United Way Hastings & Prince Edward launches annual fall campaign

By:  Anmolpreet Singh

BELLEVILLE – The United Way Hastings & Prince Edward is set to launch its 2024-2025 fundraising campaign on Sept. 19 with an event at two area Dairy Queen’s.

A portion of the proceeds from each Blizzard sold in at the Belleville and Trenton stores will go towards this year’s United Way HPE fundraising campaign.

There will also be live broadcasts with local radio stations, celebrity servers, special guests, including  the 2024 campaign chair and the announcement of the 2024 overall campaign goal. 

The event aims to bring the community together to support vital programs and services across the region said Emilie Leneveu, the community relations coordinator for United Way HPE.

Leneveu explained that the primary purpose of the event is to present the overall goal of the 2024/25 campaign while also engaging the local community in fundraising efforts.

The United Way currently collaborates with 48 agencies and supports 65 programs throughout Hastings and Prince Edward counties. These programs aim to provide critical services to the community, including helping one in four residents in the area.

“We work closely with local organizations, businesses, and individuals to raise funds and ensure that the needs of the community are met,” Leneveu said.

Volunteers play a crucial role in the campaign, not only by raising funds but also by determining how those funds are allocated.

“Our community comes together with the help of volunteers to decide how the money is distributed. In the past, we’ve been able to allocate funds to 46 agencies and 56 programs,” she added. This collective effort ensures that the funds go toward supporting essential services that positively impact people’s lives.

When asked about the need for the United Way in the community, Leneveu stressed that the demand for services is higher than ever.

“Last year, we raised $2.2 million, but our funding requests exceeded $3 million. We know the need is there, and we are determined to continue supporting programs that provide vital services,” she said. The campaign will run until the end of January, at which point the organization will assess whether it has met its goals.

This year’s event is expected to draw a large turnout from Belleville, Trenton, and surrounding areas. Leneveu encourages everyone to attend and show their support. “

We would love to see all members of the community come out to this exciting event,” she concluded.