nelson, United Way BC helped connect teams from Doane Grant Thornton LLP with local organizations for a day of volunteering, giving them an opportunity to help our communities thrive. One look at the Grant Thornton Foundation Impact Report, and it’s clear, their communities matter. “We believe...

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Join us at the Maxine DeHart United Way BC Drive-Thru Breakfast!

In exchange for a donation, Drive-Thru guests will receive a breakfast bag, packed with delicious treats and goodies, coupons, and the opportunity to win fabulous grand prizes from local businesses.

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Communities come together to celebrate United Way BC Day

Officially declared United Way BC Day, September 12 marks the official launch of our fall fundraising campaign in partnership with over 1,500 workplaces across both the public and private sectors in the province. Celebrations included: Kick-off Breakfasts: Public events in Vancouver, Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, and Prince George to inspire workplace and community champions. Light Ups: Community partners...

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United for Food Sovereignty

In amongst the Hazelton and Bulkley Mountain ranges, where the Kitwanga River converges with the Skeena River in Gitxsan Laxyip (Territory), there is a rural community now called Kitwanga. Known as the “Okanagan of the North,” Kitwanga makes the ideal home for Jacob Beaton, Jessica Ouelette, and Tea Creek, an Indigenous-led, culturally safe, land-based food...

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Collaborating for Social Change – United for Food Summit 2024

Connection and collaboration are essential for addressing the challenges and inequities of BC’s current food system. On May 2 – 3, approximately 80 participants, including community partners from United Way BC Regional Community Food Hubs and Food Fillers, policymakers, funders, United Way staff and others gathered in the North Okanagan for United for Food Summit...

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Strengthening Community Connections: MLA Breakfast with United Way BC

Experiencing United Way BC’s Impact Firsthand!...

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Lower Similkameen Community Food Hub Farm & Garden brings culturally preferred food for enhanced health and well-being

The Food Hub provides food to those who need it most in the Lower Similkameen region through its initiatives, such as gathering and preserving traditional foods.

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Resilience amidst chaos: finding hope when all seems lost

It was a shocking moment for many in Kelowna when the Lake Okanagan Resort was destroyed. Over the following days, it became even more surprising to many that the resort was also home to those on a fixed income who now found themselves homeless.

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Pushor Mitchell keeps a long-standing tradition of giving back through volunteerism

Thank you to all the incredible staff who showed up and made a significant impact on our community!...

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Show Us Your Red!

United Way BC Day Kicked off the Annual Workplace Campaign with community, joy and celebration On Tuesday, September 26, United Way British Columbia, hosted the first-ever United Way BC Day, kicking off United Way BC’s 2023 Workplace Campaign. Each region held their own kickoff breakfast event, and various landmarks lit up in red to show their...

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Indoor Playgroups help families in Kelowna and West Kelowna

Summer is a time for fun when you’re young. School is out and the weather is warm. It’s a time to play outside and enjoy the sunshine. This summer, many children and families in Kelowna and West Kelowna found their plans had changed drastically. “Many families had to leave their homes and find lodging in hotels...

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Youth Futures Education Fund – A Vital Support for Brighter Futures

Moving to Nelson with her cats, enjoying the breathtaking scenery of this unique little town, and helping other kids who are struggling: that’s Yanna’s ideal picture of her future, and her eyes light up when she describes it with a shy smile. Although it’s a simple plan today, it used to be a distant dream. As...

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Making period poverty history

United Way BC’s 2023 Period Promise Campaign collects half a million menstrual products and $50k for those who need them most...

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Senior-serving agencies measure their impact through Project Impact

Seven agencies in the Community-Based Seniors’ Services (CBSS) sector revealed how their programs are life-changing at United Way BC's Healthy Aging Project Impact Showcase on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

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United for Ukraine Local Love Grants help communities celebrate Ukrainian culture

Starting in December 2022, events celebrating Ukrainian culture took place across British Columbia. From Victoria to Prince Rupert, communities came together to learn about Ukrainian culture and traditions, and to welcome their new neighbours. This was possible because of United for Ukraine Local Love grants. Every event had a local flare, like the several groups that...

