United Way has been around for 60 years and, because of that, they’re setting anĀ ambitious goal in Hastings & Prince Edward.
The United Way in Hastings & Prince Edward started in just Belleville in 1958, but has expended greatly since then. $43 million has been raised by them since. Kathy Murphy, Executive Director for United Way in Hastings & Prince Edward, says that with this year being the 60th anniversary of the United Way, an ambitious goal is necessary. That’s why their goal this year is to raise $2 million.
Murphy says that number is higher than what they’ve raised in the past two years.Ā “We feel confident we’ll reach that goal this year,” she says. “We’re hoping people will step up and offer they help no matter how small,” she added. Last year, $1.4 million was raised, which was short of their goal. She says because of that $330,000 worth of applications were turned away because they couldn’t be funded due to not meeting their goal.
The campaign theme this year is “Local Love.” Murphy says it’s important to the people of Hastings & Prince Edward and to the United Way to keep the money raised local.Ā “When you give your money to your local united way, it stays in your local community,” she says.
Murphy added that while there are events throughout Hastings & Prince Edward, nothing has been planned yet in North Hastings. She says they’re working towards getting events here, though. She says it depends on the partners in North Hastings. She says that they only have a team of five people, so they’re relying on the work done by partners to help with setting up events. Murphy mentioned thatĀ she’d like to improve the united way’s presence in Bancroft.
To find out how to donate, visit the United Way Hasting & Prince Edward’s website here.