GUELPH – United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin has announced Dr. John Kelly, deputy minister of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) will be the 2025 campaign chair and lead volunteers in the fall to raise funds to support local social services in the community.
JOHN KELLY
“OMAFA has been involved with the United Way for a long time and I’m very proud of the work that we have done and the support that our employees have shown over the years,” Kelly stated in a press release.
“I’m both humbled and honoured to step into this role. Support for organizations like United Way could not be more important in these times of uncertainty and I am looking forward to doing what I can to help raise much needed funds to support our community.”
OMAFA employees have supported the local annual United Way campaign for over 35 years and have raised more than $1.5 million.
Kelly will lead the campaign cabinet, which includes over a dozen volunteers from industry sectors, including manufacturing, business and finance, education and the public sector, as well as community members who support fundraising from the larger community.
“We are thrilled to welcome deputy Kelly to the team this year,” said Glenna Banda, executive director of United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin.
“His proven leadership and long-standing support and commitment of our community will have a tremendous impact on our campaign and we look forward to learning from his experience.”
United Way officials claimed they are the second largest funder of social service programs across the country, second only to government.
The United Way invested close to $1.8 million in critical services for over 100,000 residents across Guelph, Wellington & Dufferin in 2024, officials stated.
“Right now, many of our neighbours, friends and family are struggling – struggling to put food on their tables, to keep a roof over their heads and with their mental health. Our non-profit sector is also struggling to meet the demand of our community,” said Banda.
United Way stated economic uncertainty, reduced government spending and fewer people making charitable donations are having an impact on charities’ ability to meet the increasing demand.
“Every year the campaign starts at zero and looks to raise millions of dollars so that United Way can lead change on key community issues,” said Kelly.
The 2025 United Way Campaign will kick-off in September.
