For many people, fall on Vancouver Island means fundraising time.
Last week, United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island (UWCNVI) launched a new twist on its annual fundraising campaign. UWCNVI is challenging community members to become Agents of Change and help raise $750,000 towards 33 critically needed programs delivered on the central Island by 27 Community Partners.
“By giving to United Way, you can help thousands in our community, including families struggling with poverty, kids in desperate need of mentoring, people recovering from addictions or the impact of abuse, as well as seniors at risk of isolation,” UWCNVI executive director Signy Madden says in a press release. “United Way funds programs that we carefully select and monitor and know are addressing many of the major challenges that people are facing.”
Many of United Way’s Community Partners for 2013-14 are either right here in Ladysmith or offer services that Ladysmith families can access, including Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Vancouver Island, Boys and Girls Clubs Central Vancouver Island, Canadian Red Cross, Haven Society, Island Crisis Care, Ladysmith Family and Friends Ladysmith Resources Centre Association, Literacy Central Vancouver Island, Mid Island Abilities and Independent Living Society, and Vancouver Island Crisis Society.
There are many, many worthy groups, organizations and events asking for your donations at this time of year, and UWCNVI is just one. But it’s a very far-reaching one that can make a big impact in a lot of lives.
If you’d like to help and be an Agent of Change, donations can be made by contacting the UWCNVI office at 250-729-7400 or info@uwcnvi.ca or online through Canada Helps at www.uwcnvi.ca. —Lindsay Chung