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BC gives $2.16 million

This funding will create new childcare spaces for the School's Out program at the Whitevalley Community Resource Centre...

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Drive-Thru Breakfast

Join us on March 22, from 6:30 am to 9:00 am, at the Prestige Vernon Lodge and Conference Centre!...

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$23,000 for the region!

Donations will help fund United Way BC local initiatives...

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Six local agencies will receive coaching support from United Way BC and partners

Meet the agencies in the Southern Interior that are helping to tackle key social challenges in our communities, and are the 2022 recipients of the Sustainable Recovery Grant.

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Maxine DeHart United Way Drive-Thru Breakfast is back!

Join us for the Maxine DeHart – United Way Drive-Thru Breakfast Reunion, happening on Thursday, October 6th 2022, from 6-9am at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center.

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Fuller plates and hearts.

United Way brings more than just food to the table.

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The Sustainable Recovery Grant (SRG) Provides Coaching and Support for Charities

The Sustainable Recovery Grant (SRG), a multi-year collaborative partnership from local funders, provides entrepreneurial coaching to charities to help them build sustainability and resilience in four key areas: revenue, operations, people, and impact.

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Empathy in action – National Volunteer Week

This National Volunteer Week, April 24-30, affirms the connection between volunteerism and empathy, which is at the heart of healthier individuals and stronger communities.

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Youth Initiative Grants Are Open!

Being offered for the fourth year, now the program welcomes youth from the North, Central and South Okanagan Similkameen to apply for a grant of up to $2,000.

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UWBC – Southern Interior Region announces the grantees for the 2021-2022 Community Fund

United Way announced that it will award $550k in 2021-2022 Community Fund grants to strengthen vital connections among our communities.

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United Way is launching its 2021 Campaign, and you’re invited to join in

This year’s campaign kickoff is particularly special as we commemorate the first campaign season of our newly-minted United Way British Columbia - which will wrap around the theme of strengthening vital connections amidst the pandemic.

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United Way delivers child safety and wellness items for families across the Southern Interior

215 car seats and 50 baby care packages were delivered to 45 distribution hubs...

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Seven Charities Building a Regenerative Economy to Receive a Boost with United Way’s Sustainable Recovery Grant

We are excited to announce the 2021 recipients of the Sustainable Recovery Grant and are grateful for the opportunity to support each of these impactful, charitable organizations with enhancing their capability and long-term sustainability.

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Demand for community and social services surges due to pandemic

United Way and local partners announce this week the Sustainable Recovery Grant (SRG) call for applications in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Record response for local Youth Initiative Grants

Five projects based in the Central Okanagan and South Okanagan have been selected.

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GenNext launches Bouquets of Local Love

GenNext is thrilled to announce that we have partnered with local florists from all over the Okanagan to bring some community cheer to your front door!...

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United Way distributes PPE to local charities throughout the valley

Packages of PPE were provided to 50 charities in Penticton, Kelowna and Vernon that included 1000 protective masks, gloves, disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer.

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Other Information

Southern Interior Region

Serving the Okanagan, Columbia, Shuswap, Similkameen, West Kootenay Boundary, and East Kootenays, we help cultivate local love in our communities.

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22nd North Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast

Join us for the United Way BC North Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, from 6:30am to 9:00am, hosted by the Prestige Vernon Lodge & Conference Centre. Date: Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024 Time: 6:30am to 9:00am Location: Prestige Vernon Lodge & Conference Centre – 3914 32 St, Vernon, BC More information Drive-Thru guests who donate will receive Tim...

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South Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast

Join us for the 13th United Way BC South Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025, from 6:30am to 9:00am, hosted by the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre. Date: Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025 Time: 6:30am to 9:00am Location: Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre – 21 Lakeshore Dr. W, Penticton, BC More information Drive-Thru guests who donate will...

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Drive-Thru Breakfast

Presented by Join us for the United Way BC 21st Annual North Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast on Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023, from 6:30am to 9:00am, presented by Total Restoration Services. Date: Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023 Time: 6:30am to 9:00am Location: Prestige Vernon Lodge and Conference Centre – 3914 32 St, Vernon, BC More information Drive-Thru guests who donate will receive a hot...

