United Way celebrates another record-breaking year

UWPH Campaign Co-Chair John Wolfe (left), with UWPH Executive Director Ryan Erb, and UWPH Campaign Co-Chair Kristin Sainsbury (right).

Donors and volunteers joined together last week to celebrate raising $2,356,497 for the annual United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) campaign, and a further $542,050 for United Housing.

As a result, this year UWPH raised a record-setting grand total of $2,898,547.

“It may sound cliched, but our donors and volunteers really are what makes our organization tick,” said Ryan Erb, UWPH Executive Director.

“There are so many challenges we face as a region that are beyond our control. Despite that, the people of Perth-Huron continue to support the work we’re doing. We are grateful for the trust our community places in United Way to help deliver important programs and services.”

The success of this year’s campaign can also be attributed to the hard work that Campaign Co-Chairs John Wolfe and Kristin Sainsbury completed.

Their help was invaluable to assist UWPH connect with the community and raise funds.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of our communities,” added Sainsbury and Wolfe in a joint statement.

“So many people stepped up to support United Way with money, time, or both. The amazing people of Perth-Huron made this campaign a success.”

While guests enjoyed dinner generously provided by the Hayter family and heard about the positive impact their support has on local lives from speakers, UWPH also presented Volunteer Spirit Awards.

Recipients included: Gerry Bell, David Clarke, Barry Hutten, Cindi Jones, April Selkirk, Eva Sippel, Tom Soltys, Robert Stanton and Grace Theophilopoulos.

Community Spirit Awards were also handed out to Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB), McCann Redi-Mix, Goderich Mayor Trevor Bazinet, Goderich Councillor Randy Carroll, and Kerry Prober and her teams at McDonald’s in Stratford and St. Marys.

“I was surprised to be recognized with the Spirit Award along with Town of Goderich Councillor Randy Carroll,” admitted Mayor Bazinet in a post on social media.

“Let’s continue to work hard and raise funds, awareness and advocate for those experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness and mental health.

“Let’s focus on being more curious and less judgemental. Let’s not judge a book by its cover. Let’s open the book and read it, the book deserves our attention.”

For more information on UWPH visit perthhuron.unitedway.ca