Data sought to tailor Smithers programs
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United Way is seeking council’s help in obtaining socio-demographic information to help it tailor programs to help meet Smithers’ needs.
Jocelyn Snih, representing United Way of Northern B.C., addressed council and updated them of progress made within the region, which encompasses approximately two-thirds of the province, from Quesnel-north to the Yukon and Alberta borders.
Over the past three years, Smithers has raised an average of $6,000 per year, she said, with the average person donating $245.
“Sixty-eight per cent of that money has come back here, to Smithers,” Snih said.
Supported programs within the area include Success by Six and Measuring up the North. United Way is seeking support from council in its attempt to gather socio-demographic information to help better serve the needs of each community.
“We’re encouraging community ownership of the issues to help us help you,” Snih said.
If council should agree to move United Way’s recommendations, they would help the United Way by providing requested information to help with the study, as well as $2,000 to go towards costs incurred by the project.
“It’s like four cents per person, so it’s not a whole lot of money,” Snih added. “We can all work together ... to find solutions to those problems.”
In return for its support, Smithers would receive a full comprehensive report of United Way’s findings, something Snih said cost Dawson Creek upwards of $60,000 for a similar study undertaken.
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