New Horizons Federal Funding for Seniors

United Way Peterborough & District Deploys Federal Funding to Assist Isolated and Rural Seniors Affected by COVID-19

Peterborough, Ontario (May 13, 2020) – On Sunday March 29, 2020 the Prime Minister announced $9 million to support vulnerable seniors at risk to the COVID-19 Crisis, funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

Drawing on its knowledge of the community and in consultation with the City, Public Health, Age Friendly Peterborough, United Way Peterborough & District is very pleased to announce that $58,054 will be distributed to Community Care Peterborough to expand existing services for rural and isolated seniors in Peterborough County.

“Specifically, this investment will focus on expanding our successful food voucher and delivery program initiative that we first launched in Trent Lakes earlier this spring,” says Danielle Belair Executive Director of Community Care Peterborough. “It will allow us to expand this program to the communities of Apsley, Ennismore, Havelock, Lakefield, Millbrook and Norwood so that we can meet the needs of rural seniors who are feeling the isolation effects of COVID.  It will also help them with maintaining basic needs such as food, cleaning, and procurement of hygiene products.”

“While physical distancing is essential to protecting seniors from COVID-19, it risks isolating them from their community. That is why the Government of Canada is proud to work with United Way Canada to help support the needs of seniors during this difficult time. By using local expertise, this funding will help provide support tailored to the unique, local needs of seniors across the country. As we work together to flatten the curve and slow the spread of the virus, the government is supporting Canadians every step of the way.” ~ The Honorable Deb Schulte, Minister of Seniors

United Way CEO Jim Russell praises the rapid response of the Government during this time of crisis stating, “our federal government has clearly set a priority of ensuring the most vulnerable in our community are not forgotten during this pandemic. We all owe a debt of gratitude to seniors and this investment will help the most vulnerable seniors maintain connection and get the practical support they need.”

 About the New Horizons for Seniors Program

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) provides grants and contributions for projects that help improve the well-being of seniors and foster their social inclusion. To provide immediate essential services to seniors impacted by COVID-19, the Government of Canada is providing $9 million under the NHSP to be distributed through United Way Canada network. These funds will help organizations providing support to seniors dealing with the impact of COVID-19.

 Community Care Peterborough

Through programs such as Meals on Wheels, Transportation, and Telephone Reassurance Checks, Community Care Peterborough currently supports over 7,200 seniors and adults with physical challenges utilizing the help of over 800 dedicated volunteers through a network of eight local offices in the City and County of Peterborough.  www.commcareptbo.org

Social Posts

🚨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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🚨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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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!

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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

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🎄✨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. 🎄✨

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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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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

❤️It’s Thank You Thursday!❤️

Thank you to the whole team at J & M Automotive who welcomed us into their shop to present a generous gift to @unitedwayptbo

We also want to thank @darcybonner2829 Campaign Cabinet member, for helping build these strong community connections.

We’re so grateful for local businesses who step up for our community! Remember that every dollar raised here, stays here supporting our 20 outstanding partner agencies.

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❤️It’s Thank You Thursday!❤️ Thank you to the whole team at J & M Automotive who welcomed us into their shop to present a generous gift to @unitedwayptbo We also want to thank @darcybonner2829 Campaign Cabinet member, for helping build these strong community connections. We’re so grateful for local businesses who step up for our community! Remember that every dollar raised here, stays here supporting our 20 outstanding partner agencies.

❄️Even with the snow coming down outside, our spirit week continues strong with Statement Sock Day!

🧦Bold statements, adorable animals, throwback characters - the team brought it all.

❤️Proud of this team for finding joy, colour and community no matter the weather!

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❄️Even with the snow coming down outside, our spirit week continues strong with Statement Sock Day! 🧦Bold statements, adorable animals, throwback characters - the team brought it all. ❤️Proud of this team for finding joy, colour and community no matter the weather!
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