United Way Perth-Huron’s 2025-26 fundraising campaign officially got underway with a luncheon on a beautiful afternoon at Market Square on Friday. United Way staffers, volunteers and community leaders gathered to reveal an ambitious goal of $2.53 million. Some of them held up numbers, part of an annual tradition that sets the stage for the fundraising campaign. Campaign co-chair John Wolfe said the kickoff event is a “moment to share with the people of Stratford how their support helps power our work in support of vulnerable people.”Co-chair Kristin Sainsbury added that the campaign is about the power of community and every dollar raised helps support programs and services that make a real and positive difference across the counties. A number of other kickoff events have been held or are scheduled for the near future in communities throughout Perth and Huron.