We help change lives locally
We work with local agencies, governments and donors like you to build our vision of a healthy, caring, inclusive community.
Seeing need, taking action
United Way British Columbia tracks needs in our community and identifies where your investments will show the greatest results. Learn more about our three focus areas below.
How we do it
We see the bigger picture, then help where it’s needed most. We do our homework, bring the best minds to the table, invest for maximum impact and speak up for what’s right. This is the United Way.
Research
We are driven by evidence. We research to understand community needs and plan for the future. Working with universities and community partners keeps our process thorough and efficient, enabling us to put your gifts into action.
Collaboration
We partner with donors, social service agencies, unions, governments and universities to make our collective impact even greater. Bringing diverse voices to the table helps us build strong strategies for community change.
Investments
We make smart community investments that get results. For every $1 invested today in poverty prevention and alleviation, $6 is saved in future costs to our health care, social services and criminal justice systems.
Advocacy
We speak up about social issues and help people understand the root causes of vulnerability. We bring the community services sector together. We foster constructive relationships with policy makers, championing solutions that improve people’s lives.
By the numbers
Every year our donors and partners make life better for more people across the Lower Mainland. Last year’s highlights include:
Agencies
Programs
Million $ Invested
Lives changed
Results that matter
Your gifts don’t just change lives in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. They change our community for the better, long term.
United Way British Columbia has been changing lives locally for 87 years.
This year, thanks to your generosity, we invested $33+ million to improve 400,000 people’s lives, including:
- 40,000 kids
- 74,000 families
- 58,000 seniors
Ten years ago only 50% of local kids were enrolled in an after-school activity. Now it’s 85%. This is in large part because of United Way and donors like you.
In 2016-17 our donors made possible:
- 2,000 after-school programs
- 4,700 mentors
- 40,000 kids helped
“Donors are keeping our kids safe. They’re keeping our families safe. They’re keeping the single moms having hope, having some place to go.” – Patricia, parent of children in the Strathcona Avenues of Change initiative
Our donors don’t just fill empty plates – they empower low-income families to break the cycle of poverty, by learning and sharing healthy life skills.
In 2016-17 our donors made possible:
- 22 food security programs
- 1.4 million snacks/meals served
- 74,000 families helped
“Food is huge. We get snacks that are delicious, nutritious. It gives kids the opportunity to revive themselves. It re-boosts their energy, mentally and physically.” – Sarah Kamdar, Children’s Program Coordinator, Kiwassa Neighbourhood House
Our community partners notice amazing changes in the seniors they serve. Seniors enjoy increased physical activity, socialization, and knowledge of community resources; they’re even more politically and socially engaged.
- 121 seniors’ programs
- 3,000 volunteers
- 58,000 seniors helped
“I appreciate the opportunity to get out of the house and be with other people.” – senior served by a Seniors Active Aging program
