United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island Launch

 Annual Central Island Fundraising Campaign “Change Starts Here”

Goal to raise $700,000 for programs that support children, youth and seniors

Nanaimo, BC – September 21, 2012 – Today, United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island (UWCNVI) launched their annual fundraising campaign Change Starts Here at the kick-off breakfast at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre MCed by CTV’s Bruce Williams.  The campaign aims to raise $700,000 for critically needed programs for kids, youth and seniors in Central Island. Local businesses, Labour Partners and employee campaigns have already pledged $133,800, which is an increase from last year’s pre-kick off commitments.

UWCNVI also announced the fundraising campaign chair Kenny Ansems from MNP and campaign co-chair Laura Healey from Remax of Nanaimo. These volunteers will be champions during the campaign working with generous companies, employee campaign teams in workplaces, Labour Partners, and other campaign volunteers to raise much-needed funds.  Vancouver Island University and the Vancouver Island Health Authority have also generously provided Loaned Representatives to work exclusively on the campaign for three months.

“There is no question that times are tough for many in our community with an uncertain and shifting economy – high child poverty, the stresses on working poor families, struggles with mental health and addictions, domestic violence/bullying and the rise of the number of vulnerable seniors,” says Signy Madden, Executive Director, UWCNVI. “The good news is that there is a way to help. Your gift to United Way fuels the incredible work our partner agencies are doing on the ground day in and day out here where you live. Lives are changed for the better and people gain hope and learn skills to make a better life through United Way funding.”

Donations to the Change Starts Here campaign will fund 22 local organizations into 2013, including:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island

Boys & Girls Club of Central Vancouver Island

Canadian Red Cross

Columbian Centre Society

Cowichan Family Caregivers Support Society

Cowichan Valley Hospice Society

District 69 Society of Organized Services

Errington Therapeutic Riding

Haven Society

The Hearing Foundation of Canada

The HOPE Centre

Ladysmith Family & Friends Resource Society (LaFF)

Nanaimo Citizen Advocacy Association

Nanaimo Community Hospice Society

Nanaimo Community Kitchens Society

Nanaimo Family Life Association

Nanaimo Region John Howard Society

Nanaimo Volunteer & Information Centre Society

Oceanside Hospice Society

Parent Support Services Society of BC

People for a Healthy Community on Gabriola

Vancouver Island Crisis Society

Donations can be made online at www.uwcnvi.ca or by calling 250-729-7400.

Since 1958, United Way CNVI has invested in programs and services that help people to improve their lives and that strengthen our community. Last year, UWCNVI raised $986,000 across Central and Northern Island communities. Because of the generosity of donors and volunteers, UWCNVI was able to make grants in 2012 to 44 charities supporting 50 programs for children, youth and seniors in Central Island, the Comox Valley and Campbell River. UWCNVI also manages the Success by Six early childhood development programs throughout the Central and Northern Island and plays a part in working to reduce homelessness by being the Community Entity for Nanaimo’s Homelessness Strategy.  UWCNVI will soon be working to launch the new Better at Home program to help keep seniors living at home in Parksville.

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