May 2016, United Way Fraser Valley was honoured to receive certification as the Fraser Valley’s fifth Living Wage Employer.

"One of United Way’s priorities is reducing poverty," says executive director Wayne Green, who was presented with a recognition plaque by Gene Bilshen of Mount Lehman Credit Union, also a Living Wage Employer. "Paying staff and contractors enough so that they can live and actively participate in the community just makes sense."

The living wage is the wage required for a family of four, calculated based on the actual expenses a family incurs for shelter, child care, groceries, transportation, education and other family expenses. The living wage is different in every community as expenses, particularly shelter and child care, change by region. The rate in the Fraser Valley is $16.28/hour.