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The United Way CSO celebrated the 2017 fundraising campaign at Hotel Eldorado on Thursday night.
At this annual appreciation event, certificates were presented to each workplace, corporate sponsor and media partner in attendance.
Over 140 community leaders, sponsors, volunteers and community partners were treated to an evening of appreciated thanks to Investors Group and MNP.
Over $1.3 million was donated in 2017, with over 60% of gifts generated by workplace campaigns.
This year’s top five workplace campaigns were Costco, Gorman Bros, Bank of Montreal, City of Kelowna and TD Bank.
Costco alone raised over $92,000.
Maxine DeHArt, a local councillor, was also honoured for her long-term success with the local Drive Thru.
Over the last 20 years, the Drive Thru has raised over $750,000.
“We are so grateful for the support of all our community rockstars. And, we are excited about the future”, says Helen Jackman, Executive Director.
“Our goal is to maximize the impact of our investments by working collaboratively and convening innovative new partnerships which align funds. We look forward to the launch of our new Strategic Plan in September along with a 3-year campaign goal.”
As a result of the fundraising efforts and provincial funding, over $1.4 million was invested in the Central and South Okanagan/Similkameen communities in 2017.
Over $938,000 was invested in the Central Okanagan with funds being distributed in 22 communities from Lake County to Osoyoos and over in Princeton.
The 2018 grant application deadline was April 6 and United Way hopes to invest a similar amount this year.
United Way plans on evolving to meet the needs and challenges ahead.
This will include expanding their community development role as well as convening and leading new partnerships in response to some of the biggest local social challenges such as poverty and homelessness.
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