United Way Hastings & Prince Edward campaign goal launched

The United Way Hastings & Prince Edward announced its 2022 fundraising campaign goal on Wednesday.

At a lunchtime BBQ at the Maurice Rollins Centre on Harriet St., the organization announced its fundraising campaign goal is $2 million.

Many members of the community came out for the announcement.

Members of the community out at the campaign announcement. (Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)

“We’re thrilled with with the turnout,” executive director of United Way Hasting & Prince Edward, Brandi Hodge, tells Quinte News.

“It is so nice to see people in person. It’s been a long time. 2019 was the last time that we had really gathered with a lot of folks without restrictions. So it’s been really, really fantastic.”

The $2 million goal is an increase from the $1.95 million goal for 2021. That year, United Way was able to exceed its goal and received $2,017,629.

Hodge explains how the organization came to its new fundraising goal.

“We actually go through a fairly strategic process where we look at all of the people and the organizations and the workplaces that have supported the campaign in the past,” Hodge tells Quinte News.

“Then we also challenge ourselves to increase those donor dollars. So whether that’s through events planned or different relationships with new corporations and new workplaces, it’s a very strategic process.”

Hilary Murphy being introduced as the 2022 United Way Hastings & Prince Edward Campaign Chair. (Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)

United Way HPE announced Hilary Murphy as its 2022 Campaign Chair during the announcement.

Murphy is the Director of Business Development at TaskForce Engineering and is a volunteer cabinet member with United Way HPE.

She says she’s excited to continue her support for the organization.

“Really it just is something that I think is important to ensure that dollars are stretched. Everybody is looking for fundraising these days.  There’s a lot of programs out there that are in need and United Way does a really tremendous job in spreading that out and ensuring the number of sectors are the needs are met.”

So far this year, the organization has been able to reach nearly 25% of its goal, raising $481,528 with 19 weeks to go.

Hodge says being able to raise funds through events without COVID-19 restrictions has been a benefit.

“Event fundraising is much easier when people can gather in person and so we were able to hold some really successful events over the spring and summer months, which has really helped us get to that half million dollar mark that we launched the campaign with today,”

The overall total raised will be announced in February 2023.