Pam Zabel and Eric Thomas are hoping to inspire others to help the St. Marys community through United Way. That’ s why they’re talking about their decision to become United Way 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 believe in United Way,” said St. Marys Community Committee member and NOURISH Market volunteer Pam Zabel. “Eric and I have given to the campaign before, but this year we wanted to let our friends and neighbours know more about what we’re doing and why we think United Way is such a worthwhile cause.”

United Way is committed to working in St. Marys to help address local issues. When the St. Marys committee first identified food security as a pressing need, United Way stepped in to help. Ultimately, the organization’s efforts helped launch the NOURISH Equal Access Food Market in partnership with the Local Community Food Centre. NOURISH offers fresh, nutritious, locally sourced produce and meats at wholesale prices or below to residents who face insecurity every day.

Currently, a collaboration between UWPH and the Town of St. Marys to create and fund the role of Community Developer and Support Worker is a top priority. The Community Developer and Support Worker would link residents to local groups, services and activities to help address the #UNIGNORABLE issue of social isolation in St. Marys.

“We’re grateful to Pam and Eric for their commitment to United Way and the care they show the community,” added St. Marys Community Committee Co-chairs Rob and Leslie Edney. “We’d like to remind everyone that money raised in St. Marys stay right here, so we hope Pam and Eric’s gift inspires others to make a difference in the community through United Way.”