COVID-19 Response and Recovery Plan
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, United Way developed a community-based, collaborative approach to mobilize funding and resources aimed at helping the social services sector and the clients they serve.
After consulting with social and community service agencies and partnering with our local foundations and other funders, we identified emerging needs for people who live in poverty, seniors, and support for the front-line community service workers.
COVID-19 Relief Contributions
Are you able to help?
The response to the COVID-19 Relief Fund has been incredible. Thanks to the many generous donors, corporate partners, government agencies and foundations that have contributed thus far.
The needs will continue to evolve so, as you protect your family and those closest to you to keep them healthy, we urge you to think of those who may need the help as they respond and recover from the pandemic.
For more info about the COVID-19 Relief plan, a list of generous donors, or to donate:
COVID-19 Info and Donate
COVID-19 Relief Impact and Investments
Where did the funding go?
The impacts of our local response are being felt throughout the Southern Interior. Together, we are rebuilding and recovering from the dire effects to vital front-line community services in our communities.
To date, 94 local charities have received grants to support people who have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
For more info about COVID-19 Relief impact and investments, click on the link below:
COVID-19 Impact
“During times of dire need and crises, it is more important than ever for us to come together to most effectively meet the needs of the people and communities we serve. I would like to acknowledge all partners who have contributed to making these supports available during this time, and to all those who continue to provide essential frontline social and community services. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that those facing heightened and deepened unignorable issues get the help they need. I implore everyone to spread their local love a little bit more where possible to ensure we emerge stronger and healthier together.”
– Kahir Lalji, Executive Director – United Way SIBC
COVID-19 Funding and Support
The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been swift and many individuals, companies and government agencies have enabled us to offer multiple COVID-19 Response and Recovery funding streams. The following funding streams have been and are actively being assessed and allocated.
Emergency Community Support Fund
COVID-19 Community Relief Fund
To find out more information about the various funding streams, visit the link below.
Are you looking for community services?
In March 2020, the provincial government, United Way Lower Mainland and other key partners expanded the 211 service across BC to support the new Safe Seniors, Strong Communities Program and enable all British Columbians to dial 211 to find community and social services.
In addition, seniors are able to register for volunteer support by calling 211 through the new Safe Seniors, Strong Communities Program.
COVID-19 Response and Recovery Community Partners
Thanks to the local donors and community foundations for collaborating with us to rapidly roll out the COVID-19 Relief Fund and to all the donors and funders who have contributed to date. Together, we can make a greater impact on local lives and help those who need is most.
COVID-19 Response and Recovery in the News
The Sustainable Recovery Grant (SRG) Provides Coaching and Support for Charities – Applications Are Open!
The Sustainable Recovery Grant (SRG), a multi-year collaborative partnership from local funders, provides entrepreneurial coaching to charities to help them build sustainability and resilience in four key areas: revenue, operations, people, and impact. When these
The 10th Annual South Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast raises nearly $26,000!
The 10th Annual South Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast raised nearly $26,000 on the morning of Wednesday, March 2nd – a record-breaking result made possible by the generosity of local businesses and community members. Volunteers rallied together
Food Security, Local Love and Vital Connections in the South Okanagan
Did you know that one in seven Canadians live in food insecure households? For families with children, that number is even higher. The COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating effect on people’s ability to feed
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
