Held on the first Tuesday after Black Friday, Giving Tuesday celebrates the generosity of communities. The event is close to the hearts of many St. Marys residents and this past Giving Tuesday on December 1, 2020, one of the causes that benefited was United Way Perth-Huron.

“Giving Tuesday is an important day in St. Marys,” said United Way’s St. Marys Community Committee Co-chair Leslie Edney. “We’re proud to announce that, thanks to generous individuals and businesses, over $5,800 is going toward local United Way projects. Whether it was buying St. Marys-themed note cards, giving through workplace fundraisers or individual donations, this money will go toward programs and services helping those in need in St. Marys.”

Great for any occasion throughout the year, the St. Marys-themed note cards are still available in limited quantities online at app.gigitmarketplace.com/group/uwph. Please call UWPH at (519) 271-7730 for more details.

Local initiatives supported by Giving Tuesday donations include the new Community Developer and Support Worker; the NOURISH Equal Access Food Market; UWPH’s Urgent Needs Fund; and 18 other programs and services. Last year, over 2,200 people in St. Marys received a helping hand from United Way-supported programs and services.

The upcoming Coldest Night of the Year walk in St. Marys also supports local initiatives. This COVID-safe, family-friendly walk encourages the community to unite while walking apart to raise money for those experiencing homelessness, hurt and hunger. Participants can walk any time, any distance, between February 20 and February 28. So far, 110 people have signed up to walk, raising 89 per cent of the community’s $20,000 goal. To register as a walker, or to donate, visit cnoy.org. United Way recognizes and encourages participants to follow the latest guidelines from Huron Perth Public Health and the Province of Ontario.

St. Marys-themed note cards and stickers