Hello neighbour,
United Way Southern Vancouver Island is celebrating its 85th birthday this year, and looking back, we have so much to celebrate.
The past couple of years came with their challenges, but every year we are reminded of how supportive and resilient our community is and how we care for one another. Last year, United Way supported close to 63,000 individuals on Southern Vancouver Island in building better lives. That is almost 1 in 6 people in our region being helped by a United Way initiative or funded program. From creating local campaigns like Blue Love for Mental Health to pivoting with our provincial partners to offer relief during the BC floods, this impact report is a story of yet another extraordinary year at UWSVI.
Our Blue Love for Mental Health launched our year as a response to many facing challenges and with an acknowledgement that not all hearts are red. This focus was central to our work.
Another highlight is the grand opening of Little Phoenix, BC’s first trauma-informed daycare. This daycare is only the second of its kind in North America, and the research will be integral for advancing policy in this area. Those of you who followed the project will know that we have been proud supporters of Little Phoenix since day one. After much planning and work and some great leadership from Women United, the dream was realized as it opened to full capacity and a waiting list in May 2022.
Our More Than Meals program reached dramatic heights, delivering 50,000 meals this year to isolated seniors across our communities. Since launching the program in May 2020, More Than Meals has grown from providing 200 meals a week to up to 1,500 meals a week along with much needed social visits from our dedicated volunteers.
We are honoured to have been named the 2022 Non-Profit of the Year by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, and we thank you for playing a pivotal role in our work. We could not do the work we do without your support.
From the bottom of our hearts and on behalf of those you helped, thank you!
Mark Breslauer
