One in seven BC children lives in poverty

Facts about child poverty:

  • 30% of the region’s 6 year olds are not ready to learn by the time they enter school due to poverty and related factors
  • Failure to address developmental needs early in life can lead to increased crime and unemployment rates.
  • More than 27,000 children under the age of 6 live in a low-income situation


You can do something about it

Consider supporting Vancouver Coastal Health’s 2013 United Way campaign. United Way actively works within communities inside and beyond VCH to address areas like poverty, child development, bullying and care for seniors. Thanks to the ongoing donations from VCH employees and other organizations across the Lower Mainland, United Way has been able to successfully change the lives of countless people of all ages.

The VCH campaign is now underway and while we may not have the same high profile kick off and fundraising events that others manage, that does not reduce our commitment or call for support.

If you’ve supported United Way in past years, you will receive a letter reminding you of your contribution and asking you to consider pledging again this year. Those letters were sent this week so if are a previous donor and did not receive one, please let me know.

Two ways to give

1. With your credit card on the secure United Way website 

2. By payroll deduction using the printable pledge form *

* IMPORTANT: If you are using the printable pledge form, do not detach the bottom section.

Please complete and send the whole form to:

Kaye McMahon
Communications & Public Affairs
400 – 520 West 6th Ave.
Vancouver BC  V5Z 4H5

Support the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation and other groups

VCH employees can also support charities of their choice through United Way if they choose by simply designating how they would like their funds to be allocated. Staff in Vancouver can support the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation directly through its own employee giving campaign at http://vghfoundation.ca/igive/.