Several local organizations have received contributions from the United Way Community Fund.
This past month, members of the 100 Mile House Community Impact Council (CIC) allocated more than $10,000 to support five local non-profit organizations.
In each community, CICs consist of volunteer representatives who make funding decisions for local United Way campaigns, based on area funding needs and priorities.
This round of 2011 funding went to the Canim Lake Band, School District 27 – Student Support Services, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – South Cariboo Branch, 100 Mile House & District Women’s Centre Society and Old Age Pensioner Organization 176 – Lac la Hache.
United Way executive director Brenda Aynsley and CIC members presented cheques to the happy recipients at the CMHA office on Nov. 2.
A CIC member and 100 Mile Free Press publisher Chris Nickless says it is a rewarding experience helping worthwhile causes.
"United Way and the local [CIC] is very pleased to be able to assist the community by way of this funding, and encourages businesses to consider getting on board with the payroll deduction campaign."
Whether a business does its own payroll or uses a third-party organization, payroll deductions are easy to set up, and businesses may opt to match employee funds to effectively double the donations and encourage participation.
Employees can sign up for payroll deductions to donate as little or as much as they want, with related tax benefits applied immediately on their paycheque.
CICs make funding decisions for locally-raised United Way donations, based on funding needs and priorities.
United Way community development co-ordinator Danalee Coates says there are three areas of focus in Community Fund grants, consisting of Poverty to Possibility, Growing up Great, and Strong Communities, one of which applied to each of the five recipients in 100 Mile House.
For more information, visit the website at www.unitedwaytnc.ca/ or contact Coates at 250-372-9933 or e-mail to danalee@unitedwaytnc.ca.