The United Way of Perth Huron has raised $1.91 million so far in the 2022-2023 campaign.
This year's goal is $2.28 million.
Exectutive Director Ryan Erb says they're about on pace with last year, which is good news and a bit surprising, given the economy is struggling a bit and people are really challenged to make ends meet with the rising costs of everything. So they're just incredibly thankful to their donors who have sacrificially donated to the United Way.
But Erb says they still need more donations.
“There are certainly more people who are lining up at food banks, who are asking for counselling support, mental health resources, all those kinds of things we're seeing that at many of our funded agencies, the partners that we work with. They are finding it overwhelming frankly, just the number of people looking for help,” he said.
Erb says in times like these, members of the community have to dig a little deeper and so far they are are so their grateful for that. He says they've still got a long way to go but things tend to pick up even more near the end of the campaign and they have several big events planned to help with that. Erb adds, people can keep up with the campaign by checking out the United Way Perth Huron web site.
The annual fundraiser is in it's fourth month, and organizers invite residents to join the effort.
The United Way reports that 57 per cent of people in Huron and Perth Counties earn less than a living wage. This year's living wage is set at $35,262 a year.
Last year 1,018 people had to use the United Ways Urgent Needs fund to help with pressing financial needs.
**with files from Janice MacKay