United For People in Need: United Way BC Looking To Change The Way We Think About Donating

This article is presented in partnership with United Way British Columbia. The views or opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of CityNews and NewsRadio.

There is no question that the last five years have brought unprecedented challenges to all communities in Canada, and this is no different in British Columbia. Friends, family, and community members have been feeling the economic pinch, facing tough times due to the rising cost of living. Seniors and children are often the ones in real need of help, which is where United Way BC comes in.

United Way BC CEO Michael McKnight helped shed some light on just how dire issues like food insecurity are in British Columbia. “We know that in 2023, 21.8% of BC residents lived in food-insecure households, translating to over 1 million people, including children, struggling to afford the food they need. He added, “Without United Way BC, this number would be greater — far fewer people in BC would have access to the healthy, nutritious, and culturally preferable foods they need.”

Food insecurity doesn’t just affect the dinner table, it can often have other impacts which can hit children the hardest. Struggling parents can find it very difficult to make ends meet often working more than one job. To help support children and families, United Way BC  School’s Out helps kids thrive. “It’s an incredible program that supports kids across the province by providing a safe place to go after school” says McKnight. “The kids get to connect with peers, trusted adults, receive learning support, enjoy physical activities, and have healthy snacks to keep them fueled. It all helps them develop the skills they need to grow up more confident, have higher self-esteem, and be supported in their brighter future.”
In addition to ground-breaking programs like ‘School’s Out’, United Way BC has also been a vital connection between the community and food availability. In 2023 alone, United Way BC:

• Delivered 2.3 million meals and over 936,000 food hampers to over 450,000 individuals and families.

• Partnered with 108 community agencies to help provide dignified access to food.

• Developed food literacy and wellness programming, and wrap-around services such as mental health support, employment services and childcare.

Often, it can be easy to overlook charities like the United Way BC, especially when everyone is tightening their belts, and cutting back on spending. But United Way BC CEO Michael McKnight wants to assure everyone that the donations are going to exactly the right causes. “When you donate, it is going to British Columbians who need it most. We work hard on the ground, in communities to identify where your dollars have the biggest impact.” He went on to add, “Your generosity helps us connect BC’s most vulnerable people with the support they need.”

A sense of community is something that can unite and instill feelings of goodwill. When British Columbians donate or share their time and talents with charities like United Way BC, they’re connecting the most vulnerable to support, resources, and community, it’s all about making that difference; no matter how big or small.

To donate or learn more about the work and impact United Way BC has on communities, go here

This article is presented in partnership with United Way British Columbia. The views or opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of CityNews and NewsRadio.