The United Way Hastings & Prince Edward officially launched its 2026 fundraising campaign Monday with a familiar goal – $2.4 million.
That was also the 2025 goal and, despite falling just short, the $2.256 million raised last year was still a record.
United Way HPE Executive Director Brandi Hodge says while $2.4 million remains an ambitious goal, they’re going to try again. “We know $2.4 million is ambitious, but we also know what the community is capable of when people, businesses and organizations come together.”
She adds the $2.4 million target is also an important step toward the United Way’s previously announced stretch goal of reaching $3 million in annual campaign revenue by the end of 2028.
With an estimated one in four people in Quinte region suffering food insecurity, Hodge says their work is more important than ever.
“United way has always been about more than raising money,” says Hodge. “It’s about the health and wellbeing of the community that we share. The dollars raised here stay focused on local needs, helping people access food, housing mental health supports, opportunities for children and youth, connection, and the services that help people through difficult moments. A strong United Way campaign helps build a stronger community.”
The campaign kicked off with Blizzard Day for United Way at Dairy Queen locations in Belleville and Trenton.
Two dollars from each Blizzard sold on September 14 will be donated to the United Way.
There are several other initiatives including a 50/50 draw, Cars for Community which sees local car dealerships donate $15 or $25 for every vehicle sold, and the United Way’s first annual impact exchange conference is coming up October 28.
The conference, which is 70% sold already, offers training and leadership development for local non-profit organizations.
Hodge says this year also marks a significant change in how the campaign is led.
Instead of the traditional volunteer Campaign Chair and Cabinet structure, they’ve introduced a new Campaign Leadership Team, bringing together leaders and representatives from different sectors and communities across Hastings and Prince Edward.
“For many years, we’ve asked one or two incredible volunteers to help champion an enormous campaign across two counties, multiple municipalities and every sector of our economy,” says Hodge. “That’s a big ask of one person. If we want to grow the scale and reach of the campaign, it makes sense to grow the leadership around it too.”
The model is designed to broaden the organization’s reach while keeping volunteer commitment manageable.
Members of the new Leadership Team will help the United Way build connections within particular sectors and communities.
For more information on the United Way HPE 2026 campaign including how to donate or participate, visit unitedwayhpe.ca.
