It’s another record-setting year for United Way’s fundraising efforts

Campaign co-chairs John Wolfe and Kristin Sainsbury watch United Way Perth-Huron's fundraising total reveal.

CONNOR LUCZKA, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

After another record-setting fundraising year for the United Way Perth-Huron, the community came out for a night of celebration – specifically marking a total of $4.8 million for the United Way and its partner organization United Housing.

“We combined have raised more than $4.8 million, which is an incredible achievement for our organization,” said Ryan Erb, executive director of United Way. “We set out with a goal to raise over $2.5 million for our annual campaign and needed to raise (that) money to get housing projects off the ground – and combined, it’s quite an achievement.

“... The big thing is to remember why we’re doing what we’re doing,” Erb continued. “At that evening, there were stories shared from people who receive support and service in the community and what we want to help everyone understand is that approximately 25,000 people are helped every year because of people investing in United Way, and it really makes a difference in people’s lives.”

The annual celebration for the United For Good campaign was held the evening of April 2 at the Best Western Plus Arden Park Hotel in Stratford. While $4.8 million was raised in total this year, $2.56 million was raised specifically for the campaign, smashing the $2.52 million goal.

The other portion of funds raised, $2.27 million, was secured for United Housing, which is focused on building affordable housing across its service area across Perth and Huron counties, through a mix of donations, grants, low-interest municipal loans and community bonds.

Community bonds are a new tool used to raise funds. They are essentially an investment in a local property, offering a percentage of return after a short term. Once the term is reached, purchasers of a community bond have the opportunity to receive their capital back or roll it into another investment.

Erb said that $735,000 was raised through community bonds in about three months, a colossal amount of money in a very short amount of time.

United Housing is currently working on a 10-unit affordable housing development in Listowel. Erb also revealed to the Times that they have secured the former Molly Blooms property in downtown Stratford, with the plan of converting it into nine-units of affordable housing with commercial space for a not-for-profit organization.

More details on that project will be forthcoming, Erb said.

On a night full of inspiring stories, gratitude and celebration, the United Way also took time to honour the contributions of outgoing campaign co-chairs, John Wolfe and Kristin Sainsbury. Erb thanked John and Kristin for their kindness, generosity and passion.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve as campaign co-chair over the past two years,” said Kristin in a media release from the United Way. “We couldn’t have done this without the generosity of the businesses and people in our community who stepped up to support the campaign. I am blown away by the dedication of the volunteers and staff at the United Way who work tirelessly to raise awareness in our communities.”

“My biggest takeaway from the past two years was the energy of the volunteers and the commitment of the United Way staff. The team is outstanding – people who give their all to ensure that much-needed services are delivered throughout Huron and Perth counties,” added John. “It’s also been amazing to see the generosity of our community. We truly live in an area where people really care for and help each other.”

That night, the United Way also presented volunteer awards to Ellen Barnett, Gwen Bradley, Sarah Bussey, Sally Desjardine, Karen Dickins, Patti Fievoli, Bernice Glenn, Wendy Hutton, Andrea Loohuizen, Nick Skinner, Tom Soltys, Terri Sparling and Denise Winger. UWPH also presented Spirit awards to Beth Blowes, Peter Maranger & Associates, Ward & Uptigrove, Soup Surreal and Jayden’s Mechanical.

FIO Automotive Canada once again topped the list of workplace fundraising campaigns, raising $174,696 including a dollar-for-dollar corporate match.