The United Way Central and South Okanagan/Similkameen and the United Way North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap are now more.

That’s probably a good thing, because both of those names were a mouthful.

The two organizations are now one and it’s called the United Way Southern Interior BC (UWSIBC).

Photo Credit: Contributed

It follows the trend taken by United Ways across Canada in recent years, as 32 United Ways have combined their scale and capacity to create 12 integrated regional organizations.

Despite the broader coverage area, the UWSIBC will still focus on local impact and investment.

By combining and centralizing administration processes, however, it allows the new organization to avoid duplication and be freed up to focus more energy on supporting the communities’ most vulnerable.

It also creates opportunities for better response to issues that span across multiple Okanagan communities, like homelessness, mental health and poverty.

Photo Credit: United Way

“The Board of UWSIBC remains absolutely committed to the principle that funds raised locally, stay local,” said Sinead Scanlon, board chair for UWSIBC.

“Local decision-making will continue to guide local community investments, focused on local priorities. What we gain is efficiency and regional capacity.”

The merger was unanimously supported by the boards and voting members of both United Ways.