United Way Hastings & Prince Edward Launches 2019 Fundraising Campaign

United Way Hastings & Prince Edward officially launched the 2019 fall fundraising campaign by announcing a goal of $1,950,000 at the annual breakfast held at the Quinte Mall. The 2019 Campaign Chair, Don Williams, and Campaign Cabinet members were introduced.

Williams is the Business Site Director of Kennametal Stellite (formerly Deloro Stellite).He holds a degree in Metallurgical Engineering, a Masters Degree in Business Administration and has extensive experience in business planning & strategic management processes. “His personal commitment to United Way Hastings & Prince Edward and our mandate to support our whole community is incredible” says Brandi Hodge, Executive Director, Untied Way HPE “he is a personal donor – he ensures Kennametal is well resourced to run an internal payroll deduction campaign – and he is a natural team builder. He leads by example and is a valued and respected partner. We are so fortunate to have him at the helm of this campaign.”

Guests heard impactful stories of lives changed through United Way funded agencies and how funds raised through workplace campaigns, special events, leadership giving, legacy giving or individual contributions – benefit 44 partner agencies and more than 65 programs offered right here at home.

Don Williams told the story of Dayna (name changed to protect identity), who was living in poverty. Dayna didn’t have access to transportation and desperately wanted to change her life. She is a resident of Deseronto and was accepted into a post secondary program at Loyalist College. With the help of Deseronto Transit, a regional not for profit, public transportation system funded by United Way HPE, Dayna was able to access transportation from her community to the College within her budget. Without Deseronto Transit, Dayna wouldn’t have been able to attend school. Dayna graduated from Loyalist College in 2019 and is now using Deseronto Transit to get back and forth to work, at a new job, that was a direct result of her Diploma.

Don Williams also told the large group of local dignitaries, supporters and volunteers that the goal is attainable but that he and the members of the campaign cabinet need help. “Every single one of us have a role to play here – this community belongs to us all – so we’re asking everyone for their help.” said Williams.
He asked every person in attendance to repeat a story they heard today – to tell someone else about the impact that United Way funding has on 44 different agencies right here at home. Williams encouraged the crowd to find out how they can support the United Way campaign “If you don’t have payroll campaign
within your workplace, ask us how you can start one – encourage donations from your peers and stand beside the United Way campaign team and voice your support.”

United Way HPE announced that with the support of new partnerships, a very busy spring and summer, and  significant contribution from the John M. & Bernice Parrott Foundation, the organization is launching their campaign with 22% committed. “78% to go” said Hodge.

Campaign Cabinet Members are:
Carmela Ruberto – Hastings County
Deputy Chief Carl Bowker, Hastings – Quinte Paramedics
Liz Knuude – BMO Nesbitt Burns
Chris Doig – Enbridge Gas Inc.
Rosi Oulette- Canadian Mental Health Association – another United Way funded agency
Inspector Sheri Meeks – Belleville Police Services
Major Kim Horan – 8 Wing Trenton
Master Warrant Officer Derek Gauthier – 8 Wing Trenton
Peter Smith – Peter Smith Chev
Kim Egan – GH Manufacturing

About United Way Hastings & Prince Edward
United Way Hastings & Prince Edward provides leadership in a collaborative manner with our Funded
Agencies and others to increase the capacity of our community to respond to human services needs. We
support 1 in 4 people in our local community through the 44 agencies and over 65 programs we support.