Tuesday, March 08, 2016
United Way Perth-Huron
United Way campaign to wrap up on March 31
With a few weeks left in their fundraising campaign, United Way is reminding donors that this year’s campaign ends on March 31. Organizers are striving to reach the 1.275-million-dollar goal. “Donations are welcome every single day of the year,” explained Nelson Couto, VP Resource Development & Communications, “But if you pledge your donation before month’s end it will count toward the 2015-16 campaign, and help us move people from poverty to possibility, help kids be all they can be and build strong communities all the sooner.”
“We often talk about a ‘gap’ but what we really mean is the money that will be missing when United Way allocates funding to community priorities. That funding can mean the world to someone in need,” said campaign chair, Andrew Williams. “We’re slowly closing the gap, but we are appealing to the community to pitch in and donate those last thousands.”
“There’s more to United Way than just funding,” adds Executive Director Ryan Erb. “United Way has been a grass roots movement in Canada for almost 100 years. Everyone knows that United Way raises funds. What they may not know is that we also help by leading research and discussions on issues that matter to people. Issues like earning a living wage, youth mental illness, or quality of life for seniors and young families. In turn, United Way knows where to best invest the dollars raised for maximum impact.”
Thanks to publicity in recent weeks, United Way has seen a resurgence in donations. Volunteer and school teacher Robin Rutherford emailed her colleagues to pitch an idea. “We are inviting schools to host a Red & White United Way Day during the week of March 7-11. Staff, and students if they wish, are asked to donate a Toonie to dress down and/or wear red and white in support of United Way,” she wrote in an email. Rutherford will add to her own event by baking red and white cupcakes and matching students’ donations.
Local restaurant Sirkel Foods recently held a United Way day with proceeds from its special United Way-wich benefiting the charity. “In addition to raising money—twice as much as the last time Sirkel offered this sandwich, the day generated considerable buzz in social media and on the street. “It’s that sort of goodwill that United Way relies on,” noted Couto.
“Obviously, we’re over the moon that the enthusiasm is there. We’re just hoping it will spread so we can announce on March 31st that our campaign has reached its target. We plan to make the big announcement at the Spirit of Community Celebration hosted by the Best Western Arden Park together with several local sponsors on March 31st,” added Williams.
You can make a donation or purchase tickets for the celebration by calling 519-271-7730, sending a cheque to 32 Erie Street, Stratford, or online at www.perthhuron.unitedway.ca.
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