2025 Community Campaign Launch

United Way Peterborough & District Launches 2025 Community Campaign with Dedicated Volunteer Cabinet

PETERBOROUGH, ON (July 31, 2025) – United Way Peterborough & District is thrilled to announce the members of its 2025 Community Campaign Cabinet. This committed team of local leaders, professionals and community champions will drive forward this year’s fundraising efforts, aiming to build a stronger, more connected community for all.

Led by 2025 Campaign Chair and local journalist Paul Rellinger, the Cabinet officially kicked off its efforts at the first meeting of the campaign season this week. The gathering set the tone for a year of meaningful engagement, collaboration, and impact.

“I wish there was a way that all Peterborough city and county residents could have been at the first Cabinet meeting to see, hear and feel the energy and spark I saw, heard and felt,” said Rellinger.

“A fierce commitment to building stronger and more equitable communities, where no one is left behind and all are provided the opportunity to thrive, was evident from the get-go. It reminded me that whatever we accomplish, be it with this campaign or with any like endeavour, success is inevitably rooted in the character, compassion and commitment of those driving things forward. We are indeed in the best of hands, fueling my unbridled optimism for a very good campaign result.”

The 2025 Campaign Cabinet includes new and returning representatives from across sectors: health care, business, banking, education, finance, law, media and local government. This cohort demonstrates the depth and diversity of community support behind the United Way’s mission.

2025 Campaign Cabinet Members:

  • Darcy Bonner, Community Ambassador
  • Michael Eamon, Trent University
  • Ann Farquharson, Farquharson Law
  • Coby Fewings, Scotiabank
  • Bruce Gibson, Community Ambassador
  • Marg Glenn, Glenn Isle Farms
  • Sheridan Graham, County of PTBO
  • Greg Kidd, KPRDSB
  • Richard Lambert, BMO
  • Evan Lyons, PRHC
  • Laken MacFarlane, City of PTBO
  • Vipesh Patel, Community Ambassador
  • Thomas Piggot, HKNP Health Unit
  • Amanda Pinder, RBC
  • Stephan Ragaz, Community Ambassador
  • Paul Rellinger, 2025 Campaign Chair
  • Balkaran Singh Sathi, Sathi Law
  • Jeannine Taylor, KawarthaNOW
  • Sebastien Tinor-Roy, TD Bank
  • Staff Sargeant John Townsend, PTBO Police
  • Shirley Turner, EXIT Realty Liftlock
  • Danielle Turpin, Community Ambassador

Over the coming months, Cabinet members will gift their voices, networks and expertise to build awareness of the campaign’s goals, inspire giving and foster deeper community involvement. From workplace campaigns and volunteer events to special initiatives like Backpacks for Success, the upcoming inaugural United Way Ultimate Burger Battle and Peterborough Performs VI, the Cabinet will play a vital role in uniting Peterborough in support of fundraising for essential community services.

“The people around the table are difference-makers,” said Jim Russell, CEO of United Way Peterborough & District. “They bring vision, compassion and energy to this campaign, and we’re incredibly grateful for their leadership.”

The Cabinet will gather again in September to continue planning for this year’s Campaign Launch, taking place at the Healthy Planet Arena on September 25, 2025.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Adeline Murphy, Campaign Officer

United Way Peterborough & District

C: 705-313-0651

W: 705-742-8839 ext. 25

amurphy@uwpeterborough.ca

Social Posts

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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