Rosemary Powers

Rose Powers is a beacon of inclusivity and compassion, dedicating her life to making sports a safe haven for all. Born and raised in Peterborough, she embodies the spirit of leadership and activism.

With over 30 years in the youth mental health field, Rose's passion for fostering supportive environments led her to create the Sport A Rainbow initiative in late 2018. Rooted in her own experiences and a deep understanding of the struggles faced by marginalized individuals, this pledge-based movement aims to eradicate hateful speech and actions from sporting arenas, fostering a culture of acceptance and inclusion.

As the driving force behind Sport A Rainbow, Rose tirelessly travels across the country, urging athletes to take the pledge and proudly display rainbow stickers on their gear as a visible symbol of solidarity. Despite lacking financial backing, Rose's determination knows no bounds, as she spreads her message of unity and empathy.

Her impact extends far beyond the realm of sports administration. From leading the Peterborough Girls Hockey Association to spearheading initiatives like the Kenyan Lacrosse team's immersive Canadian experience, Rose's commitment to community service knows no bounds. Whether volunteering at Kawartha Food Share or advocating for causes like Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease, Rose's altruism shines brightly.

A trailblazer in her own right, Rose's efforts have earned her recognition on prestigious platforms like SportsNet's 'Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup' and 'Hockey Day in Canada.' Her unwavering dedication to inclusivity has also been spotlighted at events like Hayley Wickenheiser's 'Wickfest,' where she continues to inspire the next generation of athletes.

In the 2024 inaugural season of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), Rose's Sport A Rainbow initiative takes center stage at Pride games across major cities, cementing her legacy as a champion of equity and fairness in sports.

For Rose Powers, it's not just about the game—it's about creating a world where every individual, regardless of gender or orientation, can play without fear, knowing they belong. Through her leadership, Rose is paving the way for a future where sports truly unite us all.

Social Posts

Canada looks like the neighbour who checks in. The volunteer who shows up. The community that holds space for everyone.

This July 1, we recommit to a Canada where every person has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Our office is closed today, Wednesday July 1 and will reopen tomorrow, Thursday July 2.

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Our grand finale retirement prank: a boardroom full of Jim’s!

Thanks for the laughs, Jim.
Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day.
 
We celebrate the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
 
Let’s continue learning and reflecting together
Happy Father’s Day 💙
 
Your love and guidance help build stronger communities.
Today, United Way Peterborough & District is announcing an important leadership transition.

As Jim Russell prepares to retire after nearly 15 years as Chief Executive Officer, we extend our deepest gratitude for his leadership, dedication, and commitment to building a stronger community. Jim's impact on this organization and the people we serve will be felt for years to come.

At the same time, we are pleased to welcome Jason Seguya as our next Chief Executive Officer, effective July 6, 2026. Jason brings experience leading mission-driven organizations and a strong commitment to collaboration, community engagement, and positive social impact.

As we look ahead to our 85th year of serving Peterborough & County, we are excited for the future and confident in the leadership that will guide us into this next chapter.

Please join us in thanking Jim for his years of service and welcoming Jason to the United Way movement.

Read more at the link in our bio.
This #ThankfulThursday, we're sending a huge shoutout to all our Day of Caring sponsors! 📣✨

These incredible businesses are helping make #Peterborough and County a better place to live and we couldn't be more grateful for their partnership.

 ➡️ Interested in being part of Day of Caring? Send us a message to dayofcaring@uwpeterborough.ca to learn how you can get involved!
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