Without volunteers, United Way Perth-Huron wouldn’t be the strong, 100 per cent local organization it is. From addressing envelopes, to fundraising in the community to sitting on committees working to address pressing issues across the region, our 600-plus volunteers are deeply committed to the places they call home, perfectly illustrating this year’s National Volunteer Week theme of “Volunteering is Empathy in Action”.

National Volunteer Week, celebrated April 24–30 this year, gives United Way an opportunity to celebrate the passion and commitment of our volunteers who have brought so much to our organization.

We recognize the following people with Volunteer Spirit awards. Darren Boyle, Marian deWever, Pam Hanington, Barbara Kane, Geoff Love, Kate Procter, Kim Richardson, Kim Ross Jones, JoAnn Todd, Kayla Vandenberg, Kathy Vassilakos and Paul Williams displayed local love for their community and dedication to our mission, helping us ensure more than 37,000 vulnerable people in Perth-Huron have the chance for a brighter future.

We would also like to thank Campaign Co-chairs Rob and Leslie Edney for their incredible work over the past seven months of the campaign. Rob and Leslie undertook the co-chair positions in a year when our communities still faced many challenges. As our highest profile volunteers, they were energetic advocates for the organization and helped build on the success of previous campaigns, pushing the organization to even greater heights.

We aren’t alone in having incredible supporters. Volunteers are the heartbeat of local non- profits and we acknowledge the work of everyone who gives their time and energy to the organizations and causes they believe in. Looking at the caring and commitment of our volunteers, we are inspired to continue developing innovative solutions to local issues and building an organization that justifies the faith of our community. Thank you once again to all our volunteers and congratulations to this year’s Volunteer Spirit award winners!