The demand for local support services has never been greater in BC.
Communities are facing tough times, and the rising cost of living is hitting families hard.
The United Way offers safe spaces for people to find support, resources, and connection. However, rising costs mean there is more work to be done in 2024.
United Way BC helps local children thrive through after-school and summer programs. Isolated seniors in communities need companionship and care. People require assistance and connection to community resources to address life’s challenges. And for many, groceries are becoming increasingly expensive.
Although these needs are growing, the United Way is stepping up and has requested a boost as they launched their fall fundraising campaign, United for People in Need, at a breakfast on Thursday morning at the Coast Hotel.
Coun. Tim Bennett was the master of ceremonies. Mayor Simon Yu welcomed everyone to the event after Elder Lenora White from the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation offered the land acknowledgment.
The Thundering Eagles performed three songs to lift the crowd. After breakfast, Patricia Prince, Indigenous relations lead for the United Way BC, spoke about how the United Way is looking for ways to better serve northern communities.
“New to the United Way is our Elder advisory group,” Prince said.
Elders representing the province will be working with the board of directors to assess the needs of the people and find meaningful ways to serve the communities.
Alexandria West, executive director at Positive Living North Society, then addressed the audience.
“Positive Living North is an Indigenous AIDS service organization that has been in Prince George since 1992. Our services offer direct support to clients with HIV/AIDS/HCV and include prevention education, harm reduction, and the Fire Pit Cultural Drop-In Centre, which is low-barrier.”
The Fire Pit has been in operation in downtown Prince George for the past 20 years.
“We are a small not-for-profit, so we rely heavily on funders,” West said.
The United Way and Northern Health are two contributors West mentioned, along with individual supporters.
“Last year, we served over 15,000 meals and snacks from our little drop-in center,” West said. “But the need continues to grow in our community. Over the past 20 years, we have seen grandchildren come in with their grandparents, and we have watched those children grow up. Patrons come from all over the north and even from around the world. We currently have patrons from Peru. Despite how the world has changed over the years, we have remained a consistent presence in the Prince George community. The funding we have received from the United Way has significantly impacted the lives of our community’s most vulnerable. We believe people have the right to healthy, nutritious, and, when possible, cultural food. We provide fresh fruit and vegetables every day, as well as salmon about once a week.”
One current need for Positive Living North is updating the Fire Pit’s aging kitchen equipment.
“As a not-for-profit organization, we try to make our equipment last as long as possible because we usually don’t have the funds to replace it on a whim. Most of our equipment has been in use since around 2007 and is well-loved by the people who prepare our food every day.”
The demand for Positive Living North’s services continues to grow, and West expressed appreciation for all the support provided by the United Way and the Prince George community.
“It’s all about finding the gaps,” said Lorna Bihori, United for People in Need campaign manager for United Way BC.
“There are always gaps in community systems, and while everyone has good intentions, someone needs to be pulling it all together. It’s really about uniting—coming together and working with our workplaces where they are. Although we have more than 1,500 campaigns ready to launch and work with over 500 different companies and their branches, each campaign is unique. It’s all about partnering and helping them support the community positively.
“When you give as an individual, the impact may seem smaller, but when you are part of a workplace and contribute through payroll, uniting with your staff, you are making a significant impact on the community. That’s where the difference lies—teamwork brings camaraderie and pride. People are proud to work in places that support the community. Giving is always close to the heart; it’s an emotional time, and we want it to be engaging and fun. That’s very important to us.”
Giving is challenging, and it’s becoming more difficult, said Kris Gibson, provincial director of corporate relations for the United Way.
“Philanthropy is very difficult,” Gibson said. “We understand that it’s harder than ever. It’s tough for everyone to reach a little deeper and give, but the power of the collective is crucial. When individuals contribute what they can from their paychecks, it’s the collective effort that makes an impact, and every little bit makes a huge difference.”
For more information about the United Way BC and how to make an impact, visit https://uwbc.ca/.
