STRATFORD – United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) had a reason to celebrate recently – after a successful campaign raising $2,292,557, it was time to honour the spirit of community at the Best Western Plus, Arden Park Hotel.
“We appreciate the incredible support of our region throughout the campaign,” said Ryan Erb, UWPH executive director. “Despite the economic challenges our community faced, donors stepped up to help us not only reach, but surpass our goal of $2.289 million. Another record-breaking year! We are humbled by the generosity and caring of Perth-Huron and see a brighter future ahead for the people we help support and the organization.”
“It was great to celebrate our campaign, as well as the volunteers, donors and communities who gave so much to UWPH,” said Rob Edney, UWPH campaign co-chair. “It takes a collective effort to ensure vulnerable people get the help they need, and the spirit of Perth-Huron was really on display tonight and throughout the campaign.”
“Thank you to everyone who attended tonight’s event,” added Leslie Edney, UWPH campaign co-chair. “To hear firsthand some of the ways UWPH’s work positively impacts local lives thanks to the generosity of our community is inspiring. We’re looking forward to returning next year as co-chairs and continuing UWPH’s work across our region.”
Two hundred and fifty-six guests enjoyed dinner provided by the Hayter family and heard about the positive impact their support has on local lives from speakers including Elise Metcalf, Andrea Loohuizen, Gwyneth Woods, and Tanya Hefkey from the United Way Connection Centres in Exeter, Listowel, Stratford and Wingham. Erb spoke about the organization’s Community Renewal Company initiative. Singer-songwriter Stephanie Sellers also performed.
UWPH presented volunteer spirit awards to Caroline Baker, Dariel Bateman, Gwen Bradley, Joan Brady, David Clarke, Cheryl Dunn, Kara Greydanus, Marilyn Holmes, Shawn Lawler and Randy Schwartzentruber. Home & Company Real Estate received a workplace spirit award, Blackcreek Technologies picked up a sponsor spirit award and Saputo Dairy Products received a corporate spirit award.
The top-10 workplace fundraising campaigns were also highlighted, with FIO Automotive Canada topping the list by raising over $101,000 in employee donations. FIO also provided a dollar-for-dollar corporate match.
