United Way Hastings & Prince Edward Announces 2025 Campaign Co-Chairs: Victor & Jodi Cooper  

Belleville, ON – United Way Hastings & Prince Edward (HPE) is proud to announce Victor and Jodi Cooper as the 2025 United Way Campaign Co-Chairs. For the first time in many years, the annual fundraising campaign will be guided by a dynamic duo, bringing their creativity, community spirit, and passion for change to this vital role.

Each year, United Way HPE appoints a Campaign Chair to lead the annual fundraising effort, supported by a dedicated volunteer Campaign Cabinet. The Chair serves as the community champion for the campaign—raising awareness, inspiring generosity, and rallying local businesses, organizations, and individuals to get involved. The Coopers are already hard at work, busily recruiting their volunteer Cabinet members to help steer this year’s campaign. Together, they are focused on building momentum, strengthening community connections, and ensuring the success of one of the most important fundraising efforts in the region.

Victor, founder of Eighty Twenty Studio, is an award-winning filmmaker known for capturing the stories that bring our community to life. His creative work has helped shine a spotlight on local issues and inspire change. He is also a well-loved local musician, connecting people through music and storytelling. Jodi, an art therapist and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), previously served as United Way HPE’s Director of Community Impact. In that role, she worked closely with local agencies and donors to ensure funding was directed to where it was most needed. Her insight into both the challenges and strengths of the community uniquely positions her to co-lead this campaign. Married since 2004, Victor and Jodi combine creative vision, deep relationships, and a passion for advocacy, making them an inspiring team to lead the 2025 campaign.

“We’ve seen first-hand the difference United Way makes in people’s lives. To be asked to lead this campaign is both humbling and exciting. This is about neighbours helping neighbours, and we’re eager to roll up our sleeves and get to work alongside an incredible team of volunteers and donors,” said Victor Cooper.

“This campaign is about more than dollars—it’s about building a stronger, more connected community where everyone has the chance to thrive. We know the challenges are real, but we also know the generosity of this community is unmatched. We’re excited to harness that energy to create real change together,” added Jodi Cooper.

Brandi Hodge, Executive Director of United Way HPE, expressed her enthusiasm for the Coopers’ leadership. “We are thrilled to welcome Victor and Jodi as our 2025 Campaign Co-Chairs. Their energy, creativity, and community spirit are exactly what this campaign needs. At a time when more families are struggling with the rising cost of living, housing instability, and mental health challenges, the United Way campaign is more important than ever. Together, we will ensure that critical programs and services remain strong for those who need them most.”

The United Way HPE Campaign is vital to the social fabric of the community. Funds raised each year support a network of local programs and services that help people when and where they need it most—whether it’s access to food, shelter, mental health supports, or programs for children and families. This collective effort ensures that no one faces life’s challenges alone, and that together, we can build a community where everyone belongs.