It was a record breaking year for the United Way Perth-Huron.
The charity announced this week that a total of $2,292,557 was raised in its annual campaign.
Each year, the organization announces its fundraising total at the Spirit of Community Celebration. For 2022-2023, the event was held at the Arden Park Hotel in Stratford on Thursday and featured a meal from the Hayter family, guest speakers from various United Way locations in the region, and a musical performance by singer-songwriter Stephanie Sellers.
Volunteer spirit awards were presented to 10 community members. Home & Company Real Estate, Blackcreek Technologies, and Saputo Dairy Products received spirit awards for their businesses as well. FIO Automotive was honoured as the top workplace fundraiser, bringing in over $101,000 in employee donations, while the company provided a dollar-for-dollar corporate match.
"It was great to celebrate our campaign, as well as the volunteers, donors and communities who gave so much to UWPH,” said Rob Edney, who co-chaired the UWPH campaign. “It takes a collective effort to ensure vulnerable people get the help they need, and the spirit of Perth-Huron was really on display tonight and throughout the campaign.”
The proceeds from UWPH's recent campaign will go towards its more than 50 partner agencies that work on issues such as homelessness, mental health, and accessibility.
Initially, the fundraising goal was set at $2,289,000, but UWPH's supporters were able to top that by more than $3,500.
"Despite the economic challenges our community faced, donors stepped up to help us not only reach, but surpass our goal of $2.289 million. Another record-breaking year," said Executive Director of UWPH Ryan Erb. "We are humbled by the generosity and caring of Perth-Huron and see a brighter future ahead for the people we help support and the organization."
Team members from UWPH already have their sights set on next year's campaign.
"To hear firsthand some of the ways UWPH’s work positively impacts local lives thanks to the generosity of our community is inspiring," said Leslie Edney, UWPH campaign co-chair. "We’re looking forward to returning next year as co-chairs and continuing UWPH’s work across our region.”