United Way Pembina Valley reaches 2023-24 goal of over $150,000

After wrapping up the 2023-24 campaign, Pembina Valley United Way is recognizing the community's generosity. 

"It's a very exciting year for United Way," said Levi Taylor, President of the organization. "This year we set a lofty campaign goal to raise over $150,000. We're excited and absolutely thrilled to announce that we have met that goal."

That will enable the organization to grant back to 31 different local not-for-profits, as well as distribute $7500 to senior students at the three local high schools in Winkler and Morden. Scholarships and bursaries will be awarded to graduates of Garden Valley Collegiate, Northlands Parkway Collegiate, and Morden Collegiate in June.

United Way Pembina Valley President Levi Taylor

Taylor says they feel like they've really found their stride as the United Way Pembina Valley.

"There's always going to be challenges and obstacles after a merger. Combine that with the different COVID seasons and stuff like that.  Most importantly, the community has rallied behind the group. We received generous donations from individuals and businesses. We're very excited to have reached this goal this year."

With 31 different organizations assisted through the organization's grants, Taylor says they were able to diversify fairly well.

"We receive a lot of applications. The details of their submission are in those applications. We go through a review process to see if those recipients meet the United Way's objectives. We try and diversify who we're granting to - whether it's seniors or daycares or arts and sports." 

Most importantly, he adds, the money raised will have a significant impact in the community.

"On those who need it, and the different organizations, whether it's a handy van or it's the cheer board or the daycare center. It's going to be far reaching."

Winkler Mayor Henry Siemens thanked the organizations for the work they do to support individuals in the community.

In a news release, Taylor expressed gratitude to each and every person and business who made a donation to this year’s campaign. 

"Your generosity has allowed us to support more local programs, services, and projects than we have in years."

 

2023-2024 Recipients and projects: 

500 Stephen Street Community Centre—$7,900 for ongoing programming

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Pembina Valley—$10,500 for mentoring programs.

Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation—$6,600 for specialized pediatrics equipment.

Central Station Community Centre—$8,150 for the Café 545 community meal program.

Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba—$1,250 in support of the local sledge hockey program.

Eden Health Care Services—$6,250 in support of the volunteer program.

Gateway Resources—$5,600 towards the purchase of a wheelchair accessible swing for day program participants.

Genesis House—$6,150 ongoing programming for the victims of domestic violence.

Katie Cares—$3,100 to change existing space at the respite home into a work/storage area.

Many Hands Resource Centre—$8,100 towards the purchase of a vehicle for food bank deliveries.

Manitoba Choral Association—$900 in support of the Central Manitoba Youth Choir program.

Miami Recreation & Play Spaces—$1,000 in support of free community paint nights.

Morden Activity Centre—$3,650 towards a marketing campaign to raise awareness about the centre’s programming for seniors.

Morden Cheer Board—$6,150 towards the Christmas hamper program.

Morden Community Handi-van—$4,100 towards a new vehicle.

Morden Parent & Child Resource Centre—$2,750 towards operational costs.

Morden School Aged Programming Committee—$6,650 for after-school programming.

Pembina Counselling Centre—$4,000 in support of the sliding fee scale to make counselling accessible to all.

Pembina Hills Arts Council—$850 for art materials.

Pembina Valley Humane Society—$550 in support of the low cost spay/neuter program.

Pembina Valley Pregnancy Care Centre—$4,800 for pregnancy support services.

Regional Connections—$3,000 in support of Winterfest programming.

Salem Home—$6,850 to support the director of community engagement position.

Scholarships and bursaries—$7,500 to graduating students of GVC, NPC, and Morden Collegiate

South Central Cancer Resource—$6,150 towards transportation program

The Bunker—$6,400 for the Industrial Eats restaurant project.

The Gardens on Tenth—$1,900 towards facility renovations.

Winkler Arts and Culture—$1,150 for the after-school art program.

Winkler Day Care Centre—$2,500 to purchase outdoor musical playground instruments.

Winkler Family Resource Centre—$3,100 toward the lending library and the Stay & Play program.

Winkler Senior Centre—$5,350 for the volunteer coordinator position.

Youth for Christ Morden—$7,100 toward backyard improvements.