United Way Peterborough & District Presents: Discussing Social Issues with Peterborough-Kawartha Candidates

POSTPONED – New date and time TBD

United Way Peterborough & District is pleased to host an online discussion about local social issues. All candidates from the Peterborough-Kawartha riding are invited to discuss four complex and interconnected social issues in our community:

  • Poverty
  • Housing & Homelessness
  • Mental Health
  • Economic Opportunities.

United Way Peterborough & District and their partner agencies embed values of inclusivity, leadership, collective action, and diversity within their work, to ensure that people in our community, from all walks of life have access to basic necessities and supports to improve their wellbeing.

Many in our community are struggling to make ends meet. There is a homelessness crisis, an opioid crisis, and voters are looking beyond rhetoric to real solutions to pressing social issues. United Way is proud to host this all-candidates discussion and encourage all to attend.

said Jim Russell, CEO of United Way Peterborough & District.

The online discussion will take place Tuesday, May 24th from 3:00PM – 5:00PM on the Zoom platform with community members able watch the discussion live on the UWP YouTube channel. A recording of the discussion will be available after 5:00PM on May 24th for those unable to watch the livestream event.

United Way Peterborough & District invited all Peterborough-Kawartha candidates to provide their availability for consideration while scheduling this discussion. The discussion was scheduled based on the mutual availability of the four candidates who responded to our request. The Zoom link will be provided in advance of Tuesday, May 24th to all registered Peterborough-Kawartha candidates to encourage participation from all parties.

Moderated by Jim Russell, CEO of United Way Peterborough & District the discussion will be segmented by each of the identified issues: Poverty, Housing & Homelessness, Mental Health and Economic Opportunities and will include an overview of the prevalence and impacts of the social issue using current local data and information. United Way Peterborough & District will then ask 1-2 question(s) related to the each issue with candidates having 3 minutes to answer each question by describing how their platform will address the issue.

Information for Media and Campaign Teams:

There will be limited space on the Zoom call for media and campaign teams to attend the discussion in real time, registration is required and can be completed buy scanning the below QR code with your mobile device or by REGISTERING HERE.

Participation in the call will be limited to the moderator and candidates; audience members will remain muted, and the chat function will be disabled for the duration of the discussion.

Please reach out to Betsy Farrar, Manager of Community Impact at United Way Peterborough & District with any questions about the event or registration.

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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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