United Way gives out $1.5 million to causes

NEWS/ COMMUNITY — The United Way has invested $1.5 million back into communities in the Thompson-Nicola-Cariboo region, the agency announced today.

One million dollars has gone into programs and services throughout the region, with another $500 invested through grants, multi-partner collaborations and donor directed designations.

Forty volunteers reviewed applications and interviewed local non-profits to determine recipients.

Gary Winslow, with United Steelworkers Local 7619 and a member of the Logan Lake-Ashcroft-Cache Creek Community Impact Council, likened it to a community garden.

“Building a great community is kind of like growing a huge garden, only it takes many dedicated people doing many different things to make it flourish,” he said.

“As Community Impact Council members we get to help determine which seeds are best suited to the area, what can be sustained and will benefit the people who need it the most.”

ASK Wellness executive director Bob Hughes said funds provided to the agency by United Way play an essential role in helping marginalized people to access housing and employment.