CFB Shilo team presents the Brandon and District United Way with a six-year high in donations from CAF members and Base civilians on Jan. 30. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)

Members and civilians from CFB Shilo reached a six-year high when teaming up to raise $27,417 in donation efforts presented to the Brandon and District United Way in a novelty cheque on Jan. 30.

“The Base did phenomenally well. It’s the best they’ve done since 2018,” said Areta Donnelly, the Brandon and District United Way campaign director.

Donnelly said the organization’s annual fundraising campaign kicked off Sept. 15 with a documentary film screening featuring youth mental health.

“Youth mental health was our focus this year. Young people in the community are struggling with mental health from increasing pressures, anxiety, financial [concerns] all across the board.”

“We held special events to raise extra revenues. Revenues are definitely down across the country. It is because of the cost of living and inflation.”

People are giving; they are just not giving as much as they used to, she said. However, donations of volunteer efforts are heavily appreciated and needed.

“It’s not necessarily about money; donations of time are greatly welcomed … donating your time volunteering with special events and community and funding agreements.”

Financial Empowerment for Young Adults (FEYA) is a new program launched in 2023 and focuses on hourly wage employees working full-time and renting.

The program has seen a jump in applications from 20 when it first rolled out to more than 80.

“With the high cost of rent and groceries, they submit an application. If they are approved, we will help by supplementing them with a gift card for groceries or gas for three months.
Individuals can be eligible for $100 and a household can receive $200.”

Donnelly said the cost of rent is a factor, with the average rent being $1,200. For a minimum wage worker earning $15.30 per hour or $612 a week on a 40-hour work week, equating to less than $27 thousand per year after taxes, it is not sustainable with utilities and food costs.

“A lot of young people under the age of 29 don’t necessarily have rental support. So, they are out there on their own trying to get ahead.”

She said many face hard choices of paying their hydro bill or buying winter boots for their child.

“What’s the choice? If we can help you put some food on your table or gas in your vehicle, then that’s what we will do.”

Areta Donnelly and Sarah Petro of the Brandon and District Unite Way are enthusiastic about the six-year high in donations from CFB Shilo CAF members and civilians on Jan. 30. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)