The United Way Perth-Huron celebrated its donors and volunteers this week, after raising more than $4.8 million through the organization’s annual campaign and United Housing initiative.
The fundraising total included $2.56 million raised through the annual campaign, as well as $2.27 million secured for United Housing through a mix of donations, community bonds, grants and low-interest municipal loans.
"This has been an exceptional year thanks to donors, volunteers, partners and staff," said Ryan Erb, UWPH Executive Director in a media release. "We all know there has been so much uncertainty in our community and in the wider world. Despite everything, our donors gave at an unprecedented level, and we were able to help thousands of local people."
On Thursday evening, at the Best Western Plus Arden Park Hotel in Stratford, UWPH took time to honour the contributions of outgoing campaign co-chairs, John Wolfe and Kristin Sainsbury.
"John and Kristin are true friends to our community. They are kind, generous with their time, and passionate about making this region a better place for everyone," said Erb. "Their efforts over the last two years have inspired us all to be better people. We sincerely thank them for their leadership and compassion."
Guests enjoyed dinner provided by the Hayter family and heard about the positive impact their support has on local lives from speakers. Award-winning Canadian folk artist Dayna Manning also performed.
United Way presented volunteer awards to Ellen Barnett, Gwen Bradley, Sarah Bussey, Sally Desjardine, Karen Dickins, Patti Fievoli, Bernice Glenn, Wendy Hutton, Andrea Loohuizen, Nick Skinner, Tom Soltys, Terri Sparling and Denise Winger.
UWPH also presented Spirit awards to Beth Blowes, Peter Maranger and Associates, Ward and Uptigrove, Soup Surreal and Jayden’s Mechanical.
FIO Automotive Canada once again topped the list of workplace fundraising campaigns, raising $174,696 including a dollar-for-dollar corporate match.
