Funds will assist those who have been displaced and suffered physical or mental health trauma due to the floods
Songhees, Esquimalt and W̱SÁNEĆ territories | November 18, 2021 – Communities on Vancouver Island and across British Columbia have been profoundly affected by the extreme floods that pose extraordinary challenges for the safety and recovery of people across the province. Following so quickly on the heels of the wildfires that continue to impact the people of our region, United Way Southern Vancouver Island (UWSVI), working with our United Way colleagues in BC, recognizes that support will be needed for both intermediate and long-term recovery efforts for those affected by this catastrophic flooding.
A variety of programs and essential services that strengthen vital connections will be critical as Vancouver Island residents recover physically and emotionally from the devastation of flooding within our local communities. To that end, United Way Southern Vancouver Island is working alongside its provincial colleagues and has launched The United for BC Flood Response Fund – bringing together the power of many to help those affected by the floods.
With the launch of this campaign, UWSVI will be appealing to the public for contributions to the fund. Already, Prospera Credit Union and the Steelworkers Humanity Fund have each generously stepped up with $50,000 contributions to launch the fund with $100,000.
UWSVI encourages all those in need of immediate resources to use bc211 by dialing 2-1-1 or visit bc.211.ca
Bc211 is a free and confidential service that connects people to helpful and vital resources in their community.
“United Way is very responsive to critical needs in our communities and we will always provide support whether this or other traumatic events,” says Mark Breslauer, CEO of United Way Southern Vancouver Island. “We’re proud to serve our local community in times of need but we can’t do it alone. We’re encouraging residents to donate to the response fund as we rebuild together.”
The United for BC Flood Response Fund will support those who are displaced or have lost housing, belongings and/or employment, suffered physical or mental health trauma, and emerging needs.
To contribute to the United for BC Flood Response Fund, visit: https://uwsvi.ca/bc-floods/
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ABOUT UNITED WAY SOUTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND
United Way Southern Vancouver Island (formerly United Way Greater Victoria) is a trusted leader, influencer and catalyst for change. United, we accelerate change to improve the lives of our neighbours who need it most, making our local community stronger. We believe everyone in the Greater Victoria region, which includes 13 municipalities and 11 First Nations and the Southern Gulf Islands should have the opportunity to reach their potential. Our priorities are focused on assisting isolated seniors; families in need; diversity, equity and inclusion; and individuals struggling with mental health challenges and/or addictions. Last fiscal year, United Way raised $6.2 million thanks to over 7,000 donors and 200 workplaces opening their offices to run employee giving programs. Through our community partnerships, over 125,000 people on Southern Vancouver Island received support. Show your local love today by making a gift to United Way at www.uwsvi.ca
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