The United Way’s fundraising campaign in Perth and Huron counties has hit 80 per cent of its nearly $2.3-million target, but the regional charity will likely need a late push to get over the finish line by the end of March, officials say.
“We’re feeling pretty good about the campaign this year,” United Way Perth Huron’s executive director, Ryan Erb, said Tuesday. “It’s been progressing about on the same pace as previous years, so that’s great, (but) we think we’re going to be pushed a little bit at the end. We’re thankful for the generosity from the community, of course, but we also are going to need a little bit of help to get there.”
The United Way’s campaign in Stratford and the surrounding area got underway in September with a $2.289-million goal – the regional charity’s highest ever target. Donations will benefit the United Way’s not-for-profit partners in the region, a list of about 50 that’s expected to change later this year when the organization enters a new three-year funding cycle.
“The deliberation around what organizations are funded is always a difficult one,” Erb said. “There will be a couple organizations that perhaps won’t be funded … and some new ones that are on board based on new priorities. We’re spending a little bit more time and energy on housing and homelessness, and equity, diversity and inclusion.”
The rising cost of living in Perth and Huron counties has been noticed by fundraisers over the past several months.
Although some donors have stepped up to help, “we’re finding that there are people that aren’t able to give this year,” Erb said. “It’s part of the reason why we’re going to be pressed to meet the campaign goal. There’s just a few people in our community that are struggling to make ends meet, so there isn’t the elbow room to maybe give to charity like there once was.”
Signaling the home stretch of the United Way’s campaign is Saturday’s Coldest Night of the Year fundraisers in Stratford and St. Marys. The annual outdoor events benefit the Stratford Connection Centre, Stratford/Perth Shelterlink, the Local Community Food Center and the town-wide support worker in St. Marys, all initiatives the United Way has supported.
The United Way also hosts Coldest Night of the Year events in North Perth, Exeter, Goderich and Wingham in support of people experiencing hunger and homelessness. More information is available at cnoy.org.