Peterborough, ON [April 10, 2026] — United Way Peterborough & District has wrapped up another successful community campaign, surpassing previous years and marking the achievement at its annual Campaign Celebration.
On Thursday evening, the organization brought together local partner agencies, workplaces, and community members to unveil its 2025 fundraising total and recognize the collective effort behind a successful campaign. Held at the McDonnell Street Activity Centre, the evening offered an opportunity for peers and colleagues to reflect on their shared impact, celebrate achievements, and honour outstanding contributions through awards.
The year’s celebration was particularly momentous as it was not just the end of another campaign season, but CEO Jim Russell’s final Campaign Celebration before he retires later this summer.
“As I look back on my time with United Way, I am so overwhelmed with gratitude for the people who continue to show up each year for their community.” Russell, shared.
“It’s not our organization alone that makes this work possible, it’s a shared responsibility, brought to life by our dedicated partners and workplaces from across the region.
This year especially was a true show of community spirit, with so many new partnerships forming and more people stepping forward to get involved whether it was events like Backpacks for Success, Period Promise, or the ever-popular Peterborough Performs championed by our incredible Campaign Chair Paul Rellinger.”
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards by Rellinger, recognizing the outstanding efforts of local workplaces and partner agencies. The City of Peterborough was awarded with the “Phoenix Award” for transforming their yearly campaign demonstrating an astounding comeback. The County of Peterborough received the “Making it Rain” award for delivering an amazing increase in employee event donations. And partner agencies were included in the fun with New Canadians Centre winning the “Most Creative Event” award for their deliciously inventive KD Challenge where chefs were tasked with finding new ways to enjoy their Kraft Dinner.
It was truly a night for honouring a collection of achievements made possible through teamwork, with an emphasis on appreciation for all the tireless efforts of volunteers and especially Rellinger himself. As chair, he bravely donned the iconic bacon costume to launch the inaugural Ultimate Burger Battle, starring (and stealing scenes) in social media videos, returning for another year of Peterborough Performs, and even climbing atop the roof of Twohey Home for a final campaign push, in a nod to his Relly on the Roof days.
While Rellinger will continue his involvement as a cabinet member in 2026, reviving Peterborough Performs for year seven, his act both on screen and as chair, will be a tough one to follow. Reflecting on his experience, Rellinger shared:
“As Campaign Chair I’ve had the honour of being a part of the United Way team, and let me tell you, fundraising is no easy task. It really is nonstop all year long, trying to meet goal to ensure our Peterborough community is receiving the much-needed support that it deserves.
Although, I am chair for only a year, I am a supporter of United Way Peterborough always.”
In coming months, United Way looks forward to ushering in their 85th campaign year, building on strong partnerships while welcoming new opportunities to create lasting change across the community. Upcoming initiatives, including Day of Caring and Backpacks for Success, will return later this summer to support local needs.
As the team celebrates this year’s fundraising total of $1,560,075, representing a 3% increase over last years campaign, they remain focused on what lies ahead: another year of meaningful action, community connection, and measurable impact.
