Friday, April 01, 2016
United Way Perth-Huron
United Way Spirit of Community Celebration Celebrating, You Make Change Possible
Among red and silver balloons, almost 250 community members came together on Thursday evening to celebrate the spirit of community with United Way Perth-Huron. With dinner generously provided by the Hayter family; donors, supported partners, volunteers and community members enjoyed a delicious buffet, awards and stories at the Best Western Arden Park Hotel.
Moving stories from supported partners were well received by the guests, who welcomed a big and a little, from the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Listowel, their respective experiences demonstrating to the audience the benefits of volunteering and giving. Brigitte Nobel-Waters went on to share the importance of the Huron Women's Shelter, striking a deep cord with the audience. Alexis Gordon, from the Stratford Festival Theatre increased the emotion with a memorable rendition of, You'll Never Walk Alone from the musical Carousal.
Volunteer Spirit awards were given to Carol Purkis, Christine Bland-Kapp, Anne Martin, Shelly Groenestege and Cheryl Mann. Emmerson Kuepfer was celebrated by United Way for his five year employee recognition. Organization Spirit awards went to One Care for Top Workplace Participation; The Hayter Family for Top Sponsor; Scotiabank for Top Workplace Campaign and Accumetal for Corporate Spirit.
The first year result of the three year goal was revealed, with the audience enthusiastically cheering the reveal of $1,222,667.56 - the largest amount raised to date. Andrew Williams, Campaign Chair shared, “The community responded incredibly. Employees, individuals and corporate donors have once again exhibited their tremendous support.” Williams continued, “They know that by supporting United Way, people in our community are able to get the help they need when they need it.” Revealing his commitment to the three year goal Williams shared that he would continue on as chair for the next two years, “The opportunity to continue is an honor.”
Ryan Erb, Executive Director referenced the Living Wage report, published by the Social Research and Planning Council of United Way during his speech, Erb stated. “United Way Perth-Huron provides support to programs providing much needed services to our community now, but it’s their role as convener, advocate and researcher that helps ensure that long term change happens.” Erb concluded, “With more concrete local evidence in hand about people in our community struggling to make ends meet, we are thrilled to see so many take action including local companies who have adjusted their entry level wages.”
Matthew Orchard, Board President spoke warmly of the hundreds of volunteers that work tirelessly for the organization raising funds and ensuring change is made in both Perth and Huron Counties, “It takes huge hearts and lots of energy to make all of this possible.”
United Way Perth-Huron, Spirit of Community Celebration was generously sponsored by Best Western Arden Park, Mitchell and Pearce, Famme and Company, Roth Professional Corporation, Stratford family Eye Care and Pink Dandelion Images.
Media Contact:
Ryan Erb
Executive Director
1-877-818-8867 or 519-271-7730
info@perthhuron.unitedway.ca
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