Did you know that locally 2,895 children and youth age 17 and younger live in poverty?

Our economically vulnerable must make impossible choices every day…choosing between paying rent, paying bills or buying groceries.  September brings an additional financial stress for these families, back to school shopping for all of the basic tools that will contribute to their child’s success.

1 in every 10 households in the City and County of Peterborough have an annual income that falls under 20k. For these families and many others, finding the extra resources to provide these supplies is almost impossible.  Our vision is that everyone in every community has the opportunity to reach their full potential and our Backpacks for Success initiative serves to ensure that all students have the educational tools they need.

Show your support and help students start the 2025-2026 academic year with all the supplies they need to succeed.

Thanks to your support, last year ALL requests from our school communities of KPR and PVNCC District School Boards were provided with 496 backpacks being distributed to local students and new Canadians!

2025 Backpacks for Success Applications Now Open!

Since the Backpacks for Success program launched locally in 2003, United Way Peterborough & District has provided more than 12,886 backpacks containing grade-appropriate school supplies to local youth in Kindergarten through Grade 12 who are financially vulnerable.

United Way Peterborough & District is working with local schools and agencies to identify students who could benefit from the Backpacks for Success program. Parents and guardians of students in need can now request backpacks and supplies for the 2025-2026 school year directly through their school or agency.

Please note: Due to the high volume of requests, we are unable to deliver backpacks directly to individual students or families. All backpacks will need to be picked up by the school or agency coordinating the requests. We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us reach as many students as possible.

Become a 2025 Backpacks for Success Sponsor

We are currently seeking sponsors for our 2025 Backpacks for Success program! Your support will help provide local students with essential supplies —packed with care and ready for learning.

Sponsorship Opportunities Include:

  • Financial contributions
  • In-kind donations (e.g., school supplies, backpacks)
  • Corporate or community group sponsorships

A $500 sponsorship can provide artistic tools, such as crayons, markers, paper, and pencil crayons, for 75 local students, or equip 30 students with essential Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) supplies.

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

For more information, please email amurphy@uwpeterborough.ca, or call 705-742-8839 ext. 25.

Social Posts

❄️ TODAY (Dec. 6) - Public pickup day for neighbours in need of coats and other warm gear, too!

📍10AM - 3PM at @path_ptbo 385 Lansdowne Street East.

🗓️ Can’t make it today? Public pickup days take place the first Saturday of every month, from now until April.

📞Questions? Call (705)775-7284

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❄️ TODAY (Dec. 6) - Public pickup day for neighbours in need of coats and other warm gear, too! 📍10AM - 3PM at @path_ptbo 385 Lansdowne Street East. 🗓️ Can’t make it today? Public pickup days take place the first Saturday of every month, from now until April. 📞Questions? Call (705)775-7284

📸 Whoever gets caught on camera…. Has to promo the December 50/50!

❤️ When you buy United Way Peterborough & District 50/50 tickets, no one loses. In fact, there’s always two winners: you and your community.

💸 Congratulations to our November winner, J. Million of Peterborough on taking home $877.50!

🔗 Tickets for the December draw are live! Find out more at the link in our bio.

*Must be 18 years or older to purchase 50/50 tickets. Ontario residents only.

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📸 Whoever gets caught on camera…. Has to promo the December 50/50! ❤️ When you buy United Way Peterborough & District 50/50 tickets, no one loses. In fact, there’s always two winners: you and your community. 💸 Congratulations to our November winner, J. Million of Peterborough on taking home $877.50! 🔗 Tickets for the December draw are live! Find out more at the link in our bio. *Must be 18 years or older to purchase 50/50 tickets. Ontario residents only.

❤️ Today is the day - #GivingTuesday 2025!

💡Did you know that thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all new donations will be matched 100%, and any donor who increases their gift by 10% or more will have that increase matched as well.

✨ That means not only will your gift strengthen our community’s social safety net by championing our research efforts and sustaining the work of our 20 partner agencies, but your impact can be DOUBLED‼️

🔗 To learn more about the work of UWP, and explore ways you can give, visit the link in our bio!

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❤️ Today is the day - #GivingTuesday 2025! 💡Did you know that thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all new donations will be matched 100%, and any donor who increases their gift by 10% or more will have that increase matched as well. ✨ That means not only will your gift strengthen our community’s social safety net by championing our research efforts and sustaining the work of our 20 partner agencies, but your impact can be DOUBLED‼️ 🔗 To learn more about the work of UWP, and explore ways you can give, visit the link in our bio!

It’s with a profound sadness that United Way Peterborough and District, staff, Board of Directors, and Campaign Cabinet remember and celebrate the life and legacy of Ann Farquharson.

Ann was a dedicated member of our Campaign Cabinet - a community builder with admirable determination. Her legacy spans decades of dedicated civic leadership, and her impact is woven into every corner of our community. We will miss Ann’s voice in our community, and around our tables.

To her family, many friends, and colleagues: we offer our deepest condolences. To our United Way community: we pledge to honour her memory by continuing the work that she so believed in.

Thank you, Ann.

Photo courtesy of: @jordanlyallphotography

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It’s with a profound sadness that United Way Peterborough and District, staff, Board of Directors, and Campaign Cabinet remember and celebrate the life and legacy of Ann Farquharson. Ann was a dedicated member of our Campaign Cabinet - a community builder with admirable determination. Her legacy spans decades of dedicated civic leadership, and her impact is woven into every corner of our community. We will miss Ann’s voice in our community, and around our tables. To her family, many friends, and colleagues: we offer our deepest condolences. To our United Way community: we pledge to honour her memory by continuing the work that she so believed in. Thank you, Ann. Photo courtesy of: @jordanlyallphotography

On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we stand united against gender-based violence.
Let`s raise awareness, support those who have experienced violence or are struggling and work towards a future free from violence.
If you or someone you know needs help, dial 2-1-1 for support and services.

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On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we stand united against gender-based violence. Let's raise awareness, support those who have experienced violence or are struggling and work towards a future free from violence. If you or someone you know needs help, dial 2-1-1 for support and services.
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