United Way Perth-Huron has set a new fundraising record, bringing in a total of $2,236,904 during its latest campaign, officials announced Thursday.
The United Way in Perth and Huron counties has “smashed through” its most ambitious fundraising target to date, executive director Ryan Erb says.
“We’re really excited,” Erb said Thursday shortly after the local branch announced the results of its latest campaign, a whopping $2.2 million raised. “It’s just incredible to see the work that has come together from all the volunteers across the region. What a passionate group of people and an amazing, amazing bunch of donors. The generosity is incredible.”
After breaking a local record the previous year, the United Way launched its 2021 campaign in September by setting an unprecedented $2-million goal.
St. Marys Coun. Rob Edney, who co-chaired the campaign with his wife, Leslie Edney, a local social worker, described the campaign’s success as “heartwarming,” especially as communities across Ontario and elsewhere continue to deal with rising prices for necessities.
“Seeing so many people come forward and say, ‘I might have a little something extra to give,’ it’s just unexpected. There’s a bit of shock to it as well,” Rob said. “This one’s pretty humbling.”
“Being co-chairs meant we were lucky enough to experience the local love in our communities,” Leslie added. “That spirit of generosity and caring will help so many get the support they need. Thank you to everyone who gave to (the campaign).”
Along with the fundraising target, the United Way also announced in September plans to focus funds specifically on homelessness and affordable housing.
Three months later, the local charity announced the opening of the Stratford Connection Center, a unique downtown hub designed to offer people experiencing homelessness better access to basic needs and social services. The center inside St. Paul’s Anglican Church, a first in Perth County, is run by Choices for Change, an addiction counseling service, with funding from the United Way and the City of Stratford.
A similar center has since opened in Exeter and two more are planned for Listowel and Wingham, Erb said Thursday. The United Way has committed about $100,000 per year to support the Stratford centre.
“We’ve made a substantial investment in those, and that is made possible by the generosity of our donors.” Erb said. “We’re just thankful that we can provide the basic needs to people in our community, whether that’s food or temporary warming or cooling, or beyond that, showers or laundry services. Those things are really important for people and (help) to get them … on a journey towards permanent housing.”
In the meantime, talks between the United Way and local partners about building new affordable housing in the region are still “in the early stages,” Erb added.
“We can’t fix homelessness without more housing,” he said. “That’s the bottom line.”
The United Way has exceeded its campaign goals by at least 10 per cent in each of the last five years. About half of the funds raised during the latest campaign came from local workplaces, Erb said.
“The appreciation is genuine,” he said.
2021 United Way campaign: Top five workplaces
1) FIO Automotive Canada
2) Steelcraft
3) Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance
4) City of Stratford
5) Scotiabank