United Way Perth Huron is on the lookout for a pair of volunteers interested in joining its board of directors.
Officials said in a press release Wednesday that the regional charity is searching for a replacement for outgoing treasurer Howard Minett while also planning to add a new director from Huron County.
“As a non-profit, we rely on a strong group of passionate volunteers to help steer the organization,” said Ryan Erb, the local branch’s executive director. “If anyone is interested in taking on this important role, we encourage them to reach out and learn more. We are always looking for new perspectives to add to our board.”
The board’s treasurer is responsible for chairing the United Way’s audit and finance committee, and also consults on budget and investment matters. The new board member from Huron would be part of a team contributing to the overall vision and direction of the organization.
“Huron has seen tremendous growth,” Erb said. “We want to … ensure voices from both Perth and Huron are heard as we continue addressing the issues that matter to each region.”
Board terms are three years. More information is available on the United Way’s website.
The United Way’s branch in Huron-Perth supports through fundraising a variety of the region’s social services, including, for example, several unique hubs designed to help the area’s homeless population find support from organizations in their communities.
The charity has been running its annual fundraising campaign in the region for the past several months. Officials said Wednesday the campaign has since reached 90 per cent of its record-breaking $2.289-million goal.
“We have been overwhelmed by the support of donors in our community,” Erb said, “but it’s also critically important that we reach our goal. The $150,000 we still need to raise may not seem like much looking at a $2-million campaign, but falling short means there are programs and services we might not be able to fund.”
The list of social services the United Way supports in the region will be changing this year. The charity regularly reviews the organizations it funnels money to every three years.
If this year’s campaign is successful, one of the new social services the United Way will be able to support is the Stratford Pride Community Centre, officials said Wednesday.
The United Way and other community partners supported the launch of the SPCC – a new advocacy group for the area’s 2SLGBTQ+ community – last year, but that support will grow to include core operations if the United Way reaches its fundraising target this month, officials said.
“We realize the current economy is a challenge for many in our community, but as long as there are local people struggling to be heard, understood, and welcomed, (United Way Perth Huron) must keep working to raise funds and build toward a stronger , more welcoming place for us to live,” Erb said. “Please give or give again if you can and help us reach our goal.”