United Way is celebrating Volunteer Week and the passion and commitment of the volunteers who bring so much to the organization.
“We’re proud to acknowledge the incredible people across our region who help make United Way Perth-Huron the strong, 100% local organization it is,” said Executive Director, Ryan Erb. “Volunteers contribute to what we do in so many ways, from addressing envelopes, to fundraising in the community to sitting on our Board and committees that work on an incredible variety of pressing issues in the communities we care about. We deeply appreciate every one of our 600-plus volunteers and the time and effort they invest in United Way’s work.”
At the recent Spirit of Community Celebration marking the end of the 2023/24 fundraising campaign, United Way took time to recognize seven people seven people from across Perth-Huron with Volunteer Spirit awards, in appreciation of the work they did on the organization’s behalf in their regions.
Lee Anne Andriessen (North Perth)
At the heart of a strong Community Committee is a dedicated Chair. With a long history of volunteerism in North Perth, Lee Anne was recruited to the North Perth Committee in 2021 and became Chair in 2022. She has been an outstanding advocate and spokesperson and is also at the heart of many successful events, including the 2023 Women of Distinction event, and a long-standing fashion show fundraising event. Lee Anne has a passion for her community and is a pleasure to work with.
Andrea Bernard (Stratford & Area)
Andrea has an energy and can-do spirit that is contagious! She is the kind of volunteer every organization needs, and we are so lucky to have her. She selflessly gives her time and ideas to the Stratford Kickoff and Coldest Night of the Year and arrives with a smile and eager to do the job at hand. She exemplifies the true spirit of community, and we are grateful Andrea is part of the United Way team. Her willingness to go above and beyond inspires us. Thank you for being you, Andrea. Never change.
Don Dingwall (St. Marys & Area)
Don is an integral part of the St. Marys Community Committee. He came to us as a representative of St. Marys Community Living where he has been the Community Resource Coordinator for many years. Don brings a warm and open heart to his volunteerism, regularly helping at the Nourish Market and at events throughout the year. We are grateful for his endless optimism and willingness to be a bridge between United Way and the many service providers we collaborate with in St Marys.
Tabatha Fisher (Goderich & Area)
Tabatha is a valued member of our Goderich & Area Community Committee. Thanks to her leadership, the Lovely Libro People team has raised close to $7,500 the past three years of the Goderich Coldest Night of the Year walk. This year, Tabatha was also instrumental in helping us organize and decorate a float for the Goderich and Seaforth Santa Claus parades. Despite a busy career as Community Manager at Libro Credit Union in Goderich, family life, and her other volunteering, Tabatha is always willing to donate her time, talent, and abilities, and for that we are grateful!
Wendy Haggitt (Southern Huron)
Wendy has been part of the Southern Huron Community Committee since its grassroots beginning as Street to Feet. Her commitment to her community is second only to her commitment to taking care of our most vulnerable population. Wendy was also part of United Way’s Community Impact and Allocations Committee until her desire to do more for her community led to her running for and winning a seat on South Huron Council. To know Wendy is to know her fun-loving, strong-willed personality which she uses to strengthen the community she cares about.
Susan Moffat (Board of Directors)
Susan is finishing her final year on our Board of Directors in July 2024 and is a long-standing volunteer who has served on several United Way committees, including Audit and Finance, Governance and Development, and Community Impact and Allocations. She has also been on our Executive as the Vice-Chair, then Chair and now Past Chair. Her commitment to United Way has been unwavering, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic, and we appreciate her dedication.
Patricia Smith (Northern Huron)
Patricia Smith has been on the Northern Huron Community Committee since its inception in 2021. Her passion and commitment to her local community shines through in all her volunteer efforts with United Way. Whether attending committee meetings, supporting fundraising events, or offering her support and feedback, Patricia always gives 100%, and for that we are grateful.
These volunteers displayed love for their community and dedication to United Way’s mission of helping ensure vulnerable people across the region have the chance for a brighter future.
We also recognize outgoing Campaign Co-chairs Rob and Leslie Edney for their work over the past three years. As the organization’s highest profile volunteers, they have been advocates for the organization and helped push the organization to even greater heights.