United Way Hastings & Prince Edward (HPE) officially launched its 2025 fundraising campaign today with the support of Campaign Co-Chairs Victor and Jodi Cooper, a dynamic husband-and-wife team known for their creativity, community spirit, and passion for change.
At today’s launch event at Dairy Queen locations in Belleville and Trenton, United Way HPE announced the first step in a bold new three-year challenge: raising $2.4 million in 2025, with the goal of building toward $3 million annually by 2028.
“This is more than a goal – it’s a commitment to the future of our community,” said Brandi Hodge, Executive Director of United Way HPE.
“We know that $2.4 million is a bold target, and $3 million annually is an even bigger one. But we’re stretching because that’s what it will take to meet the challenges ahead. Yes, it’s a stretch – but, so is the need, and we’ve never backed down when our community needs us. This is how we meet the moment.”
To reach this ambitious milestone, United Way HPE will need to grow the campaign by 10% each year. Funds raised will support a network of 40 agencies and 48 programs that provide food, shelter, mental health supports, childcare, recreation, mentorship, and more – ensuring no one faces life’s challenges alone.
Victor and Jodi Cooper bring their combined experience in storytelling, mental health, and community impact to their role as Campaign Co-Chairs.
“Our strength is in the team around us,” said Victor Cooper.
“We’re fortunate to have an incredible Campaign Cabinet of volunteers who are just as committed as we are to rallying support. With their energy and passion, we know this ambitious goal is within reach.”
This year’s Cabinet members are:
Caley Weese – McDougall Insurance & Financial
Taylor Russett – The Grind & Vine/Lafferty’s Menswear
Katie Sherratt – Starboard Communications/The Babes of Quinte Podcast
Jennifer Aylsworth – Hastings County
Hunter Fargey – CIBC
Erik Rozema-Seaton- Alliance Patient Transfer
Sarah Sparks – Ministry of Children, Youth and Social Services Information and Information Technology Cluster
Jennifer Anderson – North Hastings Children’s Services
Allisha Pelletier – 46 North Productions/Allisha at the Social
Alejandro Neckles – Sprout IQ Publishing Group
Autumn Clarke – Honours Degree Student – Teacher Education and Social Justice, Trent University
Dr. Julie Gowthorpe, RSW – Gowthorpe Therpaists
Allyson Tufts – Allyson Tufts Bereavement Services
Maj. Hamza Qayyum – CFB 8 Wing Trenton
MWO Mat Poulin – CFB 8 Wing Trenton
Matt DeMille – Executive Chef, Co-Owner/Partner, DeMille Culinary Group/Matt’s Good Food
Erin DeMille – Mill Studio Ceramics, Co-Owner/Partner, DeMille Culinary Group/Matt’s Good Food
“We aren’t doing this alone – and that’s the beauty of United Way,” added Jodi Cooper.
“Our Cabinet, our donors, our community partners – they’re all apart of this effort. Together, we can take on a challenge this big and ensure the supports people rely on are there when they’re needed most.”
There are many ways for community members to get involved and be part of this bold stretch toward $3 million:
Give online at www.unitedwayhpe.ca
Respond to the fall direct mail campaign landing in mailboxes across the region.
Participate in payroll deduction campaigns at your workplace – or start one if your workplace doesn’t yet have one.
Take part in community events coming this fall in support of United Way HPE.
(HAILEY MACDONALD)
