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 lit up their venues and landmarks in red across the province to show their support and solidarity for campaign season. Check out the full list here.
- Proclamations: The following municipalities declared September 12 as United Way BC Day: Duncan, Kelowna, Richmond, Nanaimo, New Westminster, Kent, Port Moody, Prince George, Port Coquitlam, Trail, Vancouver.
United Way BC supporters of all kinds, including partners, staff, and donors came together to get inspired and excited to make a difference through campaign season, and beyond! Below is a recap of highlights from United Way BC Day across our regions.
Central and Northern Vancouver Island
It was a packed room at Nanaimo’s delicious breakfast when community champions, supporters, and partners joined us to break bread, share stories, and unite in action.
As always, Daryl Major from 102.3 The Wave (one of our Media Sponsors along with 106.9 FM The Wolf) was on hand to emcee the breakfast and guide us through the morning. We were grateful to Elder Lolly Good from the Snuneymuxw First Nation for bringing the room together in a blessing and reminding us all to be grateful as we discussed the impact of United Way BC.
To the Honourable Sheila Malcolmson, MLA, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction who brought greetings from the province, we thank you! Her generous spirit and smile lit up the room.
We also heard from speakers Jane Russell, who spoke on behalf of our Presenting Sponsor Coastal Community Credit Union and from Board Member Travis Bryson, MNP, who shared his heartfelt appreciation for us.
Tony Nelson from Island Health shared his beautiful 20-year history with United Way BC. His openness and gratitude touched the entire room as he shared growing up and working alongside the organization.
Sharing the impact of United Way BC in Nanaimo and, especially for seniors, Deborah Hollins from Nanaimo Family Life Association told us a story of how a senior’s life was improved by our funding.
Lower Mainland
The United Way BC Lower Mainland Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast held outside Science World began with remarks from United Way BC President & CEO Michael McKnight and Board Chair Robin Dhir, who expressed gratitude to our workplace partners for their unwavering commitment to United Way BC.
The remarks highlighted the impressive achievement of helping raise over $23 million last year through workplace campaigns, emphasizing these funds’ critical role in building a robust social support network across the province.
Mike Jennings, a past-President of the Men’s Shed Association of BC, shared his story of how the Men’s Shed program positively impacted his mental health and well-being. Speaking candidly about the challenges he faced, he emphasized how the Men’s Shed community provided a vital support network during challenging times. He also expressed heartfelt thanks to United Way BC for their partnership, which has been instrumental in expanding the Men’s Shed initiative and reaching more individuals in need.
In honor of United Way BC Day, many landmarks across the Lower Mainland lit their venues in red, drawing attention to the launch of the fall campaign. Thank you for showing your support!
Thompson-Nicola Cariboo
A time-honoured tradition in the Thompson-Nicola Cariboo, friends of United Way BC gathered in the early at the Coast Hotel in Kamloops for a morning of community, connection, and celebration.
The room was full of laughs thanks to the wonderful Emcee Rich Woods of B100 Kamloops and sister station 98.3 CIFM who, along with CFJC and Castanet Kamloops, shone a spotlight on the event.
It was extra special to have Kelsey Todd of Kruger Kamloops Pulp Mill and Wes Mitchell of Unifor Local 10-B, our presenting sponsors on stage. They are longtime champions of United Way BC – this is their 59th year participating in a workplace campaign!
Dawn Christie, our longtime partner and impact speaker of the morning, warmed hearts as she shared the impact the Mount Paul Community Food Centre has been able to achieve for food security thanks to United Way BC’s support over the years.
It was a proud morning for many local companies who received awards to celebrate their remarkable generosity and achievements in the 2023 campaign season.
Thanks also to Peter Olsen Photography, and Kamloops Florist for helping make this day perfect.
Southern Interior
In Kelowna, the Southern Interior team gathered with 240 of our lovely community champions, supporters, partners, and friends at the beautiful Laurel Packinghouse to celebrate United Way BC Day with a delightful breakfast and kick off our 2024 Campaign!
We were honoured to have City of Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas, and Councillor Maxine DeHart, who’s been such a dedicated and committed supporter of our work throughout the years, among our speakers.
We also had the pleasure of having David Hanson (Move 101.5) and Marc Dermott (Virgin Radio 99.9) as our MCs and Phil Johnson (AM1150) broadcasting live from the event with great interviews! Special thanks also to Castanet and Global Okanagan for their terrific coverage of the morning.
North
Attendees at the first ever Kick-off Breakfast in the North were able to see the benefits of amalgamation firsthand. The early morning in Prince George was packed full of speakers and videos demonstrating how in less than a year’s time of coming together, our impact within the North is better than ever!
With Tim Bennett, City of Prince George Councillor, leading through the busy morning, and welcoming speeches by Elder Lenora White from Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and Mayor Simon Yu, the mood was set. After a delicious breakfast, a wonderful performance of drumming and singing by Thundering Eagles had everyone excited to dive deep into United Way BC’s work.
In addition to impact presentations from United Way BC staff, Alexandria West, Executive Director of Postive Living North: No khēyoh t’sih’en t’sehena Society, provided attendees with an understanding of the importance of United Way BC’s support of local agencies. United Way BC’s ability to support local agencies is made possible from the support of our donors and workplace campaigns. Thank you!
Finally, a special thank you to our sponsors, PCL Construction, Four Rivers Co-operative, and Remax Core Realty, this event was made possible from their support and dedication to our communities.
Thank you!
A special thank you to our municipal partners for officially proclaiming September 12 as United Way BC Day, venues who lit up in red in celebration, the incredible network of people who attended a kick-off breakfast in their community, including our sponsors, and everyone who showed support for United Way BC.
Together, we continue to foster a spirit of community and collaboration and stand united for people in need.