United Way Thompson Nicola Cariboo kicks off workplace fundraising campaign

KAMLOOPS — United Way BC kicked off its workplace campaign Friday (Oct. 1).

Regional Director for United Way Thompson Nicola Cariboo Katie Neustaeter says what makes the workplace campaign so unique is the local businesses and individuals driving the charity work.

“Our champions show up in those spaces at their workplaces and they drive the charitable giving themselves,” Neustaeter says. “We support every step along the way. This is really our opportunity to see our champions step into space and advocate for others and really identify the priorities for the community as well.”

United Way’s goal with the workplace campaign is to exceed $1 million again and redistribute the funds to non-for-profit groups that are serving on the frontlines, such as the Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre, Kamloops Brain Injury Association, and Yellowhead Community Services Society.

According to Neustaeter, the Thompson Nicola Cariboo branch has had workplaces in the region hold campaigns for over 50 years.

“We have had new ones step up even during a pandemic to say, ‘we recognize that we’re privileged to have jobs; to work in settings where things are stable, and we can give back,’” she says. “The dollars that are given locally benefit people locally. Your friends and your neighbours, who you might not even know are in need, your dollars care for them.”

Anyone interested in contributing to the campaign can keep their eyes peeled for local workplace campaigns, or donate online.