United Way Perth-Huron is hoping to raise more than $2.68 million for this year’s fundraising campaign.
The local not-for-profit launched the 2026-2027 campaign through a community lunch in Market Square Friday.
CEO Ryan Erb said the campaign goal is always tied in with their plans to support organizations in the community.
“Because need continues to grow in our community, we need to try to grow the campaign to help more organizations and more people out. This year particularly, that increase relates to the organizations we’re already supporting and their request for additional funding,” said Erb.
He said the local organizations they aim to support with the campaign include Emily Murphy Centre, Stratford Connection Centre, as well as programs like Shelterlink Youth Services.
“Mental health, housing, homelessness, violence against women, those are the main priorities for us right now,” said Erb.
He said they will host a number of events to reach their goal, including Coldest Night of the Year, as well as workplace campaigns and corporate and community donations as well.
He described the campaign as “a marathon, not a sprint.”
The launch comes as United Way announced Marian DeWeaver and June Leitch as the new co-chairs of the campaign.
Leitch said every gift ensures help is available when local people need it the most.
DeWeaver said the community should come together to ensure programs are available for “those we care about, and those we’ve never met.”
The campaign will wrap up in late-March 2027.
Two other kick-off events for the campaign are scheduled for St. Marys on Saturday morning and Huron County on Saturday afternoon.
