United Way Celebrates Spirit of Community, Sets New Fundraising Record

by Bob Montgomery

United Way Perth Huron celebrated the spirit of the Perth Huron community over the weekend at the Arden Park Hotel in Stratford.

United Way Executive Director Ryan Erb announced they had set a record with this year's campaign by raising $2,345,792, which Erb noted was remarkable given the current state of the economy. “We didn't quite reach our goal but we did certainly raise a lot of money and we're certainly thankful for the kinds of support we received from the community, from the celebrated generosity of our donors, we celebrate the leadership of our volunteers all across the region who helped us fundraise and our campaign chairs, the Edneys from St. Marys, did a fantastic job again. So it's just been another fantastic year for the United Way.”

Erb says the struggles many people are facing today made this year's campaign more challenging. He says there are people in the community who simply weren't in a position to give this year and there were some donors who told them they had to reduce their donation this year because of the cost of living. There were others who had the ability to give and many of them stepped up and gave more than they have in the past. They had more donors this year than they’ve had in previous years as well and it's just a testament to how generous the community is.

Erb says they've focused over the last couple of years on housing and homelessness and that will continue so a substantial part of the donations will focus on those two main issues. They also are increasing their efforts to support diversity, equity and inclusion, so those are some of the things they're working towards. Erb also points out there's a very wide range of services available in the community and the funding received this year will support about forty of them and if anyone is looking for help they can always call 211 and they'll connect them to the help they need.

Pictured (from L to R): United Way Perth-Huron Executive Director, Ryan Erb, on stage at the Spirit of Community Celebration with Campaign Co-Chairs Leslie and Rob Edney.

Photo courtesy of United Way Perth Huron