Campaign Kickoff

Every September, United Way Perth-Huron celebrates the kickoff of our annual fundraising campaign with friends and supporters across Perth and Huron Counties. Seven of our great communities host events: Exeter, Goderich, Listowel, Seaforth, St. Marys, Stratford and Wingham. Check back for updates as details become available.

Stratford & Area

Location: Market Square in Downtown Stratford
Date and Time: Friday, September 19, 2025 from 12 noon – 1:30 p.m.
Campaign Announcement time: Presentation begins at 12:10 p.m.
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at event
Purchase Tickets: available now on Ticketscene
There will be a vegetarian option available
Sponsors:
- Presented By: Sun Life Financial
- Silver: Artas Engineering & Design, RE/MAX a-b Realty
- Bronze: Blowes Office Pro, Resonance, Susan Molenhuis, Sales Representative, Sutton Group First Choice Realty Ltd., Brokerage
Meal Contributions From:
- Black Angus Bakery & Catering
- Grain Farmers of Ontario
- The Local Community Food Centre
- Perth County Pork Producers Association
- Zehrs Stratford

Stratford, ON — United Way is launching its 2025-26 Fundraising Campaign with lunch in downtown Stratford, followed the next day by a high-energy 80s Retro Dance Party.

The campaign kickoff takes place Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, from noon until 1:30 p.m. in Market Square behind City Hall in Downtown Stratford. The official campaign announcement begins at 12:20 p.m., inviting residents to come together in support of local programs and services that make a difference across Perth and Huron counties.

“This is a moment to share with the people of Stratford how their support helps power our work in support of vulnerable people,” said John Wolfe, UWPH Campaign Co-chair. “We’re looking forward to launching our 2025-26 campaign and invite everyone to join us.”

“Our annual campaign is really about the power of community,” added Kristin Sainsbury, United Way Campaign Co-chair. “Every dollar raised helps support programs and services that make a real and positive difference across Perth-Huron.”

United Way is also featuring an 80s Retro Dance Party the following evening, Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Army Navy Air Force, 151 Lorne Avenue East in Stratford. The event runs from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m., hosted by DJ Gerry Bell.

Attendees can expect a night of nostalgic hits, dancing and community spirit. Food and drink will be available for purchase at the licensed venue. Must be 19 years of age or older and ID is required for alcohol purchase. Tickets for the 80s Retro Dance Party are $20 and can be purchased at the United Way offices at 32 Erie Street and directly from Gerry Bell. Only 300 tickets are available. No electronic sales of tickets for this event. CLICK HERE to learn more!

We will also be selling raffle tickets for a pair of preseason Toronto Maple Leafs tickets. Generously donated by a local United Way supporter, the two tickets are for September 23rd at the Scotiabank arena. Valued at $200, the tickets are in Section 321 Row 13, Seats 3 and 4. Raffle tickets are $10 each.

The Stratford kickoff is generously sponsored by Sun Life, Artas Engineering & Design, RE/MAX a-b Realty, Blowes Office Pro, Resonance and Susan Molenhuis, Sales Representative, Sutton Group First Choice Realty Ltd. Meal contributions by Black Angus Bakery & Catering, Grain Farmers of Ontario, the Local Community Food Centre, the Perth County Pork Producers Association and Zehrs Stratford.

The 80s Retro Dance Party is sponsored by ANAF 261 Stratford, Gerry Bell, Aisin Canada, Cubberley Electric, PM Lighting, the Stratford Mall and Susan Molenhuis, Sales Representative, Sutton Group First Choice Realty Ltd.

North Perth

Location: Character Square and Ward & Uptigrove parking lot
Date and Time: Friday, September 12
Time: 11 a..m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Speeches and campaign goal announcement at Noon
Food:
- Wild Boar food truck
- El Milagro food truck
Featuring:
- Dunk Tank: 3 balls for $10
- Toonie Toss
- Bake Sale
- Live music (w/Johnny Borton)
- Vendor Market
Tip Tap machine available for donations
Presented By: Ward & Uptigrove

Listowel, ON — United Way Perth-Huron and Ward & Uptigrove invite the community to celebrate the start of UWPH’s annual campaign at the North Perth kickoff. The event takes place Friday, September 12, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the municipal parking lot adjacent to Ward & Uptigrove in downtown Listowel.

“Campaign kickoff is always an exciting time for us,” said Lee Anne Andriessen, United Way’s North Perth Community Committee Chair. “It’s a chance to celebrate the generosity of this community and share the impact of your support. Thanks to our incredible donors and partners, we’re able to fund vital programs right here in North Perth.”

