Denise Morton-Sayles

Denise is a beacon of compassion and resilience, weaving a tapestry of support and advocacy for those in need. With a Bachelor's in Social Work from the University of Western Ontario and a Master's from McMaster University, she embarked on a journey of service that spans decades, leaving an indelible mark on the field of social work.

Her professional odyssey began in child welfare, where she ardently confronted the specter of domestic violence, forging alliances with families and community services to combat this pervasive issue. Witnessing the tragic toll of femicide, Denise's resolve solidified, propelling her towards a vocation centered on healing and empowerment.

For years, Denise served as a Clinical Therapist at the YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, offering solace to survivors of domestic violence. Her tenure coincided with the tumult of the pandemic, illuminating the unique challenges faced by rural women. Undeterred, Denise's commitment remained unwavering, her therapeutic interventions guided by empathy and expertise.

Transitioning to the Women's Healthcare Centre at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Denise continued her crusade against trauma and injustice. Through trauma-informed counseling and advocacy, she provided a lifeline to survivors, navigating the complex terrain of sexual assault and domestic violence with grace and resilience.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Denise's altruism knows no bounds. Volunteering becomes a sanctum for her soul, whether chauffeuring injured turtles to safety or guiding newcomers through the labyrinth of resettlement. Her involvement with PARD Therapeutic Riding, Bird Friendly Selwyn, Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, and the New Canadian Centre exemplifies her holistic approach to community enrichment.

As she continues to tread the path of service, Denise remains a beacon of hope in a world often besieged by darkness. Her legacy, etched in acts of kindness and advocacy, serves as a testament to the enduring power of love and resilience.

Social Posts

First up in our PTBO Performs VI artist series 🎤

@caitlinoconnormusic of @detentionclubmusic

🕘 9:10 PM | Thursday February 26
📍 Main Stage, Showplace Performance Centre
🎉 Making their first-ever Peterborough Performs appearance!

PTBO Performs VI: Musicians United to End Homelessness is Peterborough’s biggest night of live music - with fourteen acts set to take both stages @ptboshowplace in support of our work ensuring everyone has a place to call home.

Tickets available online [link in bio] and at the @ptboshowplace box office.

Don’t miss it. 🔥

#PTBOPerformsVI #PTBOMusic #LiveMusicPTBO

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First up in our PTBO Performs VI artist series 🎤 @caitlinoconnormusic of @detentionclubmusic 🕘 9:10 PM | Thursday February 26 📍 Main Stage, Showplace Performance Centre 🎉 Making their first-ever Peterborough Performs appearance! PTBO Performs VI: Musicians United to End Homelessness is Peterborough’s biggest night of live music - with fourteen acts set to take both stages @ptboshowplace in support of our work ensuring everyone has a place to call home. Tickets available online [link in bio] and at the @ptboshowplace box office. Don’t miss it. 🔥 #PTBOPerformsVI #PTBOMusic #LiveMusicPTBO

Office pranks on Jim are back and better than ever for 2026🐭🤣!

High spirits, strong teamwork and lots of laughs and heart here at UWP.

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Office pranks on Jim are back and better than ever for 2026🐭🤣! High spirits, strong teamwork and lots of laughs and heart here at UWP.

After many years of dedicated service, we are preparing to celebrate Jim Russell’s upcoming retirement, and the incredible leadership he has provided to United Way Peterborough & District. Jim’s commitment to community, collaboration, and compassion has helped shape the organization we are today, and we are deeply grateful for the impact he leaves behind.

As we look ahead to our next chapter, we are now seeking a Chief Executive Officer to build on this strong foundation and lead UWP through continued growth and community impact guided by Reconciliation, equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion.

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities.

💻 Learn more by visiting www.uwpeterborough.ca/ceo-hiring/ [link in bio]

📧 To apply, send a resume and cover letter (PDF) to ceohiring@uwpeterborough.ca

🗓️ Deadline for applications: February 16th, 2026

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After many years of dedicated service, we are preparing to celebrate Jim Russell’s upcoming retirement, and the incredible leadership he has provided to United Way Peterborough & District. Jim’s commitment to community, collaboration, and compassion has helped shape the organization we are today, and we are deeply grateful for the impact he leaves behind. As we look ahead to our next chapter, we are now seeking a Chief Executive Officer to build on this strong foundation and lead UWP through continued growth and community impact guided by Reconciliation, equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities. 💻 Learn more by visiting www.uwpeterborough.ca/ceo-hiring/ [link in bio] 📧 To apply, send a resume and cover letter (PDF) to ceohiring@uwpeterborough.ca 🗓️ Deadline for applications: February 16th, 2026

✨ We’re back in the office and kicking off our first work day of 2026 with the best kind of news! Celebrating our December 50/50 winner and the incredible community that makes moments like this possible.

❤️ Our monthly 50/50 draws are a growing way to support our 20 local partner agencies while giving Ontario residents the opportunity to win big.

🎟️ The January draw is live now - tickets are on sale through the link in our bio, and our next draw takes place on January 30 at 1:00 PM.

*Must be 18+ to purchase tickets. Ontario residents only.

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✨ We’re back in the office and kicking off our first work day of 2026 with the best kind of news! Celebrating our December 50/50 winner and the incredible community that makes moments like this possible. ❤️ Our monthly 50/50 draws are a growing way to support our 20 local partner agencies while giving Ontario residents the opportunity to win big. 🎟️ The January draw is live now - tickets are on sale through the link in our bio, and our next draw takes place on January 30 at 1:00 PM. *Must be 18+ to purchase tickets. Ontario residents only.

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.

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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.

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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

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🚨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.

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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!

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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

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🎄✨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
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