Powell River and District United Way calls 2013 a year to celebrate.
President Ashley Hull told a recent Powell River Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting that for the first time in five years, the local United Way did not see a decrease in overall donations.
“Though our increase was somewhat marginal,” Hull explained, “to me it signalled something, a collective sentiment of hope and optimism. Those two words help define my work every day in and outside of my home because I get to see so much of it happening through my lens of United Way.”
During the meeting, United Way corporate and organization donors at all levels were recognized for their contributions. Appreciation plaques were presented to representatives.
“Today we recognize and celebrate the generosity of so many who contribute of themselves and their means,” said Hull, adding that she wished to use the occasion to express her passion for United Way and how it shapes and changes lives.
When Powell River began its United Way in 1976, its model was set up as an umbrella organization that raised and distributed funds to a variety of charities, Hull explained. In more recent years, United Way Centraide, the national organization, began to shift its attention toward a model of community impact.
“For us here in Powell River, that meant looking inward, opening up new discussions, partnerships and collaborations,” said Hull. “It meant opening up our application process and funding more local programs than ever before. It meant engaging and empowering others to open their own umbrellas when the rain began.”
When working toward community impact, United Way achieves more than just being an umbrella organization, she added. “It is a network of care, of engaged donors who want to see local needs addressed and solved.”
In 2013, United Way in Powell River funded 17 different programs and initiatives and Hull said it hopes to continue being the charity of choice for many businesses.
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