United Way announces North Perth campaign kickoff

LISTOWEL – September is here and United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) is proud to announce the North Perth Campaign Kick-off, sponsored by Ward & Uptigrove, happening Friday, Sept. 17.

“Kick-off is an exciting time,” said Shelley Blackmore, UWPH North Perth Community Committee chair. “We’ll be sharing our fundraising goal along with the positive impact of UWPH’s work on the lives of vulnerable people over the past year. We’ll also talk more about the projects we’re working on to address important local issues such as homelessness and isolation in the coming year.

“Because gathering together as a community is still a challenge, our North Perth committee invites workplaces to ‘Unite for a Bite’ by ordering take-out lunch for staff from one of six participating restaurants: The Atwood Café Restaurant, Joanne’s Homestyle Catering, Diana Sweets, The Kitchen Cupboard, Veky’s, and Roadhouse 23. Our goal is 1,000 meals served so we hope all our local businesses get on board.”

Five dollars from each meal purchased goes to UWPH. The deadline for businesses to order meals from participating restaurants is Monday, Sept. 13 at noon. Interested workplaces can email Helen Dowd at hdowd@perthhuron.unitedway.ca.

Ward & Uptigrove is also hosting a food truck lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in their parking lot, featuring Berlin 95 Mobile Hot Spot for German Food and the Funnelcloud food truck. Ten per cent of sales go to UWPH. Tim Hortons coffee will also be available by donation. For more, visit perthhuron.unitedway.ca.

Campaign Kick-off also marks the official introduction of Rob and Leslie Edney as campaign co-chairs, replacing Martin and Kathryn Ritsma, who served as co-chairs for three years.

“First of all, I’d like to thank Martin and Kathryn,” said UWPH Executive Director Ryan Erb. “Their dedication and commitment to UWPH’s work helped make our community stronger. We’re also very happy that Rob and Leslie agreed to join us as well as continuing their work as co-chairs of the St. Marys Community Committee, where they’ve been so successful.

“I know they’ll bring tremendous energy to the main campaign.”