Victoria, BC (August 17, 2023) – United Way Southern Vancouver Island (UWSVI) is assembling the crucial pieces required to launch its annual fundraising campaign this September, including the recent appointment of the 2023 campaign chair: Darlene Hollstein.
Ms. Hollstein, the General Manager of the Bay Centre, has been employed in commercial property management for more than 30 years. She is a renowned and respected booster of Greater Victoria and has overseen many major local organizations, including the Downtown Victoria Business Association and the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce; she is currently the Chair of Destination Greater Victoria. She served as a board member at the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness from 2007 to 2010.
“I am passionate about helping where I can and connecting people and organizations to make change in the health and wellness of our community,” says Ms. Hollstein. “UWSVI’s strategic focus on community needs is essential to building a well-connected community and providing access to those in need.”
UWSVI’s Campaign Chair leads the annual fundraising campaign and acts as UWSVI’s spokesperson in the community. The Chair also serves as a philanthropic advisor for UWSVI, opening doors and cultivating individual and corporate donor relationships on behalf of the organization.
“We are thrilled to welcome Darlene on board, as we know that she will be an indispensable ambassador for United Way in our region,” says Erika Stenson, UWSVI Executive Director. “Her history as an effective and outspoken advocate of Victoria’s economic and social wellbeing, her longstanding commitment to volunteerism, and the respect she garners with her peers in business are all tremendous assets. And she is just a wonderful, positive person to be around!”
The 2023 fundraising campaign will officially kick off at a free public event on Thursday, September 14 at Centennial Square, in downtown Victoria. The event starts at 11:00 am and concludes at 2:00 pm.
The event will be high-energy, inclusive, celebratory – and fun.
UWSVI will feature three amazing local food trucks, offer live music and traditional cultural performances, and host a raffle and a scavenger hunt. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the great entertainment, snack on free popcorn, and enter to win a spectacular prize.
Cliff LeQuesne from 100.3 The Q will be the emcee, and Ms. Hollstein will announce the campaign goal
at approximately 12:15 pm.
The campaign kick-off event is supported by the City of Victoria, the Victoria Labour Council, CTV Vancouver Island, CFAX 1070, Virgin Radio, CHEK TV, and used.ca.
You can read more about the campaign kick-off event, including information about becoming a sponsor,
at uwsvi.ca/communitycampaignkickoff.
About United Way Southern Vancouver Island
For 85 years, United Way Southern Vancouver Island (UWSVI) has served the local community and remains dedicated to supporting people in areas where they need it most. 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. Last year, UWSVI supported close to 63,000 individuals on Southern Vancouver Island in building better lives. That is almost one in six people in our region being helped by a United Way Southern Vancouver Island initiative or funded program.
MEDIA CONTACT
Erik Lambertson
Director, Marketing + Communications
United Way Southern Vancouver Island
Office: 250.984.2269 ext. 265
erik.lambertson@uwsvi.ca
