How You Helped: 2019 Outcomes Report

Helping one person can create tangible ripples of positive local impact. We partner with compassionate individuals to build a system of support that surrounds the person in need, making the greatest possible impact in Southern Vancouver Island.

This is
what impact  looks like

7,000
Donors

93
Programs

69
Agencies

5
Signature
Initiatives

Helping over 90,000 individuals to build better lives

This work is supported by our generous donors who rely on us to invest their resources wisely, efficiently, and effectively.

$876,070

invested in strong communities

$707,535

invested in successful kids

$614,625

invested in overcoming poverty

$297,825

invested in bc211 phone, text and web

$15,850

invested in signature initiatives to shed light on #UNIGNORABLE social issues

$126,000

invested in collaborations to make an impact in a special focus area

$832,093

total funds designated as donor choice

United Way does not evaluate programs or initiatives funded exclusively through donor choice.

$3,439,998

Total United Way 2019 Community Investment
This investment stays local, right here in Southern Vancouver Island.

United Way is in the business of addressing #UNIGNORABLE issues. They include: poverty, mental health and homelessness.

When in crisis, people often require more than one service to get the assistance theyneed. At United Way, we ensure a continuum or network of social services is available for all in our community when and where they need it the most.

Kids and Families

18,106
people helped

23
Agencies Funded

30
Programs
Supported

16,943

Children, youth, and their families increased their positive sense of identity and were encouraged to make healthy lifestyle choices.

8,500

Children and youth accessed programs and services that addressed bullying and discrimination, promoted inclusion, and fostered good mental health.

1,006

Children, youth, and their families developed and expanded positive relationships at home and in their community.

Poverty

43,011
people helped

20
Agencies Funded

20
Programs
Supported

32,641

Individuals and families gained access to fresh, nutritious, and affordable food.

9,317

Individuals found meaningful jobs, better managed their expenses and supported their families.

5,196

People with mental health and addictions challenges were offered support to promote positive coping strategies, harm reduction, and recovery.

Community

20,970
people helped

31
Agencies Funded

31
Programs
Supported

7,887

Individuals and families were supported to better handle life’s challenges and make healthy choices.

7,362

Individuals and families accessed and navigated the resources they needed to better connect them to their community.

11,697

Seniors accessed programs that combatted isolation.

2,562
Community Volunteers

192,937
Community Volunteer Hours

bc211 is a resource that can help guide people to get the help they need. It is a free, confidential helpline available 24/7, 365 days a year.

4,936
Online Searches

1,633
Calls for assistance

The top 5 reasons for contacting bc211 are:

  1. Mental health
  2. Housing &
    Homelessness
  3. Health
  4. Income & Financial
    Assistance
  5. Substance Use

Success Stories

Erik’s story

Since 2007, United Way has allocated over $1 million to…

Read full story

Bev & Kate’s story

Imagine your life changing in an instant after suffering a devast…

Read full story

Nadine’s story

Did you know? In BC, 1 in 4 children are not school-ready…

Read full story

Help tackle #UNIGNORABLE issues

#UNIGNORABLE spoken word video by Kat Moscone

Signature initiatives: Responding to emerging needs

Our community investment strategy provides year-round funding to organizations to offer programs and service for people in need. We also respond to urgent and emerging local needs through our Signature Initiatives.

  • Held an Overdose Prevention Expo at the Bay Centre on May 8, 2019. The goal of the event was to provide information and educate the public and ultimately save lives:
    • 17 community partners set up information tables
    • 500 people attended
    • 55 people were trained on naloxone administration
  • Covered the food costs at the International Day of Overdose Awareness barbeque and information fair held in Centennial Square on September 7.
    • 250 hamburgers were served and 500 cups of coffee

Funded an eight-part Understanding Addiction learning series through our partner agency Umbrella Society for Addictions and Mental Health. Attendees included not-for-profit staff, parents, and people with lived experience.

On January 21, 2020 we held a one-stop service fair for people experiencing homelessness and/or extreme poverty. Project Connect provided access to free services like haircuts and massages; resources like health checks; socks, scarves, coats and hygiene products; and to food.

  • 400 Hot dog lunches were served and 300 sit down spaghetti dinners were served
  • Provided emergency support to community partner Oasis Society for Spiritual Health so that they could provide Christmas dinners to Indigenous people when their freezer broke in December destroying hundreds of dollars-worth of food.
  • Provided funding to community partner Victoria Youth Empowerment Society to cover the cost of a holiday dinner for street-entrenched youth and gift cards.

Responding to emerging needs due to COVID 19. United Way Local Love Fund in action – see your impact

Land Acknowledgement

United Way Southern Vancouver Island serves communities located on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people, including the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) people, today represented by the Songhees Nation and the Esquimalt Nation, the W̱SÁNEĆ people,the Scai’new (Beecher Bay), T’souke, Pacheedaht, MÁLEXEŁ (Malahat) and Penelakut Nations. We are honoured to live, learn and work on their territories every day.

201-633 Courtney Street, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W 1B9 | 250.385.6708

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