SOUTH OKANAGAN – United Way Central and South Okanagan/Similkameen celebrated the 2015 fundraising achievement at Painted Rock Estate Winery on May 4.

Community leaders, corporate sponsors, media partners, workplace campaign contributors, volunteers and funded agencies were treated to an evening of community spirit and thanks.

As a result of these fundraising efforts and provincial funding, a total of $485,118 was invested in South Okanagan communities last year.

Community Fund allocations of $115,000 were allocated to 14 local agencies while Impact Funds totaling $370,188 were allocated to children, youth, family and seniors services such as the Child Safety car seat initiatives, South Okanagan Seniors Resource Guide and other strategic initiatives such as the bc211 online database.

The Better at Home and Success by Six program make up the balance of the provincial initiatives supporting the region.

Over 60% of the community funds are generated by local workplace campaigns. United Way prepared over 30 appreciation certificates for each workplace and presented them to those in attendance.

United Way would like to extend sincere appreciation to Painted Rock Estate Winery for donating their beautiful wine shop as the venue and TD Bank for sponsoring the event so that we could properly thank these incredible individuals who contribute annually the United Way and the community.

For more information on United Way CSO, visit www.unitedwaycso.com or follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/unitedwaycso.