United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) moved its Spirit of Community Celebration (SOCC) online this year to highlight the volunteers and donors who worked hard to make the 2019/2020 campaign such a success. Campaign Co-chairs Martin and Kathryn Ritsma —who announced they would return as co-chairs next year — and UWPH Executive Director Ryan Erb hosted the evening from their homes.
“We’ve had some incredible highs during the campaign and now we’re facing some daunting challenges in our communities,” said Campaign Co-chair Martin Ritsma. “But what continues to shine through is the incredible passion local people have for the places they live. We are grateful for, and humbled by, their support in helping us raise the record amount of $1,646,211, enabling over 39,000 vulnerable people to get the help they need.”
Showing community spirit in the face of challenging times, UWPH chose to focus on the powerful work their supporters allow them to do — highlighting the #LocalLove that unites Perth and Huron. Videos showcased the North Perth Community Hub, St. Marys NOURISH Equal Access Food Market, Goderich and Exeter Homelessness initiatives, work on a community hub for Milverton-Perth East and the ongoing work of the United Centre in Stratford.
Leader Match donors — individuals and organizations who each gave $6,000 to help inspire others to become Leader ($1,200+) donors — also received special thanks as did the top 20 workplace campaigns from businesses across Perth and Huron, including top campaign FIO Automotive. Five volunteers also received Community Spirit awards for their work with UWPH over the past year: Bernice Glenn, Dr. Erica Clark, Heather MacKechnie, Cindi Jones and Alisia Williams.
The Facebook event also featured local impact stories. Abby Congram talked about the program she launched with the help of a UWPH Youth In Action Grant; a one-time payment of up to $1,000 for initiatives meant to address youth-related issues in the community. The second speaker talked about support they received from UWPH partner Huron Safe Homes for Youth to cope with the effects of family conflict and mental health challenges.
To show more about the work UWPH is able to accomplish in local communities thanks to the support from engaged donors and over 600 volunteers, the organization also released its annual Impact Report. The report features the #UNIGNORABLE issues of Poverty, Homelessness, Mental Health, Hunger, Domestic Violence and Social Isolation and highlights initiatives addressing the most pressing issues in local communities including Goderich-Huron, Exeter-South Huron, St. Marys, Milverton-Perth East and Stratford.
UWPH also took time to thank event sponsors who supported the organization despite the in-person event’s cancellation. Sponsors include Best Western Plus The Arden Park Hotel, Hyde Construction, Famme & Co., BMO, Monteith Ritsma Phillips LLP, BDO, invest STRATFORD, Details Event Planning, MS2 Productions and Lucinda Jones My Custom Framer.
“We are so grateful to our donors and communities,” added UWPH Executive Director Ryan Erb. “They’ve allowed us to do so much and now, in a time of crisis, they’re stepping up again to support our COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund. We are truly blessed to live in an area that cares so deeply for the well-being of every person.”
Administered by UWPH, the COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund aims to help individuals, families and organizations in need as communities across the region deal with the effects of the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. To help support the fund, GO HERE or mail to United Way Perth-Huron at 32 Erie Street, Stratford, N5A 2M4.