United Way Campaign Hits $1 Million Milestone

We are thrilled to announce this year’s campaign total raised to date went over $1 million mark with a workplace campaign by RF Downey elementary school.

“We are really happy to announce this milestone in this year’s campaign,”says Brian O’Toole, 2014 Campaign Chair. “The participation of the community to date sends a powerful message about their commitment to the work of United Way. I am so proud to be part of a community so dedicated to making sure everyone in the City and County of Peterborough has a chance at a better life.”

As we move into the holiday season, the 2014 United Way Campaign is well underway throughout the City and County of Peterborough. Brian O’Toole along with his Campaign Team set a goal of $2,383,467.

“We want to thank everyone who has made a contribution, however there are still lots that haven’t made their donation yet,” says O’Toole. “The entire Campaign Team is working hard to reach our goal and we’re optimistic that the goal will be reached but we’re only 40% of the way there. The push is on to increase donations and donors in order to meet our target and the needs of this community. We all know the Peterborough area is impacted by high unemployment rates. This trend definitely impacts campaign and more importantly, increases the pressure on our partner member agencies as more and more people are accessing services,” O’Toole added.

“In the blink of an eye, everything can change,” says Jim Russell, CEO United Way. “An accident can turn a family member into a lifelong caregiver. A relationship can go terribly wrong, transforming a successful, accomplished young woman into a victim of domestic abuse. A long-time employee can find himself downsized and living on the streets. We can all look at a period in our lives when everything is fine, then everything changes.”

Russell emphasized the importance of investing in our community through United Way. “Earlier this year, we provided an update on the work with our current member agencies and key stakeholders to help us develop a more defined funding model. The result is a strategy that enables our donors, volunteers and partners to clearly see and appreciate the transformational impact of their dollars and efforts in strengthening our community, today and over the long term,” Russell continued.

It was the first time in many years that United Way turned to the broader community including their current member agencies to help create a shared vision to enhance and define United Way’s collective ability to make change happen in the community. “We are funding programs and initiatives that will make significant progress toward a vision of a poverty-free community; a place where all children and youth achieve their full potential; where individuals and families have greater independence and financial stability; where everyone has a sense of well-being and safety and feels a meaningful connection to our community,” added Russell.

People are encouraged to donate online or call 705-742-8839 to give by Visa or MasterCard. The United Way office at 277 Stewart Street is open during normal business hours to take donations in person or to arrange for monthly pre-authorized bank withdrawals. Employees are encouraged to give through payroll deduction at work if their company runs a workplace campaign.

Media Coverage

ANNUAL UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN SURPASSES $1 MILLION MARK – 90.5 Extra Peterborough

PETERBOROUGH UNITED WAY HITS CAMPAIGN MILESTONE – Peterborough This Week