6th Annual Paint the Town Red Continues to Show Growth

On Wednesday July 18th, hundreds of people dined out at 32 local restaurants who donated 25% of their daily sales to support the work of United Way Peterborough & District.  Today we are thrilled to announce another record breaking success both in donations and community engagement.

The event continues to show growth, raising just over $16,000, a 6% increase from last year bringing the grand total to over $75,000 raised since the event was launched in 2013. There were some participating locations this year and the event featured a special charity ride from Full Tilt Cycle where riders were encouraged to Ride then Dine.

Paint the Town Red continues to raise more than donations, it also raises community connection. The true flavour of the event was exemplified by restaurants supporting each other, businesses encouraging folks to head out to eat, workplaces coordinating team meals and friendly rivalries to see who could eat at more restaurants, all to support everyone in our community.  The infamous Red Spoon toured the vicinity throughout the day and folks were clamouring for a spoon spotting, or even better, a spoon selfie!  You could watch the day unfold through your computer or cell phone as the community of Peterborough shared their photos and experiences on various social media platforms. The hashtag #PaintPtboRed was trending on Twitter across Canada all day demonstrating the powerful force of our community at large.

“Our restaurants and food are second to none in the Province. And once again we thank the entrepreneurial spirit of our restauranteurs and their commitment to building local economy while at the same time giving back to community.” Beamed Megan Murphy, 2018 Campaign Chair.

We’d like to offer our overwhelming gratitude to the participating restaurants, the people who came out and dined and to the many volunteers who made this event possible. In particular to Downtown Divas Laura Crann (Ashburnham Realty) and Ashley Vititoe who put their heart, soul and stomach into the event.

The dollars raised in this event will be going right back into this community to support our partner agencies, innovation projects and neighbourhood grants in their work building a strong and healthy Peterborough & District for everyone.

Thank-you to the 2018 Participating Restaurants

Amandala’s Dodrio Bubble Tea and Anime Cafe Kawartha Dairy (all scooped sales – High Street location) Riley’s
Amuse Coffee Co. Fresh Dreams La Hacienda Sam’s Place
Ashburnham Ale House Freshii La Mesita Silver Bean Cafe
B.E. Catering Gerti’s Oasis Mediterranean Grill –  #O.M.G St. Veronus
Black Honey Hobart’s Steak House The Night Kitchen Sunset Grill
Brio Gusto Hunter County Cuisine Pita Pit – George Street Tiny Greens
Chick-a-biddy Acres (Wednesday Market) Island Cream Providence Tre Ristorante
Cora Breakfast & Lunch Jeff Purvey’s (Rubidge Street) Rare Turnbull Cafe

For more information, please contact;

Jim Russell, CEO
United Way Peterborough & District
T: 705-742-8839
E: jrussell@uwpeterborough.ca

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You’re not seeing double, your generosity can go twice as far!

For 85 years, neighbours have been coming together to build a stronger, more caring Peterborough community. This year, there’s an extra reason to celebrate: eligible donations will be matched dollar for dollar!

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, new donations of $85 or more, as well as any increase to an existing gift, will be matched 100% through our 2026 Community Campaign.

This is the third and final year of this incredible matching gift, making it a special opportunity to double your impact and help support the network of 20 local agencies working to strengthen our community.

Whether you’re making your first gift or increasing your support, your generosity makes a difference.

85 years united. Double the impact. Stronger together.

Learn more at the link in our bio!
🧡 Today we wear orange. In honour of every child who was taken. Every family that was broken. Every survivor who carried the weight of what should never have happened.

Reconciliation is not a moment; it’s a responsibility we carry every day.
United Way Peterborough & District walks alongside Indigenous communities, today and always. #OrangeShirtDay #TruthandReconciliation
Shop the Certified Neighbour Collection online now at the link in our bio. 

A portion of the proceeds directly support your United Way Community Campaign. 

Local pickup in Peterborough available @ricartpromo or shipping options with Canada Post and Purolator!
One week ago, we launched our 2026 Community Campaign! 🎉 

Thanks to Campaign Cabinet member, Trista Greer and @ftlom.inc we have the perfect little recap to relive it. ❤️

There are so many ways to be a Certified Neighbour. 

Want to get involved? Whether you’re a business or an individual there’s a role you can play in supporting our community! 

⬇️ Comment “CERTIFIED” and we’ll send you a DM and share the different ways you can support the Campaign! 

#85YearsUnited and we’re just getting started.
The Certified Neighbour Collection is officially here!

You saw it at our Campaign Launch. You asked about it. And now… you can officially get your own Certified Neighbour swag!

Our first drop is live with many ways to rep your neighbourhood, including:
❤️ the 2-Tone Hat
❤️ the Crewneck Fleece
❤️ the Tote

Check out the online store for yourself to see what else is available. 

The best part? Proceeds from every purchase go directly to supporting United Way Peterborough & District’s Community Campaign. The people, programs and organizations that are working to build a stronger community, together.

🛍️ Shop the colllection through the link in our bio

📤 Local pickup at @ricartpromo or shipping options available via Canada Post & Purolator!

Tag your Certified Neighbours in the comments. Share this post. Show us how you’re sporting yours. And let’s see just how far the Certified Neighbour crew can go!
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