LISTOWEL – United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) draws strength from the commitment of donors and volunteers across Perth-Huron. In North Perth, Tami Cressey and her daughter, Keely Chauvin, are carrying on a multi-generational tradition of support for United Way.
“I’m so proud to be a part of United Way,” said Cressey, owner of Diana Sweets in Listowel. “My Nan, Ila Rutledge, was incredibly engaged with United Way and even ran two funded agencies. She had an impact on so many lives and we were raised with that same belief in the power of United Way to help our community.”
Rutledge ran the Distress Centre and Assaulted Women’s Hotline in Toronto. Her impact in the community was so great that after she passed away, a memorial service was held for her at the Church of the Holy Trinity in downtown Toronto. Many of the people she counselled spoke at the memorial and shared the impact Rutledge had on their lives through her compassion, caring and support from United Way.
Now, a fourth generation is supporting United Way, as Chauvin takes up her great-grandmother’s challenge to give back to the community.
“As student council president I’ve been fortunate to have so many opportunities including getting involved with United Way,” said Chauvin. “Our council is so creative and everyone is excited to help out. As someone who was born and raised in Listowel, I care so much for the community and I want to do my part to help it become stronger.”
Part of UWPH’s local work includes the new North Perth Connection Centre (NPCC), a partnership with the Salvation Army and the owners of the former Anglican church on Main Street. The NPCC will allow people to access multiple services, eat nutritious food and connect socially and emotionally.
UWPH has also been working to develop a local community hub and the project partners recently began considering adding rental housing to the plans.
“We’re grateful to have such strong, generational support,” added Helen Dowd, UWPH’s Manager of community development, North Perth. “We hope that by sharing Ila, Tami and Keely’s story, other families will be inspired to take on the challenge of building their community through United Way.”
