The United Way Hastings & Prince Edward 65th Annual campaign is closing in on 40% of its $2,000,000 goal
Typically, United Way HPE provides funding to over 50 local agencies through their campaign; on Friday the organization closed its annual application process for local agencies to apply for those funds.
Executive Director Brandi Hodge tells Quinte News, “Requests from our local not for profit sector are almost $500,000 higher than we were able to allocate last year. This is a trend we’ve seen for two years in a row now—the need is higher than ever before.”
Hodge says, “We have a couple of events that are coming up. We have a virtual auction that launches on Monday. So people can go to our website and link into that virtual auction. There’s I think 70 different items there, which is a really great start on holiday shopping for anybody who’s interested.”
Hodge explains there is a new partnership with Maple Dale Cheese in the fundraising.
“They will be selling cheese to the community at their store but also online through our website and a portion of the proceeds from the cheese sales will benefit the United Way campaign as well.”
The organization works with agencies ensuring women and children are safe in their homes and helping young people have access to the support they need to be successful in school.
She adds:
“We work with organizations that are making sure that women and children are safe ion their homes that are supporting people who have disabilities. You know, our youth centres, and making sure that young people have access to the support and mentorship that they need to be successful in school.”
Hodge explains, “The fall-out of the pandemic along with inflationary stresses are making life really hard for many. This campaign needs to be successful to keep supports in place for those needing them most.”
Hodge adds, “The needs are remarkably high—probably higher than I’ve ever seen before. Every single dollar raised matters. If someone in the community gave last year, we hope they’ll consider giving again. For new donors, any gift of $500 or more is eligible to be matched by the Maurice and Marilyn Rollins Foundation—significantly increasing the positive impact on the community.“
United Way HPE’s third annual Virtual Auction event presented by TaskForce Engineering will run from November 14-21.
The auction features a little something for everyone. To bid you can go to www.unitedwayhpe.ca/virtualauction2022.
This fundraising campaign will continue until January 31.
