United Way Expands Vital Support Programs Across Vancouver Island

URGENT UPDATE: United Way BC has just announced the expansion of its crucial School’s Out program to combat child poverty and food insecurity across Vancouver Island. The program will now reach remote communities like Bamfield and Kyuquot, where child poverty rates soar to nearly 25% and 20%, respectively, alongside an extension into Nanaimo.

This initiative comes as families face escalating challenges, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising living costs. Trisha Dulku, strategic initiatives manager at United Way BC, emphasized the pressing need for affordable after-school programs. “We’ve been hearing from kids and families that the out-of-school time space has been so inaccessible, so unaffordable,” Dulku stated.

With many families at risk of job loss due to recent tariffs and economic pressures, the School’s Out program will provide not only nutritious snacks but also access to adult role models and enrichment activities focused on literacy, numeracy, and social skills. “This program is essential for ensuring that kids are happy, healthy, and thriving,” Dulku added.

The expansion includes partnerships with Vancouver Island University, School District 68, and the City of Nanaimo’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Department, creating four new sites in Nanaimo. Families in these communities have expressed a clear demand for such resources, highlighting the urgent need for accessible support.

Dulku reflected on the significant impact these programs have on children, saying, “One of the greatest joys I’ve had seeing these programs in action is seeing the confidence that kids gain. This is a time when kids are learning exactly who they are and who they can be.”

The program aims to address the alarming food insecurity affecting many families, ensuring children can access healthy meals and supportive environments after school.

For those wishing to support this vital initiative, donations can be made at uwbc.ca/kids. This expansion represents a critical step toward ensuring every child on Vancouver Island has the opportunities they deserve to develop and thrive.

Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.