By Donna Fields

Over the past year East Kootenay residents helped to ensure over 6,000 people received the support they needed through access to vital programs and services in our communities.

In 2020, donations provided critical funding for twelve agencies in the East Kootenay region, and supported our BC211 initiative, which provides free information and referrals to essential government, social and community services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your continued generosity over the past decade has strengthened our communities by allowing United Way to invest $722,100 into local services and programs that meet the urgent needs of our families, seniors, and children.

You have truly made an impact, so thank you!

Over the summer we increased our impact too, as six United Ways from across B.C. became one powerful organization. Your donations still stay 100% local while our shared learning, knowledge and resources help us to maximize your impact across the province. We put our combined local knowledge quickly into effect to support those affected by the devastating wildfires this past summer providing emergency aid, like food assistance, but most importantly, long-term recovery support, including rebuilding social infrastructure and trauma recovery.

When these sorts of emergencies happen, it is because you care that we can be there for our neighbours. Still, there is vital recovery work needed. Because, while some of us are slowly getting back to our normal routines, many of our neighbours across B.C. are continuing to struggle with the effects of the pandemic.

Together, we must develop a stronger and more sustainable food system across the province; tackle the impacts on mental health that social isolation has had for our children and youth; help seniors access the services they need; and bring communities back together to make them great places to live for everyone. With your help, United Way can continue to invest in the programs, services, and initiatives which collectively address these social issues in the East Kootenay region.

As one of United Way’s incredibly loyal and caring donors, I hope you can step forward and give at this time when others cannot, to keep making a difference for those in need. Will you join us in another act of Local Love to support much-needed recovery, rebuilding and resilience in our communities? Because, when we work together, we can do great things for this place we call home.

If you are not yet a United Way donor, please consider the information in this letter and visit these websites https://unitedwaysibc.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/groups/380125356795475 for a better understanding of the important work of United Way in our communities.

Yours, with gratitude,

– Donna Fields is Regional Coordinator for United Way East Kootenay

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