The Cowichan Valley is one of the most desirable areas in Canada, and yet, for thousands of people in our community, this is not the best place to live. The gap between the richest and the poorest in our communities continues to grow.
Every day in the Cowichan region children arrive at school hungry. There are kids who don’t have suitable outerwear for the winter months. There are teens who face mounting social and emotional pressures at school and at home.
There are pregnant women who don’t receive proper nutrition during their pregnancy. There are elderly who need support so they can continue to live independently in their own homes and remain connected to their communities. United Way Cowichan works year-round to ensure programs and services are available and have funding so these needs can be met for those most vulnerable in our community.
As the largest non-government funder in the region, the agencies we support rely heavily on their United Way funding. Over 20 programs are currently funded by United Way Cowichan and those programs impact 25,000 Cowichan residents — that’s one in three people! The reach and impact that each donation has, is impressive. Our community, the wonderful Cowichan Valley, becomes stronger and healthier with every dollar donated. All donations stay local, assisting those who need it most in the Cowichan Valley.
We are nearing the end of the annual community campaign and we need your help to hit the goal. There is still time to donate.
Make a donation by Dec. 31 to receive a Charitable Donation Tax Credit for 2015. An added incentive for first time donors is the First-Time Donor’s Super Credit. First time donors can qualify for a one-time 40-54 per cent federal tax credit for donations that are over $200, up to a maximum of $1,000. This is in addition to the provincial credits available.
Donations can be made online: www.cowichanunitedway.com, or at the office (1 Kenneth Place in Duncan — the lower level of city hall). If the door is locked, you can drop your envelope through the mail slot, as we will be collecting mail until the end of the year.
Remember, this isn’t a United Way campaign; this is the campaign for your community. Please help us in building a healthy, strong, resilient community, right here in the Cowichan Valley. Because “Together, we are possibility”.