United Way HPE launches 2026 campaign

The local United Way has released the following statement this week.

 

 

United Way HPE launches 2026 Campaign with $2.4 Million Goal and a Few New Ways to Get There

United Way Hastings & Prince Edward is officially launching its 2026 fundraising campaign today, bringing together community partners, volunteers, local businesses and donors around a familiar goal: $2.4 million.

Yes, familiar.

After raising a record-breaking $2.256 million last year but falling short of its $2.4 million target, United Way HPE is taking an optimistic approach to this year’s goal. The campaign photo says it best: 2025 crossed out, 2026 written in, and the $2.4 million goal staying exactly where it was.

“We came close last year, and our community helped us raise more than we ever have before,” says Brandi Hodge, Executive Director of United Way Hastings & Prince Edward. “So, we’re not lowering the bar.  We’re going to try again. We know $2.4 million is ambitious, but we also know what this community is capable of when people, businesses and organizations come together.”

The $2.4 million target is an important step toward the organization’s previously announced stretch goal of reaching $3 million in annual campaign revenue by the end of 2028 ; growth United Way says is more important than ever as local organizations respond to rising and increasingly complex community needs.

“United Way has always been about more than raising money,” says Hodge. “It’s about the health and wellbeing of the community we all share. The dollars raised here stay focused on local needs , helping people access food, housing, mental health supports, opportunities for children and youth, connection, and the services that help people through difficult moments. A strong United Way campaign helps build a stronger community.”

This year also marks a significant change in how the annual campaign is led.

United Way HPE has moved beyond its traditional volunteer Campaign Chair and Cabinet structure and introduced a new Campaign Leadership Team, bringing together leaders and representatives from different sectors and communities across Hastings and Prince Edward. The change recognizes both the size of the job and the opportunity ahead.

“For many years, we’ve asked one or two incredible volunteers to help champion an enormous campaign across two counties, multiple municipalities and every sector of our economy,” says Hodge. “That’s a big ask of one person. If we want to grow the scale and reach of the campaign, it makes sense to grow the leadership around it too.”

Rather than placing responsibility on a single Campaign Chair, members of the new Leadership Team will use their own knowledge, relationships and networks to help United Way build connections within particular sectors and communities. That could include opening doors to new workplaces, identifying sponsorship opportunities, encouraging leadership giving, making introductions or simply helping United Way better understand where opportunities exist.

The model is designed to broaden United Way’s reach while keeping the volunteer commitment manageable. Multiple representatives can work within each sector, with United Way staff continuing to lead campaign strategy, planning, stewardship and day-to-day coordination.

 “We want more voices around the table and more connections into the community,” says Hodge. “Growing to $3 million isn’t going to happen because one person works harder. It will happen because more people see themselves as part of the campaign.”

Campaign Launch Day will be hard to miss across Belleville and Quinte West.

Monday, September 14 is Blizzard Day for United Way at participating Dairy Queen locations in Belleville and Quinte West. Throughout the day, $2 from every Blizzard sold will be donated to United Way HPE, making a trip to Dairy Queen a simple, and delicious, way to help kick off the campaign.

Throughout the day, United Way’s MegaBike, proudly presented by Procter & Gamble, will also be making its way through the streets, with teams of workplace supporters pedalling together to celebrate the launch. If you spot the MegaBike out in the community, give the riders a wave, a honk or a cheer as they help officially get the 2026 campaign rolling.

And for those feeling lucky, September 14 also marks the launch of United Way HPE’s only 50/50 draw of the year, with tickets available online throughout the campaign.

The combination reflects what United Way hopes the campaign will be this year: visible, energetic and something the whole community can feel part of.

“There are so many ways to be part of this campaign,” says Hodge. “Grab a Blizzard today, buy a 50/50 ticket, make a donation, participate through your workplace, or simply help us share the story of what United Way makes possible locally. This campaign belongs to our whole community, and every act of support helps move us toward that $2.4 million goal.”

United Way HPE’s annual campaign supports a network of local agencies and programs serving people throughout Hastings County and Prince Edward County. As pressures related to affordability, food security, housing, mental health, social isolation and other challenges continue to affect local residents, the organization says the generosity of the community remains critical.

“This community has shown us, year after year, that people care deeply about one another,” says Hodge. “Our job is to turn that generosity into meaningful local impact. We’re starting this campaign hopeful, ambitious and very grateful and we’re inviting everyone to be part of what happens next.”

The goal is $2.4 million. Again. And this year, United Way HPE intends to get there.

For more information about the 2026–2027 United Way HPE Campaign, to donate, or to participate, visit unitedwayhpe.ca.

50/50 tickets are available through the United Way HPE website.