WINGHAM — United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) is launching a capital campaign to raise funds for the Northern Huron Connection Centre (NHCC) and celebrating the generosity of Co-operators’ Brett W. Lammie & Associates Inc. in supporting UWPH’s efforts on behalf of vulnerable people in northern Huron.
“We’re grateful to the Co-operators,” said UWPH Executive Director Ryan Erb in a release. “This $10,000 donation is an important step toward raising renovation funds needed before the program can open. We’ve seen the positive impact connection centres have on vulnerable people’s lives through existing programs in Stratford, Exeter and Listowel.”
UWPH Manager Community Development in Northern Huron, Lisa Harper added to the sentiment.
“On behalf of the Northern Huron Community Committee I would also like to thank Brett for the support,” she added. “Our goal for this capital campaign is $130,000. We hope the generosity shown by Brett W. Lammie & Associates Inc. inspires other companies and individuals to join us in helping create brighter futures for local people in need.”
The northern Huron County community has already demonstrated a strong commitment to the NHCC. Last February’s Coldest Night of the Year walk in Wingham raised over $40,000 for centre operations. The capital campaign aims to build on that support through addressing specific needs including refurbished washrooms, newly created office space and installation of laundry and shower facilities.
“As a co-operative, we believe in putting the needs of our clients and communities first to help overcome the challenges of today and build a better future for Canadians,” said Brett Lammie. “We are very excited to make this donation and look forward to seeing it put towards such a meaningful cause in our community.”
Serving Howick, Morris-Turnberry and North Huron, the NHCC is intended as a welcoming, safe space for the community’s most vulnerable citizens to rest, access basic needs, healthcare services, identification assistance and more. Partnerships with agencies — including Choices for Change, the organization chosen by UWPH to operate the centre — mean those using the NHCC can access important services and supports under one roof.
UWPH is hoping to open the centre in mid-November or early December.
United Way announces Northern Huron kickoff
UWPH also announced the Northern Huron Campaign Kickoff on Sunday, Sept. 11 in Wingham at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex (NHWCC) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“We’re looking forward to this year’s campaign launch,” said Lisa Harper, UWPH Manager Community Development, Northern Huron. “It’s exciting to welcome people back to in-person events and sharing with the community all the work UWPH is involved in, addressing #UNIGNORABLE issues such as homelessness, mental health and access to services. We’ll also announce our fundraising goal for this year’s campaign.”
As part of kickoff celebrations, the Beavertails food truck will be on hand serving tasty treats and the Wingham Air Cadets are hosting Cherrey’s Dog House food truck with food for purchase. A percentage of proceeds go to UWPH. Kickoff also includes a concert at the complex, featuring talented local musicians playing in the NHWCC parking lot.
The Wingham Community Connectors are also hosting a free, volunteer fair at the NHWCC. Pick up a passport (by donation) in the parking lot of the Wescast complex, visit 10 booths of participating organizations to get your passport stamped/signed and enter it in a draw for door prizes from local restaurants.
Participating organizations include; BIA Wingham, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Blyth Festival, Centre for Employment and Learning, Choices for Change, Elementary School Fair, Farmers’ Market , G2G Trail, Girl Guides and Boy Scouts, Horticultural Society, Wingham, Hospital Auxiliary, Ladies Auxiliary, Legion, Lighting of the Lights, Lions Club of Wingham, Musical Muskrat Festival, North Huron Food Share, One Care , Parent Council from F.E. Madill Secondary School, Parent Councils from Maitland River Elementary School, Restore, Salvation Army, Town Hall Theatre, Township of North Huron, UWPH, Wingham Community Garden & Orchard, Wingham Community Trail Community, Wingham Friends of the Library and Wingham Homecoming 2024.
UWPH is grateful to event sponsors Pick a Posie Vintage and The Workshop, as well as passport prize sponsors The Blyth Inn, Castings Public House, Cherrey’s Dog House, Cornerstone Pizza & Subs, Great China House Restaurant, Frosty Queen, McDonald’s Wingham, New Orleans Pizza, Riverview Local Eatery, Sunnyside Grill and Thaiville Restaurant.
