The United Way Southern Interior B.C. (UWSIBC) yesterday (Sept 25) kicked off their 70th campaign, simultaneously celebrating seven decades of impact.

Going forward into their 70th year, the organization will be focusing on several key issues: poverty, including precarious housing and food insecurity, mental health and addictions, which includes de-stigmatization, and children91裸聊视频檚 and youth well-being. This includes providing holistic quality of live programming for children and youth.

From his point of view, UWSIBC executive director Kahir Lalji said the pandemic has highlighted and validated the investment in the work they do.

Some people, he explained, have not been able to stay at home during the pandemic, because they don91裸聊视频檛 have a home. In addition, he said children still go hungry. Youth still feel that not living is a better option than living. Seniors still call first responders for a human voice to listen to.

91裸聊视频淭hese (needs) have been heightened during the pandemic,91裸聊视频� said Lalji.

Some issues, he said, are visible in the streets. Others are hidden behind closed doors.

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91裸聊视频淲e don91裸聊视频檛 always see the single mother with two children who are living out of their car. We don91裸聊视频檛 see some people that have to choose pet food over regular human food because of money,91裸聊视频� said Lalji.

Being able to collectively make a dent in these issues, the executive director said, is what motivates them to keep going.

The pandemic did not, however, diminish donations. Lalji said a 91裸聊视频榗oming together91裸聊视频� of community has been inspiring to him.

91裸聊视频淧eople have dug deep in their pockets, people have been generous with their talent, their time and their knowledge. And that91裸聊视频檚 what91裸聊视频檚 needed.91裸聊视频�

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To date this year, the organization has been able to invest over $2 million, which is normally how much they would be able to invest over multiple years. This, he said, has been made possible through businesses and the government who have witnessed that neighbours need their help.

91裸聊视频淭he need is dire, the need, while we91裸聊视频檝e been able to invest more, the demand and the need is even higher,91裸聊视频� he said.

Lalji said Friday (Sept. 25) was a special day for them, to not only recognize the nimbleness of their team, but also the social and community services sector.

91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 super exciting to be able to celebrate seven decades of impact, seven decades of service, and seven decades of collaboratively coming together to address un-ignorable issues across the southern interior,91裸聊视频� said UWSIBC Executive Director, Kahir Lalji.

Another large goal of the United Way going forward is to engage in and become relevant in the community.

91裸聊视频淲e want to hear, we want to listen. We want to mobilize and inspire people to what we call express their local love, so we can collectively address some of these un-ignorable issues,91裸聊视频� said Lalji.

He appealed to the public to consider getting involved in the United Way. The group has several events upcoming, including their annual drive-through event in Penticton Oct. 8, and in Vernon in the middle of October.

The group will be taking a journey through seven decades of impact during their stay-at-home gala on November 19.

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