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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2016-04-06, Page 1718 Huron Expositor • Wednesday, April 6, 2016 Perth -Huron United Way raises record amount but still just shy of goal Laura Cudworth Postmedia Network For Brigitte, a women's shelter client, every dona- tion is meaningful and the impact of the United Way is crystal clear. "I would not be alive if not for the women's shelter," she said. "The United Way does a lot of very important things with the money they receive. On behalf of the women's shelter you have no idea how many lives have been saved or will be saved in the future. There's no price to that." About 50 community agencies, including the women's shelter that helped Brigitte, are supported by the Perth -Huron United Way. The total: $1.222,667. The impact: priceless. The Perth -Huron United Way was four per cent shy of its goal of $1.275 but the mood was celebratory Happy 60th Birthday 'f Janmaat Deb April 7th • • •� Love Your Familyfe!. ea orthhuronex.ositor.co • DAD (FRANK PHILLIPS) Thursday evening. This is the largest amount ever raised in a campaign, noted campaign chair Andrew Williams, and it bodes well for the next two years of the three-year campaign to raise $4 mil- lion in total. "I would sum it up as remarkably successful. We engaged the community, we really elevated the profile. We were able to get some really important stories in front of people so they can appreciate why supporting the United Way is so impor- tant. And we've set the tone for our three year campaign" About 250 people gath- ered at the Best Western Arden Park Hotel to cele- brate the accomplishment Thursday night. It was also announced Williams will stay on as the campaign chair for the next two years. Considering the relationships Williams developed over the year and the momentum that's been building it was decided it would make sense for him to continue and he happily accepted. "It's a wonderful place to live so it's just an honour to be involved and the United Way is just something that has always resonated with me. It's great to be asked and I enjoyed every second of it." Perth -Huron United Way executive director Ryan Erb lauded Williams for his knowledge and commitment. "One of the unique things about Andrew in this role is that he comes with fundrais- ing experience. Many people who have been in his shoes Scott Wishart/The Beacon Herald United Way Perth -Huron campaign chair Andrew Williams addresses the audience at the Spirit of Community Celebration at the Arden Park Hotel on Thursday. before have done a wonder- ful job but not many of them have had that experience. Andrew was a mentor and a teacher to all of us at the United Way throughout the campaign." Even though Thursday was the last day, it's not impossible that last four per cent could trickle in. Erb recalled a few years ago he got a knock on his door at home at the end of the cam- paign and someone donated the outstanding amount. �SoupsQN In Seafll Seaforth & District Food Bank's "SOUPER SATURDAY" Competition Saturday, April 9 11:OOam - 2:OOpm Seaforth Community Centres Admission = Non Perishable Food Donation Food Donations Accepted • Peoples Choice Award Judges Best in Category • Pie & Cakea ion Free Coffee If there's no knock at the door though, Erb is still delighted with the outcome of the campaign. "We're thankful for every- thing that has been given. It's been an incredible year and we're poised to grow." For Brigitte, a women's shelter client, every dona- tion is meaningful and the impact of the United Way is crystal clear. "I would not be alive if not for the women's shelter," she said. "The United Way does a lot of very important things with the money they receive. On behalf of the women's shelter you have no idea how many lives have been saved or will be saved in the future. There's no price to that." About 50 community agencies, including the women's shelter that helped Brigitte, are supported by the Perth -Huron United Way. Donations came from all segments of the community from individuals to corporations. Williams relayed one story of going to speak at a school where the kids had been told if they raised $1,000 they could have a dance. They managed to raise the money. Corporations and some individuals have pledged significant amounts of money over three years, Erb noted. The big -picture campaign has also allowed donors to target projects they're passionate about. In North Perth one of the targets is a youth mental health program. "That's been something people have really rallied behind. A number of corpo- rations and individuals have pledged significant dona- tions over a period of three years to make sure that hap- pens," Erb said. The goal for the next cam- paign will be announced in the summer. r i ' CODERICI•: 519 524 7811 FOR MOVIE INFORMATION... www.mawiielfnks.c.a utudmi.,,01.800-265-343A