United Way Perth-Huron launched their 2021-22 campaign with a goal of $2,002,061 and a commitment to continue addressing #UNIGNORABLE issues such as poverty, mental health and homelessness in the Goderich and area community.

“We’re excited to have the campaign underway,” said Beth Blowes, United Way Perth-Huron Goderich & Area Community Committee chair. “It’s great to see how Goderich and area continues to pull together to support United Way through these challenging times and we can’t wait to talk more about pressing local issues and how United Way helps.”

Part of United Way’s work in the Goderich and area community includes a new initiative called the Leadership Project, in partnership with the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario. Over the past year, youth have faced greater social isolation leading to mental health challenges including depression, anxiety and suicide. The Leadership Project is designed to improve youth mental health by reengaging them with the place they live through a wide variety of leadership development experiences. The goal is for participants to learn about themselves and each other, build leadership skills and share those skills with other youth, resulting in reduced social isolation and better mental health.

“The Leadership Project is an important initiative for youth in Goderich and area and we’re looking forward to working with our partners at the YMCA Southwestern Ontario to make it a reality,” added United Way Perth-Huron Executive Director Ryan Erb. “We’ve already seen successes in Goderich and area through our collaborations on projects such as the Huron Housing Advocate and Heart to Home shelter. Continued support from the community allows us to keep working on solutions to pressing local issues such as social isolation and mental health.”