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Public Policy Institute

Building on the success of the United Way Public Policy Institute since 2011, we offer this training and capacity-building program year after year. Between January and June, we bring together a group of 25 leaders from the BC non-profit sector whose organizations want to better understand and influence the public policy process. Ideal participants are able to...

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Campaign Cabinet

Working together to strengthen our community. United Way British Columbia’s Campaign Cabinet consists of over 30 executive leaders from a variety of industries and sectors across BC. By providing their extensive experience, expertise and knowledge to help us strategize and attain our goals – both financially and socially – the Campaign Cabinet is crucial to the success...

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Media

Media Inquiries For all media inquiries please email Dara Hill at DaraH@uwbc.ca. News ReleasesSpecial StatementsIn the NewsToolkit News Releases Rising Prices, Rising Need:...

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About United Way British Columbia

Helping British Columbians tackle critical social issues, through local love. About UsBoard MembersCampaign CabinetJEDITerritory Acknowledgement About Us Our Vision A healthy, caring, inclusive community. Our Mission We strengthen vital connections that support people in need in our local communities. United we are stronger: we’re United Way British Columbia! More than ever before, BC communities need help addressing critical social issues. As a unified...

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Campaigns & Programs

Youth Futures Education Fund

RISE Memorial – Kelowna Remembers

Healthy Aging

100 More Homes Penticton

Child Safety Initiative

Impact Stories

Join us at the 13th Annual South Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast!

22nd North Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast Raises Over $18,000 for Community

Over $22,000 raised for the South Okanagan region!

The 21st Annual North Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast raised over $24,000 for the region!

The 11th Annual South Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast helps bring Food Security to Local Communities

United Way BC’s Child Safety Initiative delivered 520 child car seats in the Okanagan and Kootenays

The 10th Annual South Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast raises nearly $26,000!

Food Security, Local Love and Vital Connections in the South Okanagan

The 20th Annual North Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast

Central Okanagan Poverty and Wellness Strategy seeks to unify work across the region to reduce poverty

United for Resilience: How Community and Support Rebuilt Hope After Wildfires

Doane Grant Thornton is Committed to Community

Join us at the Maxine DeHart United Way BC Drive-Thru Breakfast!

Communities come together to celebrate United Way BC Day

United for Food Sovereignty

Collaborating for Social Change – United for Food Summit 2024

Strengthening Community Connections: MLA Breakfast with United Way BC

Lower Similkameen Community Food Hub Farm & Garden brings culturally preferred food for enhanced health and well-being

Resilience amidst chaos: finding hope when all seems lost

Pushor Mitchell keeps a long-standing tradition of giving back through volunteerism

Show Us Your Red!

Indoor Playgroups help families in Kelowna and West Kelowna

Youth Futures Education Fund – A Vital Support for Brighter Futures

Making period poverty history

Senior-serving agencies measure their impact through Project Impact

United for Ukraine Local Love Grants help communities celebrate Ukrainian culture

BC gives $2.16 million

Drive-Thru Breakfast

$23,000 for the region!

Six local agencies will receive coaching support from United Way BC and partners

Maxine DeHart United Way Drive-Thru Breakfast is back!

Fuller plates and hearts.

The Sustainable Recovery Grant (SRG) Provides Coaching and Support for Charities

Empathy in action – National Volunteer Week

Youth Initiative Grants Are Open!

UWBC – Southern Interior Region announces the grantees for the 2021-2022 Community Fund

United Way is launching its 2021 Campaign, and you’re invited to join in

United Way delivers child safety and wellness items for families across the Southern Interior

Seven Charities Building a Regenerative Economy to Receive a Boost with United Way’s Sustainable Recovery Grant

Demand for community and social services surges due to pandemic

Record response for local Youth Initiative Grants

GenNext launches Bouquets of Local Love

United Way distributes PPE to local charities throughout the valley

Other Information

Southern Interior Region

22nd North Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast

South Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast

Drive-Thru Breakfast

Public Policy Institute

Campaign Cabinet

Media

About United Way British Columbia

The 11^th Annual South Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast helps bring Food Security to Local Communities