United Way Perth-Huron launched the 2021-22 campaign with a goal of $2,002,061 and a commitment to continue working hard to address #UNIGNORABLE issues such as poverty, mental health and homelessness in the St. Marys community.
“It’s great to have the campaign underway,” said Leslie Edney, United Way Perth-Huron St. Marys & Area Community Committee co-chair. “St. Marys continues to pull together and support United Way through these challenging times and we can’t wait to get out there and safely connect with our community.”
“We’re fortunate to live in a town like St. Marys that’s always ready to help out,” added community committee co-chair Rob Edney. “I’m excited to share with everyone the work UWPH is doing locally and raise more funds to make St. Marys an even better place to live.”
As part of kick-off, people were invited to buy pizza from their favourite local restaurant and tune into UWPH’s #LocalLove: St. Marys Facebook page — @LocalLoveStMarys — for a fun discussion about what a St. Marys pizza should be. Participating restaurants, including Pizza Hut, the Sunset Diner, New Orleans Pizza, Pizza Pizza, Skippy’s Pizza, Gordy’s on Water Street, Delmar Foods and Little Caesars, donated a portion from every pizza sold to United Way.
Part of United Way’s local work, powered by the support of donors and partners, included the introduction of the St. Marys Community Developer and Support Worker last year. The community developer respresents a commitment by local partners to support residents in need, particularly those living in and around social housing, understanding their challenges and connecting them with services while strengthening networks and education. This leads to an even happier, healthier community.
“We deeply appreciate the support the St. Marys community has given United Way,” added UWPH Executive Director Ryan Erb. “Whether it’s the NOURISH Equal Access Market or the Community Developer and Support Worker, St. Marys has been an enthusiastic partner in addressing local needs. We want to continue building on our work here and find more solutions for the issues facing vulnerable local people.”