GUELPH – The United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin raised $2,704,266 in its annual fundraising campaign that began in the fall and wrapped up on Feb. 17.
The theme of the campaign was “radical recovery” as it will take radical thinking and new partnerships for the community and the community benefit organizations that serve the community, to recover from the pandemic, the organization states.
“When we kicked off this campaign in the fall, we knew that as a society and a community we could not return to the pre-pandemic ‘normal’ when it comes to social issues,” campaign chair Patricia Tersigni stated in a press release.
“We could not simply ‘recover’ – we needed a radical recovery.”
She went on to praise volunteers, staff and the community for helping United Way reach its goals.
United Way has been working since early 2021 to ensure future responses and community investments are meeting the current, diverse needs of a changing environment.
Funds raised through the campaign will focus on building emotional wellbeing and resiliency, ensuring people are connected to supports to help build connection and belonging and assisting individuals and families stabilize and recover by aligning supports for food, housing and financial security.
Several businesses and volunteers were recognized at a wrap-up event on Feb. 17 including:
– Cornerstone Awards went to Linamar Corporation, University of Guelph, OMAFRA and The Co-operators;
– Bright Star Award went to Wellington County
– Local Love Award went to Kirtida Kitchen; and
– Leading the Way Award went to the Wellington Catholic District School Board.
“We are so incredibly grateful to the community – our donors and our workplaces – and excited to celebrate the efforts of everyone to help us achieve what we were able to this year,” said Glenna Banda, executive director of United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin.
More than 200 workplaces took part in the campaign, and more than 7,000 donors contribute to United Way annually.
Donations continue to be accepted online at unitedwayguelph.com or by calling 519-821-0571.
