The co-chairs for this year's United Way fundraising campaign in Chatham-Kent know first-hand what it's like to receive help when you need it the most.
Patricia Wright was supported by agencies that are funded by the United Way after she was hit by a car and suffered a traumatic brain injury.
"I received services from Family Services Chatham-Kent, the Epilepsy Support Centre, and New Beginnings," says Wright. "Thanks to them I have recovered, but we need help so that more people like myself and receive the services."
The campaign's other co-chair, Steve Pratt, received help from a United Way funded agency while he was struggling with mental illness and addiction.
Pratt admits it can be a bit terrifying to admit that he needed to ask for help to get back on his feet, but says the end result is worth it.
"Just watching the reaction of people when we do share our stories," says Pratt. "People are leaning in and paying attention, and they're coming up to us and wanting to support [the United Way], and sharing their own stories -- it's been very empowering."
Wright and Pratt were announced as co-chairs for the 2016 fundraising campaign at the local United Way's annual general meeting in Chatham.
