Guelph, Ontario, Sept. 17, 2025. With an enthusiastic wave of the flag by Campaign Chair, Deputy Minister John Kelly, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin, along with community partners and supporters, officially kicked-off the 85th annual fundraising campaign today with a message for all – Better Is Possible.
“At United Way, we believe better is possible,” said Deputy Kelly, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and the 2025 United Way Campaign Chair. “We believe our community and the people in it matter and know that we can help each other live better lives.”
“But we also know that believing ‘better is possible’ is hard right now – many things feel out of our control,” said Glenna Banda, executive director, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin. “At times like this, more than ever we need to support our local communities – a place where we can make a real difference.”
The event was held at the Shelldale Centre, a hub of community programs, many of which are funded by United Way. Erica Pellin, executive director of Compass Community Services, a mental health services agency located at the Shelldale Centre and funded by United Way, spoke to the issue of mental health in our communities right now.
“To fill the gaps of an already overburdened health care system, more and more are turning to community-based supports and preventative programming to ensure we keep people out of crisis and out of emergency departments,” said Banda. “When community programs are funded, people have a better chance at a better life.”
United Way is the second largest funder of social services in the country, second only to government. Raised by local community members, United Way invests millions in a diverse list of community programs and services that help over 140,000 people in our local community meet their basic needs, access resources and build a brighter future.
“Building community takes community. The community we want to see will not happen without all of us. Better won’t happen if we wait for some other person or some other time. We have to be the ones to make it happen,” said Deputy Kelly.
“Small acts of kindness, even just giving a few dollars, can change a life for the better. Don’t believe your contribution won’t matter or is too small. Pooled together, each contribution and action will make a difference and fuel community change. That’s the power of a United Way.”
Donations are accepted at workplaces across Guelph and Wellington and Dufferin counties and encouraged by the general community through the United Way office (519-821-0571 or www.unitedwaygwd.com). 100% of donations make an impact in Guelph, Wellington & Dufferin.
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United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin has worked in our community for 85 years to monitor and meet the pressing social needs of our community, including poverty, social isolation and mental health. Directed by a volunteer board, managed by committed staff and supported by thousands of donors, United Way works with partners in all sectors to improve lives and build community. 100% of donations make an impact in Guelph, Wellington & Dufferin. For more information, please visit unitedwaygwd.com