Campaign facing difficulties

A critical fundraising campaign faces potential disaster.

Half way through its annual effort, the United Way has only raised $67,000 towards its $400,000 goal.

“In 15 years, I’ve never seen it so bad,” said Linda Yule, executive director.

And if the situation doesn’t drastically change before the Dec. 31 deadline, money targeted for 31 social service agencies will be extremely limited.

“They are facing government cutbacks and yet the request for services is going up,” said Yule.

Yule believes business closures and layoffs are responsible.

“They happened a while ago but the effect is coming home to roost now,” she said.

The most clear indication is a reduction in the number of businesses participating in payroll deductions. Yule is encouraging everyone to get involved.

“I don’t care if they have three employees or 30, they can make a huge difference,” she said.

Yule added that if half of the workforce in the North Okanagan-Columbia-Shuswap gave just $5 per pay period, $4.67 million would be generated.

“Therefore, our goal of $400,000 should be completely attainable.”

A total of $276,000 was raised in 2008, but Yule defends this year’s target of $400,000.

“This is what the need is in the community,” she said.

Among the agencies supported by United Way are Abbeyfield House, Community Kitchens, the Enderby Family Resource Centre, the Falkland/Westwold First Responders, the Kindale Development Association, the Social Planning Council, the North Okanagan Therapeutic Riding Association, the Shuswap/Okanagan Treatment Centre, St. John Ambulance, the Upper Room Mission and the White Valley Community Resource Centre.

“If people haven’t been giving to the United Way, think about it as a way of supporting all sectors in the community,” said Yule.

For more information on the campaign or to donate, call 250-549-1346

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