United Way of Northern B.C. UNBC Campaign: United We Can!
Welcome to the annual United Way of Northern B.C. (UWNBC) UNBC Campaign! This year, as we grapple with inflation, an uncertain world, and the continued impacts of COVID-19, our theme is “United We Can!”.
Current campaigns
- Workplace campaign (March 13 - April 7, 2023)
- Survive to help Northern B.C. Thrive (March 13 - April 7, 2023)
- Cards for Cash (March 20 - April 7, 2023)
- Annual book sale (March 22-23, 2023)
About the United Way of Northern B.C.
The UWNBC is a non-profit organization with the mission of improving lives, building communities, and being a positive force in the communities UNBC serves, whether in Fort St. John, Prince George, Quesnel or Terrace. For the last 55 years, UWNBC has been mobilizing people and organizations to contribute to programs that support communities in the north. Partnering with the United Way is one of the finest ways to honour UNBC’s special mission and deep relationship to the communities of North-Central British Columbia.
UWNBC initiatives have reached thousands of people and their communities in northern B.C. over the years, and the United Way is currently engaged with 23 municipalities and 86 First Nations communities.
Many of you may already know UWNBC through participating in the UNBC employee payroll donation campaign. However you know the United Way, there’s one important thing you should know: the money raised by all of these activities stays in northern B.C. and helps UWNBC stand with the people, work in the communities, and extend the arm of support to those who are in need.
The COVID-19 pandemic and inflation pressures mean that the United Way is once again facing unprecedented demand from community agencies throughout the north. We also have an opportunity to go beyond—that is, to make northern B.C. stronger than ever. We’ve set an ambitious target this year, seeking to raise $24,582 for our communities in the north (that’s last year’s target of $23,000 adjusted for inflation). Last year we weren’t sure if we would meet our goal, but you opened your hearts and wallets to help. So when we ask whether we can hit our ambitious goal this year, we know that “United We Can!”.
The campaign continues!
Thank you to the volunteers who are helping organize the various events. We hope you will enjoy the fun and community of old and new events while raising money for a great cause.
Below are some of the ways you can help in March 2023.
Workplace campaign (March 13 to April 7, 2023)
Join the workplace campaign by signing up for payroll deductions. If you aren’t yet a donor, you can donate on a regular or one-time basis. If you are already a donor, you have the option to increase your donation.
New this year: Survive to help Northern B.C. Thrive (March 13 - April 7, 2023)
Donate cash and appropriate bottles to play Wine Survivor, Beer Survivor, or Spirits Survivor with your colleagues for fun and donations. “Survivors” will win the bottled donations and all the cash raised will go to the United Way.
Contact a Survivor Organizer for details:
- Wine Survivor: Arleta Lucarelli (arleta.luccarelli@unbc.ca)
- Beer Survivor: Matt Reid (matt.reid@unbc.ca)
- Spirits Survivor: Jacqueline Holler (jacqueline.holler@unbc.ca)
New this year: Cards for Cash (March 20 - April 7, 2023)
Donate $10.00 to “buy” your luckiest card from the deck of 52, and you can win a 50/50 prize of up to $260.00 if your card is drawn on April 7. You can increase your chances by buying more than one card. Email Catherine Whalen at catherine.whalen@unbc.ca to donate and play.
Annual book sale (March 22-23, 2023)
Buy big at our annual book sale located in the atrium of the Teaching and Learning building. Quality books are available by donation, with all proceeds going to the United Way.
Volunteers are needed to staff the tables from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day; please email Jacqueline Holler at jacqueline.holler@unbc.ca to volunteer.
Every bit helps! In the words of our official campaign song, written and performed by our own Dr. Kevin Hutchings, “a little bit of love goes a long way.” Please share the love with our communities through your support of the United Way.
Please join us to make a difference in the lives of our fellow Northerners!
How your donations make a difference
United Way Campaign 2021/22 Donor Impact
Your contributions enabled us to support 132 agencies, 51 communities and 189 programs.
- 46,974 people directly impacted by a UWNBC-funded program
- 147,577 total interventions
- $274,000 invested to improve local lives in northern B.C.
- 2,087 referrals provided through 2-1-1 support line
- 8,126 people received support through help lines during times of crisis
- 4,849 individuals received parenting and youth supports
- 5,588 people in rural areas gained access to mental wellness tool kits
- 12,490 transit vouchers provided
- 25,401 people accessed healthy meals or food hampers
- 9,407 people received legal or advocacy help
- 6,175 times our elders accessed important social programs
- 42,626 feminine hygiene products provided
The need continues to grow
In our ongoing outreach with community partners, we know that the need in northern B.C. has reportedly increased by up to 300%. We know that this sharp spike is just since the pandemic came upon us and doesn't properly demonstrate the deep undercurrent of need that flows through our communities.
The good news is you can help.
