Community resilience shines through thanks to Hi Neighbour Princeton support 

In November 2021, the Tulameen and Similkameen Rivers overflowed flooding the Southern Interior town of Princeton. United Way BC was there to support impacted community members through our Emergency Response & Recovery Initiative. After our rapid-response support, which provided funding and supplies to area residents, United Way BC Hi Neighbour Princeton provided longer term social resilience building. As Hi Neighbour Princeton moves into the legacy phase of the initiative, we celebrate those who led recovery efforts helping to bring residents together to builder a stronger community. 

Growing support 

Among the structures impacted by the floods was a BC Housing apartment for vulnerable seniors and those with disabilities. The building was so damaged it had to be demolished with residents moving to temporary housing. BC Housing gave the land to Princeton & District Community Services Society to start a community garden. Today, thanks to a 2024 United Way BC Community Impact Grant, that community garden is thriving. Bags of fresh vegetables are provided to local seniors and others in need. The bounty of the popular garden also supports a harvest festival and weekly free meals Thursdays from 11 AM-1PM. 

Along with the community garden, a United Way BC Local Love Fund supported the creation of a free community pantry hosted by Princeton Family Services Society. Community members have stepped up to support the pantry in such numbers that there is never a shortage of food and necessities. 

Warm hearts 

Over a two-week period in 2024, generous residents of Princeton donated new or gently used winter clothing, including coats, snow pants, gloves, toques, and other essential items to help individuals and families stay warm during the colder months. 

During the final days of the United Way BC Cold Weather Clothing Drive, the Princeton Posse hockey team joined forces with United Way BC to boost participation by offering an exciting incentive. Residents who donated new or good-condition winter clothing were entered into a draw to win two Princeton Posse jerseys. This promotion was advertised the day before the Princeton Posse’s game, which drew an impressive attendance of roughly 300 people. The drive was a major success, filling three large hockey bags with winter essentials for those in need.  

Gathering spaces 

United Way BC participated in the 2024 Community Christmas Inclusion event hosted at the Princeton & District Community Services building which brought holiday cheer and support to community members in need. Organized by Hi Neighbour Princeton Community Champions Jes and Colene, with the help of New Beginnings clients – adults taking part in a day program for those with disabilities – the event focused on providing items and gifts to ensure everyone in Princeton had their needs met during the holiday season.  

Attendees were invited to choose toys, hygiene products, and self-care items for themselves and their loved ones all supplied through a United Way BC Local Love Fund, creating a welcoming space that emphasized inclusion and support. Families and individuals left with essential items, warm clothing, and a sense of community care. The partnership with local organizations and businesses further highlighted the collective commitment to supporting Princeton residents during the holiday season.  

Another great way to build community is to provide a way to gather and exchange ideas while having fun. United Way BC participated in Princeton’s annual Christmas Light Up 2024 by sponsoring a gingerbread house competition. Thanks to Local Love funding, free gingerbread houses were offered to the community a week before the event giving competitors time to create amazing houses. 

United Way BC also set up a table at the event where community members could stop by to share their ideas and suggestions for things they’d like to see in Princeton. Visitors shared ideas and offered insight into what the town might need. There were also plenty of opportunities to network with other organizations and event participants about potential collaborations and ways to work together on projects that could benefit the community in the future. 

A resilient community 

In mid-September 2025, the River of Resilience mural, created by artist Mavik in downtown Princeton, BC, was shared with the public. This vibrant and meaningful artwork is more than just a mural — it’s a symbol of Princeton’s strength, unity, and determination in the face of adversity. The mural honors the spirit of Princeton following the historic 2021 flood, standing as a powerful visual tribute of how the community has come together, rebuilt, and continues to move forward — united by hope, perseverance, and resilience. The mural was brought to life through a collaboration between Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA-SOS), the Penticton & District Arts Council, United Way BC and Thomasina’s Cafe. It also marks the launch of a broader mental health initiative led by CMHA to support Princeton residents still recovering from the flood.

“Princeton community champions, agencies, and partners are always willing and looking for work to enhance the community and its connections to residents. It is the true definition of community and its advocates to do impactful work. The residents here have generational roots so all work and decisions are powerful and meaningful,” says Kaileigh Schofield, United Way BC Community Engagement Specialist for Merritt. “United Way BC Hi Neighbour was priviliged to serve as a catalyst to bring community together.” 

As Hi Neighbour Princeton moves into legacy, our Building Inclusive Communities Hi Neighbour Princeton Handbook provides inspirations, tips, tools and resources to ensure Princeton residents continue to lead vibrant and positive community change. 

Leaving a legacy 

Over the past seven years, the United BC Hi Neighbour (HIN) Initiative has succesfully fostered community connections in over 33 communities, including Indigenous Communities and Emergency Response across BC. Since 2021, almost 1,000 Local Love grants have been disbursed for numerous projects, events and other vital community building and rebuilding activities. Almost 165,000 people have been engaged and uplifted to help create healthier, more caring and inclusive communities. 

Together, we are UNITED for communities.