As the annual campaign moves toward the finish line at the end of March, United Way celebrated reaching 90 percent of their campaign goal while emphasizing the importance of meeting the organization’s goal of $2.289 million.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support of donors in our community,” said Ryan Erb, United Way Perth-Huron executive director. “But it’s also critically important that we reach our goal. The $150,000 we still need to raise may not seem like much looking at a $2 million campaign, but falling short means there are programs and services we might not be able to fund. Programs that are important to the health and well-being of the community, such as the Stratford Pride Community Centre.”

Last year, UWPH joined with other local partners to help fund the opening of the Stratford Pride Centre. The only rural-based Pride centre of its kind in southern Ontario, the SPCC provides a safe space for the local 2SLGBTQ+ community to share social, educational and health-related issues. For this year, United Way is working to fund core operations of the Centre if the campaign can reach its fundraising goal by March 31.

“Thank you again to everyone who has chosen to support our campaign,” added Erb. “We realize the current economy is a challenge for many in our community, but as long as there are local people struggling to be heard, understood, and welcomed, we must keep working to raise funds and build toward a stronger, more welcoming place for us to live. Please give or give again if you can and help us reach our goal.”