United Way of Hastings and Prince Edward has set a lofty goal for its new fundraising campaign set to kick off on Monday.
The local not-for-profit is hoping to raise $2.5 million.
The campaign launch will feature a 29-seat MEGABike ride through the streets of Belleville, and Dairy Queen locations in Belleville and Trenton are also participating by donating $2 from the sale of every Blizzard to the United Way.
Campaign Coordinator Emily Quesnelle said the organization currently supports 39 agencies and 43 programs throughout Hastings and Prince Edward counties.
Quesnelle says the demand for United Way services has never been higher.
“Those are programs that directly support one in four people living locally. Whether it’s through food security programs, mental health and housing supports. United Way funding really does a whole lot throughout our communities.”
The goal by 2028 is to raise $3 million yearly to support the increased demand.
Quesnelle added employee payroll deductions from businesses across the two counties are the easiest and most successful way the United Way fundraises.
“It is those corporate donations. Two dollars off your paycheque, sometimes you don’t even remember you’re doing it until it’s tax time. It really does make a huge difference. It makes up a huge bulk of our fundraising.”
