COVID-19 Local Response and Recovery Impact
In light of the pandemic, United Way stepped up to address emerging needs in our community. So many communities, charities and vulnerable populations were disproportionately affected and as we gathered feedback, an emergency response plan was implemented.
Together with local partners, United Way Centraide Canada and the Government of Canada, United Way British Columbia invested over $1.9M to 94 charities throughout our region.
COVID-19 Local Relief Impact
Together, we provided financial support to partners adapting their frontline services for the vulnerable members of our community.
Visit the local COVID19 Relief Fund or the ECSF Investment page for more information.
“In crises, there exists opportunity. It has been inspiring to see the collective action over the last few months that has emerged in order to best serve those most impacted by the pandemic. The work of social and community based agencies have been instrumental life lines for our most vulnerable neighbours. We are grateful to all our partners, including all levels of government, who have come together to address urgent and emergent needs the sector is facing.
While we have been able to make incredible investment and impact due to the generosity of time, knowledge and resources of so many, there still exists a dire need in the sector and we continue to appeal to all our friends and partners to come together to address the social issues that have been heightened through COVID19,”
– Kahir Lalji, Executive Director of United Way British Columbia
COVID19 Relief Investments and Programs
Collectively, over 1.9M was invested in 94 charity programs across our region to support emerging needs due to the pandemic. The generosity of local donors, in addition to provincial and federal funding enabled vital program expansion and investments to support vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Children & Youth Wellbeing
Car seats and baby care items provided for low-income families
Healthy and nutritious food backpacks for children in need
Programs and services supporting LGBTQ+ youth
Basic Needs and Supplies
Rent payment immediate relief for families suffering job loss
Personal sanitation kits handed out for people with limited access to services
Grocery hampers and mid-day meals delivered for food-insecure families
Help for Seniors
Expansion of 211 phone service across our region (through provincial government funding)
Physical and virtual capacity support for community senior and health support hub
1,604 isolated seniors and 730 volunteers connected for grocery runs
Capacity for Community Services
Transitioning rural community programs into virtual delivery of community services
Setting up physical safety measures allowing programs to continue doing vital work
Mental Health Support
Supporting regional mental health crisis lines, which saw a 60% increase in volume
Distress phone calls de-escalated and supported by highly-trained volunteer crisis line responders
Virtual counselling sessions conducted for individuals experiencing mental distress
Support for Volunteers
Streamlined volunteer training for newly recruited crisis line responders across our region
Training 300+ newly engaged volunteers for continuous provision of vital services
Review the complete list of our investments below:
“As a Crisis Line Responder, I can tell you that there has been a large increase, not only in the number of calls, but in the distress I hear in the voices of those who need support during this COVID19 pandemic. Your gift has allowed me to adapt and overcome many of the challenges I face during this time. I am able to employ new systems and benefit from increased training so that I can safely and efficiently serve an ever-growing number of individuals who need help.”
– Jeff, a volunteer with CMHA Vernon
COVID-19 Response and Recovery in the News
United Way distributes PPE to local charities throughout the valley
March 16, 2021 – A year after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) is still greater than ever especially for front-line community support workers and non-profit organizations. On Tuesday,
United Way SIBC invests $1.9M for COVID Relief this year
Over 90 local charities receive grants for recovery efforts December 7, 2020 – Today, United Way British Columbia (SIBC) is pleased to announce another round of COVID Relief funding that will see another 33 programs
211 service goes nationwide with funding from the Government of Canada
Free, confidential service helps people impacted by COVID-19 to navigate available community and government supports October 15, 2020 (Ottawa) – Everyone in Canada will soon have access to 211, a free, confidential information navigation service
United Way launches another round of Emergency Community Support Funding
United Way SIBC is now accepting funding applications for the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) Round 2 from October 5 to October 30, 2020. The fund continues to provide financial support to charities and other
United Way Canada launches interactive map showing ECSF grants across Canada
Tuesday, September 15, 2020 – The national network of local United Way Centraides, in partnership with United Way Centraide Canada (UWCC), have disbursed more than $95M through the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). The ECSF
United Way Child Safety Initiative 2020
It takes a village! Check out the photo album, news stories and results of the Child Safety Initiative. September 19, 2020 - This week concludes the United Way Child Safety Initiative, a unique
United Way and partners invest $170K in children and youth well-being
Child Safety Initiative expands to include investments and care packages for 42 local charities September 14, 2020 – The United Way Child Safety Initiative will see a significant expansion this year thanks to our partners
In the News: Grant to provide hot meals for Penticton seniors
Meals will be served twice a week at the Penticton Seniors’ Drop-In Centre Shown above: Past president Don Wilson of the board of the Penticton Seniors’ Drop-In Centre stirs the soup at the seniors centre.