Everyone is welcome to come enjoy lunch from the Wild Boar and El Milagro food trucks, a vendor market, toonie toss and fiver flyer (paper airplane) skills games, bake sale, dunk tank and live music by Johnny Borton. United Way will also announce its 2025–26 campaign goal. The North Perth Kickoff is sponsored by Ward & Uptigrove.

Last year, United Way raised $2.36 million along with a further $542,000 for United Housing, resulting in a record-setting grand total of $2.89 million.

Funds raised through the campaign stay 100 per cent local, helping ensure individuals and families have access to the resources they need when they need them. As part of this work, United Way supports 11 partners and programs in North Perth, among them the 211 helpline, North Perth Community Outreach Worker, United Housing’s work on mixed-income housing — including the Music Hall Apartments development in Listowel — and more.

Northern Huron

Loone Toonie Auction
Location: Blyth Arena and Community Centre, 377 Gypsy Lane in Blyth
Date and Time: Saturday, September 27
- Doors open at 6 p.m.
- Auction takes place 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost:
- All-In Package is $60 (all bids, pizza and a pop—a $72 value)
- A la Carte (Paddle/Ticket $5 and Bid Tickets $1 and $2 each)

Blyth, ON — United Way Perth-Huron is launching its 2025–26 annual fundraising campaign in Northern Huron with a community celebration and the return of the popular Loonie Toonie Auction.

The event takes place Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Blyth Arena and Community Centre, 377 Gypsy Lane. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the auction running from 7 to 9 p.m. Attendees can choose between an all-in package for $60 — including all bids, pizza and a pop (a $72 value) or à la carte pricing with paddles for $5 and bid tickets available for $1 and $2. Tickets are available at Penny’s of Blyth.

The evening also marks the official announcement of United Way Perth-Huron’s 2025–26 campaign goal.

“We’re thrilled to kick off our campaign in Northern Huron with an event that brings people together in a fun way,” said Lisa Harper, United Way’s Manager, Community Development, Northern Huron. “Every bid helps support the work we do in the community, and we’re looking forward to sharing our goal and building momentum for the year ahead.”

Money raised supports United Way’s Northern Huron Connection Centre, located at St. Paul’s Trinity Anglican Church in Wingham. Operated by CMHA Huron Perth, the Connection Centre is a housing-based poverty reduction service helping those experiencing homelessness or who are otherwise vulnerable. Staff collaborate with community service partners to provide wrap-around supports such as trauma-informed care, addiction, and mental health counselling, along with basic needs including food, clothing, showers, laundry facilities and warming/cooling space.

St. Marys & Area

Location: St. Marys Farmer’s Market, Milt Dunnell Field
Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: 8 a.m. until Noon
Campaign goal announcement at 10 a.m.
St. Marys Community Commitee volunteers, and our Campaign Co-chairs John Wolfe & Kristin Sainsbury, will be on hand. Drop by and say hello (and pick up a free cookie!)

Southern Huron

Location: Exeter Access Centre, 379 Main Street, Exeter
- Event is also the Grand Opening of the Exeter Access Centre
Date: Thursday, September 25
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p;.m.
Speeches at 12:30 p.m.
BBQ (by donation) served up by Libro Credit Union
Food contributions by:
- Foodland Exeter
- Hansen’s Your Independent Grocer
- Sobeys Grand Bend
In kind donation:
- Dollar Tree Exeter

Mid-Huron

Location: Goderich Legion Branch 109, 56 Kingston Street, Goderich ON, N7A 3K4
Date: Wednesday, September 17
Time: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
About: Part of the “Wake Up Wednesdays” feature at Cafe 109 (Goderich Legion)
- Myth Busting: confronting myths and what’s being done about homelessness
In Partnership with: Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth
Coffee and muffins available by donation
No ticket required. Everyone welcome.

Goderich, ON — United Way is inviting the community to its Mid-Huron campaign kickoff on Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Goderich Legion Branch 109, 56 Kingston Street.

The event, part of the Goderich Legion’s Wake Up Wednesdays feature at Café 109, will focus on “Myth Busting: Confronting myths and what’s being done about homelessness.” UWPH will share how local programs are addressing housing insecurity and other pressing issues.

“This is a chance for our community to learn more about homelessness and what’s being done locally to help,” said Michelle Millar, United Way Manager, Community Development, Mid-Huron. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to talk about this important issue as well as sharing our goal for this year’s campaign.”

The Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth, a United Way supported partner, will also be speaking at the event. Coffee and muffins will be available by donation. No ticket is required, and everyone is welcome.

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