United Way Perth Huron held its annual campaign kickoff for the 2025 fundraising campaign at Ward and Uptigrove in Listowel on Friday.
Executive Director Ryan Erb says this year's campaign goal of $2,529,770 is ambitious, but the Huron and Perth area always finds a way to pull through.
"It's a challenge, there's no doubt about it, especially when we know people in our community are struggling, but that's why we all need to dig deep, right? We know there's some people in our community that won't be able to afford to give to this campaign, but others can, and I'm always amazed with the generosity of this community. Every year, and I've been at this job more than 15 years now, we have made our campaign goal," Erb shared proudly.
The United Way funds numerous services in the area, including housing supports, mental health resources and funds to help people who can't afford their rent, food or hydro. Erb points out that is the biggest funder of social services next to the government, and the money raised every year directly goes to helping those who really need it.
"People that are looking for a way to pay for food, people looking for a way to fix their car, people that need to get into a counselling appointment and can't pay for it, people that are in our communities and need housing and have nowhere to go. All those are the reasons why we do what we do and it's exciting with all the volunteers and the energy that's here to get it started," Erb added.
You can also call the 24/7 211 service, which is a worldwide service that all of United Way supports, to access a large variety of community based services.
"24-hours a day, 7-days-a-week, in 140 different languages, help is available to anyone within our communities. That's really profound. You could live in B.C. and call for your mom in Ontario, and get her the help that she needs, for instance. You could sit beside someone and say 'Hey, lets call and see what types of services are available,' and you can do that anytime," said Erb.
There will be numerous events held to help fundraise for the campaign, including other kickoff events, including on Saturday, September 27 at the Blyth Arena and Community Centre, which will feature the return of the popular Loone Toonie Auction.
Funds raised through the campaign stay 100 per cent local, helping ensure individuals and families have access to the resources they need when they need them. As part of this work, UWPH supports 11 partners and programs in North Perth, among them the 211 helpline, North Perth Community Outreach Worker, United Housing’s work on mixed-income housing — including the Music Hall Apartments development in Listowel — and more.
To learn more, donate or learn how to become a United Way volunteer, visit PerthHuron.UnitedWay.ca.