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The Times Advocate, 2004-11-17, Page 3535 Exeter Times–Advocate Wednesday, November 17, 2004 Huron United Way seeks $200,000 goal By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — The Huron United Way has reached the 50 per cent mark of its goal for the 2004-05 fundraising campaign. Executive director Kimberley Payne, who re -joined the Huron United Way in June after spending four years in Chatham -Kent and Tilbury, said the fundraising agency has a goal of $200,000 for this year. She said the Huron United Way has achieved that number in the past, but not in several years. She said it's important to get back to that number because some of the 13 agencies that rely on funding from the United Way are facing service cuts. The 2004 campaign ends Dec. 31. "Last year we raised $138,000, and we're going to fly past that," Payne said, adding many of the agencies funded by the United Way don't get any government funding. Over 20,000 people (one in three) use the programs and services provided by the agencies the United Way funds. Payne said the Huron United Way provides a lot of services to the southern portion of the county, but traditionally the donations come from the northern end. Chairing the campaign this year is the Ross fam- ily from Bayfield — lawyers Heather and Paul, their son Quinn and his wife Erin. Quinn, a recent law school gradu- ate, is articling for his parents' law firm in Goderich, while Erin works in the psychology department at the University of Western Ontario. Paul also sits on the Huron United Way's board of directors and is in his second term. He credits Payne with re -energizing the IIuron United Way in a short time since she returned. He said one of the nice things about living in a small community is you get to give back and see the results. As lawyers, Quinn said the work he and his par- ents do depends on the services the United Way's agencies provide to their clients. He said many services wouldn't exist without the United Way and his family's involve- ment is "the response of anyone with a social con- science." Payne was in the area last week, along with Paul and Quinn, visiting two of the United Way's contributors, Dashwood Industries and Kraft. The United Way campaign at Dashwood Industries 100th birthday raised $17,000 this year, $9,616 of which goes to Huron. The rest goes to various other United Ways. Dashwood Industries has raised money for the Huron United Way since 2000, and the donation gets larger every year, Payne said. Ninety-eight employees took part in this year's campaign. Payne also presented a plaque of appreciation to Kraft employees in Exeter for that compa- ny's yearly donations to the Huron United Way. Kraft (the employees and the company) have raised $108,000 for the United Way since 1999, and its goal this year is $18,000. Kraft is holding a book fair Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Training Centre to raise money for the United Way. The event is open to the public. The company also holds raffles, a penny sale, chocolate sales and has payroll deductions to raise money. Barb Hartman of Kraft said the company is com- mitted to making a dif- ference in the communi- ty. To help the Huron United Way, call 524- 7900. You can also visit www. huron. unitedway. c a Dashwood Industries raised $9,616 for the Huron United Way this year, exceed- ing last year's total of $7,200.The company presented the money to the United Way last week.Above, in front from left, are Suzanne Davis and Jane Crowley of Dashwood Industries and Paul Ross of the Huron United Way campaign team; in back from left are Quinn Ross of the campaign team, Huron United Way execu- tive director Kimberley Payne, and Sharon Miller and Bev Thompson of Dashwood Industries. Below, the Huron United Way presented an appreciation plaque to Kraft for its fundraising efforts over the years. Kraft hopes to raise $18,000 for the Huron United Way this year. In front from left are Tammy Bannister of Kraft, Quinn Ross, and Barb Hartman and Stephanie Rader of Kraft; in back from left are Linda Lenting of Kraft, Paul Ross and Payne and Brian Wedlake of Kraft. (photos/Scott Nixon) Joe Bruce celebrated his 100th birthday at Exeter Villa Saturday. Shown with him are family members Bob and Gloria Hayter, June Hayter and Earl and Dorothy Bandahl. (photo/Mary Simmons) Opposition Deputy Leader Elizabeth Witmer was the guest speaker at the Exeter Legion's Remembrance Day banquet Nov. 1 I . Witmer spoke about her personal connection to R.E. Pooley Branch 167, of which her dad was a member. She also spoke about the stories she heard from her parents about life in Holland during the Second World War and the importance of keeping those memories alive for future generations. (photo/Mary Simmons)