2016 Campaign Chair Announcement

Gwyneth James, 2016 Campaign Chair (center), Bob Marshall, James' partner (left), Mitchell, James' son (right)

Gwyneth James, 2016 Campaign Chair (center), Bob Marshall (James’ partner, left), Mitchell (James’ son, right)

Jim Russell, CEO United Way Peterborough & District announced today at the United Way office on Stewart Street that local accountant and entrepreneur, Gwyneth James, MBA CPA, CGA would Chair the 2016 Community Campaign.

Russell made the announcement saying, “Gwyneth is a well-respected community and business leader, she approaches all tasks with a focus and determination which inspires.”

Gwyneth was born in British Columbia and graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science and Microbiology in 1985; later coming east to the University of Ottawa to complete her MBA in Finance in 1993. Gwyneth continued her education receiving her Certified General Accountants Designation in 1997. She eventually took on the role of Controller and Manager, Business Development at Nexicom for 11 years and then made an entrepreneurial leap into Financial Consulting and Accounting as a Partner at Cody & James CPAs in early 2009.

Gwyneth has devoted countless hours to our community through a variety of local organizations including; Women’s Business Network, Community Futures Development Corporation, Peterborough Economic Development, Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Fleming College, Five Counties Children’s Centre Foundation, Peterborough Theatre Guild, and Peterborough Symphony Orchestra; some in roles as Board Chair and President; including Past Board Chair and Cabinet Member of United Way Peterborough. Gwyneth is a natural and well-respected leader.

Gwyneth believes it takes a whole community to build a strong community. “A strong economy is only half of the equation. We need to leverage the strengths, experiences and expertise of everyone if we are to succeed. Having been involved with the United Way for many years in the past, I’ve seen firsthand the power of the organization and I strongly believe in its direction and reach,” says James. “Chairing the 2016 Campaign is a wonderful opportunity to combine my passion for business development with helping all our community’s citizens become healthy contributing members of society. I’m humbled by the responsibility of the role and what it means to so many in our community,” James added.

Gwyneth brings a passion to both her work and volunteer activities, affirms Russell, “Reflecting on United Way’s 75 years in our community, we looked for an individual who is well respected and a leader.

Media Coverage

Gwyneth James will lead this year’s United Way campaign in Peterborough – Peterborough This Week, March 31, 2016

Gwyneth James to chair 2016 United Way campaign – Peterborough Examiner, March 31, 2016

United Way Names 2016 Campaign Chair – 90.5 Extra Peterborough, March 31, 2016

James named United Way community campaign chairperson – CHEX Television, March 31, 2016

Social Posts

☁️If you’re looking for a sign (and the chance to win big, give back and change lives) this is it! 
 
🎟️Our next 50/50 draw takes place on January 30th! Purchase tickets online through the link in our bio. 

*Ontario residents only. Must be 18 or older to purchase tickets.
Looking for a night that’s guaranteed to be unforgettable? 🎶
Peterborough Performs returns February 26th for an incredible evening of live local music!

For one night and one night only, fourteen talented local artists will take the stage under one roof, showcasing a vibrant mix of folk, pop, and everything in between. You’ll discover new favourites, sing along to familiar hits, and experience the best of Peterborough’s music scene.

Best of all, you can feel good knowing every ticket makes a difference. Proceeds raised from Peterborough Performs support our local partner agencies and their housing and homelessness initiatives. By coming together through music, we’re strengthening our community and helping create lasting solutions.

🎟️Get your tickets today at showplace.org or through the link in our bio

And don't forget to keep an eye out for our online auction - coming soon...👀
First up in our PTBO Performs VI artist series 🎤

@caitlinoconnormusic of @detentionclubmusic 

🕘 9:10 PM | Thursday February 26
📍 Main Stage, Showplace Performance Centre
🎉 Making their first-ever Peterborough Performs appearance!

PTBO Performs VI: Musicians United to End Homelessness is Peterborough’s biggest night of live music - with fourteen acts set to take both stages @ptboshowplace in support of our work ensuring everyone has a place to call home. 

Tickets available online [link in bio] and at the @ptboshowplace box office. 

Don’t miss it. 🔥

#PTBOPerformsVI #PTBOMusic #LiveMusicPTBO
Office pranks on Jim are back and better than ever for 2026🐭🤣!

High spirits, strong teamwork and lots of laughs and heart here at UWP.
After many years of dedicated service, we are preparing to celebrate Jim Russell’s upcoming retirement, and the incredible leadership he has provided to United Way Peterborough & District. Jim’s commitment to community, collaboration, and compassion has helped shape the organization we are today, and we are deeply grateful for the impact he leaves behind.

As we look ahead to our next chapter, we are now seeking a Chief Executive Officer to build on this strong foundation and lead UWP through continued growth and community impact guided by Reconciliation, equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion.

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities.

💻 Learn more by visiting www.uwpeterborough.ca/ceo-hiring/ [link in bio]

📧 To apply, send a resume and cover letter (PDF) to ceohiring@uwpeterborough.ca

🗓️ Deadline for applications: February 16th, 2026
✨ We’re back in the office and kicking off our first work day of 2026 with the best kind of news! Celebrating our December 50/50 winner and the incredible community that makes moments like this possible. 

❤️ Our monthly 50/50 draws are a growing way to support our 20 local partner agencies while giving Ontario residents the opportunity to win big.

🎟️ The January draw is live now - tickets are on sale through the link in our bio, and our next draw takes place on January 30 at 1:00 PM. 

*Must be 18+ to purchase tickets. Ontario residents only.
From all of us at the Peterborough & District United Way, we are wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year! We're excited to continue our work with our amazing donors, partners, and volunteers in the years to come.

📅 Reminder: The tax deadline for charitable contributions is December 31.

Show your #LocalLove and donate to United Way Peterborough & District to help build community & change lives. 

Consider donating today, visit the link in our bio to learn more about our work and ways to give.
2025, what a year! 

We’re so grateful for the generosity, care, and community spirit that made these moments possible.

As the year comes to a close, this is also a friendly reminder that gifts made by December 31 are eligible for 2025 charitable tax receipting. Thank you for supporting your neighbours, today and all year long.

Learn more about the ways to give at the link in our bio.

Reminder: there is a secure mailbox located at the front of our office (277 Stewart St.) checked daily.
🚨Reaching Home Funding Applications Are Now Open!🚨

United Way Peterborough & District is happy to share that we are accepting applications from agencies for the Reaching Home program, on behalf of the Government of Canada.

👉 What is Reaching Home? It is a community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness across Canada. This program provides funding to communities to help them address their local homelessness needs.

Applications close January 22nd, 2026. Find eligibility requirements and full application details on our website:
🔗 uwpeterborough.ca/reaching-home/ or follow the link in our bio
To our neighbours,

As we head into the holiday season, we want to take a moment to say thank you. Your generosity, kindness, and commitment to community have meant so much to us throughout the year.

Whether you gave your time, made a donation, attended an event, or simply showed up for local causes, you helped make Peterborough & District a stronger, more caring place.

As of 12:00 pm today (Dec. 24), our office will be closed for the holidays and will reopen on January 5. During this time, we hope you’re able to slow down, rest, and enjoy meaningful moments with the people who matter most.

From all of us at United Way Peterborough & District, we wish you and your loved ones a warm, peaceful holiday season and a new year filled with hope, connection, and possibility.
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