2025 Coats For Community

United Way & PATH Partner Again for Coats for Community

Last year, 2,200 coats were collected and distributed, surpassing the 1,844 in 2023.

Yesterday, United Way Peterborough & District (UWP) announced that it is once again partnering with Peterborough Action For Tiny Homes (PATH) to launch the annual Coats for Community campaign—an expanded version of the original Coats for Kids initiative started in 1986.

The Coats for Community campaign collects winter essentials—coats, boots, sleeping bags, blankets, and more—for infants, children, youth, families, seniors, and unhoused individuals across Peterborough. Items are distributed through United Way agency partners and other local organizations throughout the winter.

Thanks to PATH’s involvement, donations will be collected and distributed continuously throughout the season, rather than through a single-day pickup. PATH works with agencies across the City and County of Peterborough to ensure timely access to warm clothing and essentials.

Participating agencies include: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Children’s Foundation, YWCA, One City, Good Neighbours, New Canadians Centre, Elizabeth Fry Society, YES Shelter For Youth & Families, among others.

Public Donation Days

PATHway to Warmth: Launch Donation Days

PATH is kicking off its seasonal donation drive with a special three-day public drop-off event:

  • Dates: October 16, 17, and 18
  • Time: 10 AM – 3 PM
  • Location: 385 Lansdowne Street East, Peterborough

Ongoing Donation Hours (Beginning October 19)

Donations will continue to be accepted throughout the fall and winter at PATH:

  • Wednesdays: 9 AM – 3 PM
  • Saturdays: 10 AM – 3 PM
  • Location: 385 Lansdowne Street East, Peterborough

Additional Donation Needs

In addition to winter jackets, the campaign is seeking donations of:

  • Extra-large boxes or bins for collection sites
  • Heavy-duty coat racks to assist PATH in distribution
  • Sleeping bags and blankets
  • Winter boots

Public Pick Up Days

The majority of donated items will be distributed through agencies in the City and County of Peterborough, but PATH will also be open for community members individually to pick up coats the first Saturday of each month:

First Saturday of Each Month Nov-Apr: November 1, December 6, January 3, February 7, March 7, April 4

Location: 385 Lansdowne Street East, Peterborough

Get Involved

Organizations interested in hosting a donation bin or contributing supplies can email: info@pathptbo.org

Let’s come together to keep our community warm this winter.

Volunteers With Coats

Coats For Community Launch October 8, 2025

Social Posts

✨ 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.
After more than a decade of dedicated leadership, we are sharing the news that our CEO, Jim Russell, will retire in July 2026.

Since joining United Way Peterborough & District in 2011, Jim has been a steady and passionate force for community change, leading more than $36 million in revenue generation and championing critical work to address poverty, homelessness, and income inequality across our region.

Under Jim’s leadership, United Way Peterborough and District has strengthened its role as a trusted community partner through impactful research, including Housing is Fundamental, multiple Point-in-Time Counts, and The Gap reports on income adequacy and living wages.

Jim’s commitment to Peterborough & District, and to building a more equitable, resilient community, has left a lasting mark. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and look forward to celebrating his legacy over the coming months. 

Please join us in congratulating Jim on his incredible contributions to our community!
🎄✨Festive sweaters described in one word only!

We brought the holiday spirit in support of our @unitedwayptbo workplace campaign!

Which one’s your favourite? 🤨

#UnitedWayPTBO #BuildingCommunity
As the holidays approach, we wanted to share a quick update on our office hours.

Our office will be closing early on Wednesday and Thursday of this week as we celebrate the season with our staff, board and committees. We will then be closed beginning at noon on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) through January 5, returning to regular office hours in the new year.

If you or someone you know needs support during this time, please remember that help is available by calling 211, 24/7.

Wishing you a safe, restful, and joyful holiday season. 🎄✨
Looking for food support this holiday season? 

Please visit the City of Peterborough website for information on food banks and free meals. 

peterborough.ca/foodcalendar
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