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

Social Posts

Next up in our PTBO Performs VI artist series 🎤✨

Phil Stephenson of Lagan & Derelict!

🕦 9:05 PM | Thursday, February 26
📍 The @cogeco Studio, Showplace Performance Centre 
🎉 Marking their SIXTH PTBO Performs appearance!

PTBO Performs VI: Musicians United to End Homeslessness is Peterborough’s biggest night of live music featuring 14 amazing local acts set to take both stages @ptboshowplace in support of our partner agencies providing housing and shelter services. 

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

You’re not going to want to miss this!

#PTBOPerformsVI #PTBOMusic #LiveMusicPTBO
❄️ Due to inclement weather, our office will be closing early today, (Thursday, January 15)❄️

Our team will remain available remotely and will continue to monitor phones and emails.

Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe.
Buckle up for Peterborough Performs returning February 26th! 🥳

Join us for a night of impact and community as we enjoy 14 local artists at Showplace Performance Centre. All proceeds raised are in support of our partner agencies and the work they do for housing and homelessness initiatives. 

🎟️ Get your tickets at showplace.org
☁️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
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