United Way consolidating in Okanagan, Shuswap

The United Way in the Okanagan and Shuswap is combing its regional boards.

The United Way Central, South Okanagan Similkameen and United Way North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap will merge effective April 2019, according to a media issued today, Oct. 29.

The United Way says it hopes to combine and centralize administrative functions, processes and systems in an effort to ensure a strong and efficient regional organization.

Combining efforts means better efficiencies and avoiding duplication, United Way board chair Sinead Scanlon says.

“Our board remain absolutely committed to the principle that funds raised locally, stay local. Local decision-making will continue to guide local community investments, focused on local priorities. What we gain is efficiency and the regional capacity to share what works,” Scanlon said in the release.

“For many years, our neighbouring United Ways have enjoyed a supportive, collaborative relationship – sharing ideas and working together on several programs,” says North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap board president Debbie Bagnall says in the release. “We have developed a strong and trusted relationship. On several occasions, we have explored the idea that we should come together, but only now have we decided that the time is right."

The merger of the three boards will also create opportunities to respond to issues common to the wider region, the United Way says.

A recruitment process will start next month for a new community engagement manager for the North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap region, who will be based locally but will be part of the regional team.

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