Guelph area United Way 2021 campaign raises $2.7 million

The United Way branch in Guelph, Ont., says despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was able to raise more than $2.7 million during its 2021 fundraising campaign. 

The United Way branch in Guelph, Ont., is celebrating after raising more than $2.7 million as part of its 2021 annual fundraising campaign.

“When we kicked off this campaign in the fall, we knew that as a society and a community we could not return to the pre-pandemic ‘normal’ when it comes to social issues. We could not simply ‘recover’ — we needed a radical recovery,” 2021 campaign chair Patricia Tersigni said in a news release.

“What we have accomplished this year is due to hours of hard work by hundreds of volunteers and staff and the generosity of an entire community and gets us that much closer to that goal.”

All the funds raised will support a local network of various agencies and social service programs.

More than 200 workplaces took part in the campaign, the United Way said.

Several businesses and organizations were recognized for their efforts including the University of Guelph, Linamar, the Co-operators, Kirtida Kitchen and the Wellington Catholic District School Board.

“We are so incredibly grateful to the community — our donors and our workplaces — and (are) excited to celebrate the efforts of everyone who helped us achieve what we were able to this year,” said local United Way executive director Glenna Banda.

The United Way said in its news release that the impact of the pandemic on non-profits has been “tremendous,” creating an intense stress that still continues.