As United Way Perth-Huron annual campaign surpasses 90 per cent of its goal, Shakespeare-area farm family Duane, Jennifer, Kole and Chase Dietrich are helping the organization celebrate and challenging other rural families by investing in their community as Leader Match donors. Leader Match donors donate $6,000 to inspire five other people to give at the Leadership level of $100 per month.

“We care about our community and want to help,” said Jennifer Dietrich. “So when Martin Ritsma approached us with the idea of becoming Leader Match donors, we thought it was a great opportunity to support people where we live and motivate others to give back through United Way.”

“We’re grateful to Duane and Jennifer,” added Campaign Co-chair Martin Ritsma. “Hard-working farm families like theirs are the backbone of Perth-Huron. As a sector, agriculture contributes so much to our community. We’re proud to welcome the Dietrichs to the United Way family of donors to help support the most vulnerable.”

United Way is committed to addressing important local issues, helping support almost 50 partners and programs across Perth-Huron including 23 in Stratford and area, delivering important human services and creating brighter futures for more local people. Last year, 9,557 Stratford and area residents received help from a United Way supported partner.

This year, in addition to working with existing supported partners, United Way is raising money for its Urgent Needs Fund. Already responsible for helping over 665 people since its creation in May of 2020, the fund supports local residents in a time of crisis with funds for essentials like rent, groceries and medication.

From L to R: Chase, Jennifer, Duane and Kole Dietrich