United Way of North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap

The United Way of North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap is a Canadian nonprofit organization registered under Business Number 119060911RR0001. It operates as a charitable entity committed to improving lives and building community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action in the regions of the Okanagan, Columbia, and Shuswap in British Columbia.

History and Mission

With over 70 years of presence in the area, the United Way of North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap has focused on creating opportunities for a better life for everyone living in its service region. The organization channels funds raised locally to support vulnerable populations, including children, families, and seniors, in order to address social challenges and enhance community well-being. Its mission aligns with the broader United Way goals of community investment and social support programs aimed at improving mental health, food security, emergency services, and child safety initiatives[3][5].

Geographic Scope and Community Impact

The organization serves a broad area encompassing communities such as Armstrong, Enderby, Revelstoke, Salmon Arm, and Vernon in the North Okanagan, and extends its outreach throughout the Southern Interior of British Columbia. This includes collaborations and supports in the Central Okanagan and Kootenays regions, fulfilling critical needs in times of emergency such as wildfires and floods by launching specialized programs like the Hi Neighbour for Recovery and Regional Food Hubs[1][5].

Programs and Services

United Way of North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap supports numerous programs including but not limited to:

• Emergency Support Services and emergency pop-up camps for children, particularly in Vernon.
• Food security projects such as Regional Food Hubs and distribution of essential items.
• Mental health support initiatives providing outreach and advocacy across the region.
• Child Safety Initiative, which includes delivering car seats to families in need.
• Distribution of Christmas hampers and gifts for children and youth.
• Ongoing recovery and resiliency work through engagement with local community organizations impacted by natural disasters.
• Better at Home seniors services and Period Promise Initiative to address specific community challenges[1].

Organizational Structure and Funding

As a registered charity, the United Way of North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap raises funds through community events and campaigns, ensuring that every dollar donated remains within the community it serves. This localized approach supports over 75,000 individuals annually, maximizing the impact of donations by focusing on regional needs. The organization is part of the broader United Way Southern Interior BC network, which was formed through the merger of United Way CSO and United Way NOCS, combining efforts to streamline resources and enhance community investment[3][5].

Recognition and Affiliations

The charity is recognized for its effective fundraising tools and community-based approach, providing rapid and secure allocation of donations to partner agencies and local programs. While it is affiliated with CanadaHelps as a registered charity, it is currently not accepting donations through that platform[2].

The United Way of North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap continues to be a vital community partner, dedicated to mobilizing resources and fostering partnerships that help build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient Southern Interior region of British Columbia.

[1] https://uwbc.ca/program/southern-interior-region/ [2] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/united-way-of-north-okanagan-columbia-shuswap/ [3] https://business.vernonchamber.ca/list/member/united-way-sibc-426 [4] https://www.yellowpages.ca/bus/British-Columbia/Vernon/United-Way-Of-North-Okanagan-Columbia-Shuswap/7878206.html [5] https://downtownkelowna.com/business-listings/united-way-southern-interior-bc/