18 Presents From United Way Gift Catalogue Change Lives Locally

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Dec. 12, 2011) - The gift catalogue provides a way to help underprivileged and at-risk children, families and seniors in 23 communities through the Lower Mainland region. Each gift in the catalogue represents a program or service that is funded through United Way. Gifts purchased help to support larger programs.

The Imagine catalogue, available online at imaginegifts.ca, features gifts ranging in price from $6 to $1,200. When donors purchase a gift from the catalogue, they will be sent a card, with an image of the gift purchased to be given to a friend, family member or colleague.

All purchases from Imagine are treated like any other charitable contribution and are tax deductible. Gifts purchased online generate an electronic tax receipt as soon as an order is confirmed.

"The gift catalogue concept is usually associated with international aid organizations," said Michael McKnight, President & CEO, United Way of the Lower Mainland. "We thought we would take that same concept and make it local so that people throughout the Lower Mainland can support programs and services that they, or their neighbours, use." He added, "It's also a great way to give something meaningful to the hard to shop for person who has everything."

United Way of the Lower Mainland is the only organization funding approximately 160 social service agencies to deliver more than 500 prevention-based programs throughout the region. United Way advances social change throughout Metro Vancouver by engaging the community, advocating for change, acting on the root causes of social problems and strengthening non-profits.