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Colwood's Harry Prior, 94 makes giving an annual tradition

United Way celebrates its longtime donors, including 77-year contributor
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United Way Red Feather donor and Colwood resident Harry Prior was celebrated last week at Government House alongside 475 other donors

Colwood resident Harry Prior personifies the meaning of dedication and commitment.

He sat shoulder to shoulder with fellow donors to the United Way of Greater Victoria who were honoured last week with a special tea at Government House marking their 25 or more years of support for the community non-profit group funding agency.

Prior, 94, tops the list of United Way Red Feather donors, having been a regular contributor since the organization’s inception in 1937, an incredible 77 years.

“It all started with my wife and myself, and when the children came along, we used to have them go up and down Hillside knocking on doors and asking people (to give),” he said.

His two sons now have families of their own, Prior said.

The red feather was adopted in 1949 as a national symbol for United Way fundraising and community building. At that time, donors often wore a red feather during the annual fundraising campaign to show their commitment to humanitarian giving.

Prior, who calls United Way one of his “pet charities,” was one of 475 donors celebrated for their quarter century or more of giving to the organization.

For more information about donating to the United Way or getting involved as a volunteer, visit uwgv.org.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com