United Way Perth Huron held a fundraising campaign launch event in downtown Listowel on Friday, September 15.
Executive Director Ryan Erb says they have set their fundraising goal for this year at $2.508 million, which he says is over $200,000 higher than last year's goal. Erb stresses that it's needed given the dire need for assistance in our communities.
"What we're seeing this year, more than any other, and people know this, they walk in the grocery store, the prices are up, go to the gas station the prices are up, try to rent an apartment, the prices are up. So everywhere we are seeing that significant challenge. Imagine you are someone living on a lower income, and now you have to deal with those higher prices. So it's that much more difficult for people in those circumstances, and so programs and services that we support are helping people in that situation every day," Erb said.
Erb also points out that United Way is the largest social funder next to the provincial government, so they're helping a ton of different organizations and service groups to provide these key services to so many who need them. Those include housing services, mental health and other healthcare services, food banks and so many more. This year, a focus of the fundraising campaign will be on the recently established Urgent Needs Fund.
"In particular this year we're focusing on what we call out Urgent Needs Fund, and that's an opportunity for anyone in the community that is struggling, needing to pay a bill, maybe a repair bill for their car so they can get to work, groceries, whatever it might be, they can access those funds if they qualify. So we're really grateful that we have the opportunity to raise money for that and many other important programs in the community," added Erb.
The list of programs and services that United Way helps support is quite lengthy, and if you are looking for more information on those or need to access a certain service yourself, you can simply dial 211, the United Way's 24/7 service hotline. Someone will answer your call, and you fill them in on what service you might be looking for, and they will direct you to a service provider or program that can help meet your needs, or the needs of someone you may be reaching out on behalf of.
You can also find out more about United Way Perth Huron and their service partners, or how to volunteer or donate, by visiting https://perthhuron.unitedway.ca/.
