Southern Interior Region

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

Local Impact

Learn more about the impact we’re making in the region.

Helping communities affected by wildfires

Our Emergency Response Specialist has been working with organizations and businesses across West Kelowna, bringing awareness about Emergency Preparedness and celebrating communities that are wildfire-ready. We also work with community champions, providing Local Love Funds which support bringing people together and community spirit.

Supporting communities impacted by floods

In the North Okanagan (Armstrong, Enderby, Revelstoke, Salmon Arm, Vernon), South Okanagan (Oliver, Penticton, Princeton), Central Okanagan (Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland, West Kelowna), and Kootenays (Cranbrook)we helped provide mental health supports, food security, essential items, outreach, and advocacy. We also sourced sump pumps and coordinated in-kind donations including 240 pairs of shoes, household products, and appliances.

Connecting neighbours & building healthier communities

By launching Hi Neighbour for Recovery in the Shuswap and West Kelowna and engaging local community organizations and residents in areas of BC that have been impacted by wildfires or floods to support ongoing recovery and resiliency work. We also launched new Regional Food Hubs in Kelowna, Vernon, and in the Lower Similkameen Indian Band.

Expanding our support systems

Like our Period Promise Initiative, Regional Community Food Hubs, and Better at Home seniors services across BC’s Southern Interior.

Programs

Learn more about our work in the region.

School’s Out

United Way BC’s School’s Out Initiative has been expanded throughout the province, with 3 locations now located within the Southern Interior, including Lumby, Westbank, and Peachland. Our School’s Out programs make such a difference!

School’s Out programs aim to have happy, healthy, resilient children by:

o Increases social emotional development & well-being

o Supports connections (family, school, community)

o Proving opportunities for service to community

o Expanding interests & competencies

o Promoting of health & wellness