Giving Tuesday 2023

Everyone deserves healthy meals and human connection.

Giving Tuesday is a day that embodies unity, compassion, and collective action.

On Tuesday, November 28, we invite you to join us in making a significant impact – for those who need immediate relief and also in addressing a pressing social issue in our region: food insecurity, particularly for seniors. This region has one of Canada’s highest senior populations, with nearly 23% over 65, a number expected to rise 15% by 2025. Many face challenges like loneliness, malnutrition, and financial constraints. Our seniors, who have contributed to building our communities and shaping our social fabric, deserve our gratitude and support.

Your contribution can transform lives, like Ted’s, a local senior who, through our efforts, now enjoys nutritious meals and vital human connections.

Donate Today

Make a donation today and we will double it. Thank you to our generous long-time supporters Lynda and Murray Farmer and Barb and Steve McKerrell for partnering with us to offer a $35,000 matching gift.

A Day to Make a Difference

Make your mark on Giving Tuesday and help us address the pressing social issue of food insecurity. No matter the amount, your donation will create a ripple effect of good, providing nourishment, hope, and support to those who need it most.

Join us on November 28 as we celebrate Giving Tuesday and unite for good, making a meaningful impact on the issue of food insecurity in our region. Together, we can make the world a better place, one meal at a time.

What is food insecurity?

Food insecurity refers to the lack of consistent access to enough food for a healthy life. Household food insecurity refers to the inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints.

Both types of food insecurity are a harsh reality for many in our community. The latter is especially prevalent in our region as the costs of necessities, like food, continue to rise. Countless individuals and families struggle daily to put nutritious meals on their tables.

Canadian research reveals a stark reality: severely food insecure individuals face a life expectancy nine years shorter than those with food security. This issue is highlighted in low-income seniors, where 84% report food scarcity linked to unaffordable housing, and nearly 1 in 5 face this challenge most or all the time.

Why Giving Matters

Your generosity on Giving Tuesday can directly address and alleviate the issue of food insecurity.

By supporting United Way Southern Vancouver Island (UWSVI), you contribute to a comprehensive approach across the region that provides immediate relief through food assistance and works towards sustainable solutions.

Your donation will help us support local food cupboards, community kitchens, and programs empowering families to overcome barriers to accessing nutritious food. These include:

BC Muslim Association Victoria’s Halal Grocery Program
Community First Foundation’s Backpack Buddies Victoria Program
Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Society’s Saturday Market
Shelbourne Community Kitchen Society’s Food Skills Program
Silver Threads Services’ Food Security for Seniors Program
The Galiano Club’s Community Food Program
Victoria Rainbow Kitchen Society’s In-House Hot Meals and Food Sharing Programs

It also includes UWSVI’s own program, More than Meals, which provides seniors with healthy meals and social connection.

Maximize the Power of Your Donation

Every dollar donated to UWSVI makes a tangible difference. Your contribution enables us to support local initiatives that provide immediate relief and work towards long-term solutions.

Even better: when you make a donation on Giving Tuesday we will double it. Thank you to our generous long-time supporters Lynda and Murray Farmer and Barb and Steve McKerrell for partnering with UWSVI to offer a $35,000 matching gift.

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.

Change a life. Donate.