Community Initiatives

United Way Community Initiatives

Backpacks For Success

Since the Backpacks for Success program launched locally in 2003, United Way Peterborough & District has provided more than 13,000 backpacks containing grade-appropriate school supplies to local youth in Kindergarten through Grade 12 who are financially vulnerable. Each year, this program sees community donors and volunteers come together to make a tangible difference by ensuring that local students are provided with the tools they need to be successful.

Learn More: Backpacks for Success

Coats For Community

We know the need for warm winter coats in our community is great, not just for local youth but for economically vulnerable adults as well. In 2023, we collected and distributed 1,844 coats to residents of Peterborough City and County who were unable to purchase their own.

Learn More: Coats for our Community

Tampon Tuesday

Menstruation products are a basic necessity. But if you’re living in poverty – or vulnerable in other ways – access to tampons, pads, cups or menstrual underwear, can be challenging.

Learn More: Tampon Tuesday

Day Of Caring

Our Day of Caring event brings the community together while demonstrating the power of volunteering. Local businesses partner with United Way Peterborough & District to assist in completing projects at United Way funded agencies. These projects vary and can include construction, restoration, community special events or agency work. By providing a team of volunteers, companies help member agencies complete important tasks. Day of Caring is a unique event that allows businesses to get directly involved in their own community while promoting team building, boosting morale, and increasing  your company’s community profile. The Day of Caring program connects businesses with volunteer opportunities that matter to you and your community.

Learn More: Day of Caring

Seeing is Believing

Seeing is Believing tours are your opportunity to understand other people’s realities, by engaging your employees, co-workers, volunteers, family or friends in finding out more about UWP’s community-building work and partner agencies.

Expect to be inspired, engaged, surprised, and witness – up close – the impact of your contribution on creating long-lasting social change.

If you or your workplace would like to participate in a tour, please contact United Way Peterborough: Contact Us

Social Posts

⏳ The countdown is ON!

Our emcee, @ellabates.joyatwork is getting ready for an unforgettable night of live music in support of our community.

🎫 PTBO Performs VI tickets available now [link in bio], online and at the @ptboshowplace box office!

Thank you to our generous sponsors:
@llf_lawyers_llp
@2ehome
Lancer Electric
@ptbocounty
@shirlsyourgirl
Stephan Ragaz
@kyleharringtondesjardins
@mcdougall_insurance
Rellinger Writing Services
The Glenn Family
@thebig.peterborough
V.K. Patel Distrbution Services Inc.
Herod Financial Services
@kawarthanowcommunity @kawarthanow
@longandmcquade
@wedesignptbo

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⏳ The countdown is ON! Our emcee, @ellabates.joyatwork is getting ready for an unforgettable night of live music in support of our community. 🎫 PTBO Performs VI tickets available now [link in bio], online and at the @ptboshowplace box office! Thank you to our generous sponsors: @llf_lawyers_llp @2ehome Lancer Electric @ptbocounty @shirlsyourgirl Stephan Ragaz @kyleharringtondesjardins @mcdougall_insurance Rellinger Writing Services The Glenn Family @thebig.peterborough V.K. Patel Distrbution Services Inc. Herod Financial Services @kawarthanowcommunity @kawarthanow @longandmcquade @wedesignptbo

A special message form @twpiggott, CEO and Medical Officer of Health for @phlakelands on this cold January morning.

#BuildingCommunity #UnitedWayPTBO

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A special message form @twpiggott, CEO and Medical Officer of Health for @phlakelands on this cold January morning. #BuildingCommunity #UnitedWayPTBO

Did you know❓
The third Monday in January is widely known as Blue Monday, the saddest day of the year.

The holiday season has passed us by, daylight is fleeting, nights are cold, and the weather is chilly. It’s no wonder some of us are feeling low, but it’s important to know you are not alone 🤍

United Way Peterborough & District is proud to partner with 211 to offer support when times get tough
📞💬 You can call or text 2-1-1 today to get free, confidential help, or 🌐 visit 211ontario.ca

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Did you know❓ The third Monday in January is widely known as Blue Monday, the saddest day of the year. The holiday season has passed us by, daylight is fleeting, nights are cold, and the weather is chilly. It’s no wonder some of us are feeling low, but it’s important to know you are not alone 🤍 United Way Peterborough & District is proud to partner with 211 to offer support when times get tough 📞💬 You can call or text 2-1-1 today to get free, confidential help, or 🌐 visit 211ontario.ca

Next up in our PTBO Performs VI artist series 🎤✨

Phil Stephenson of Lagan & Derelict!

🕦 9:05 PM | Thursday, February 26
📍 The @cogeco Studio, Showplace Performance Centre
🎉 Marking their SIXTH PTBO Performs appearance!

PTBO Performs VI: Musicians United to End Homeslessness is Peterborough’s biggest night of live music featuring 14 amazing local acts set to take both stages @ptboshowplace in support of our partner agencies providing housing and shelter services.

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

You’re not going to want to miss this!

#PTBOPerformsVI #PTBOMusic #LiveMusicPTBO

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Next up in our PTBO Performs VI artist series 🎤✨ Phil Stephenson of Lagan & Derelict! 🕦 9:05 PM | Thursday, February 26 📍 The @cogeco Studio, Showplace Performance Centre 🎉 Marking their SIXTH PTBO Performs appearance! PTBO Performs VI: Musicians United to End Homeslessness is Peterborough’s biggest night of live music featuring 14 amazing local acts set to take both stages @ptboshowplace in support of our partner agencies providing housing and shelter services. 🎫 Tickets are available online now [link in bio] and at the @ptboshowplace box office. You’re not going to want to miss this! #PTBOPerformsVI #PTBOMusic #LiveMusicPTBO

❄️ Due to inclement weather, our office will be closing early today, (Thursday, January 15)❄️

Our team will remain available remotely and will continue to monitor phones and emails.

Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe.

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❄️ Due to inclement weather, our office will be closing early today, (Thursday, January 15)❄️ Our team will remain available remotely and will continue to monitor phones and emails. Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe.

Buckle up for Peterborough Performs returning February 26th! 🥳

Join us for a night of impact and community as we enjoy 14 local artists at Showplace Performance Centre. All proceeds raised are in support of our partner agencies and the work they do for housing and homelessness initiatives.

🎟️ Get your tickets at showplace.org

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Buckle up for Peterborough Performs returning February 26th! 🥳 Join us for a night of impact and community as we enjoy 14 local artists at Showplace Performance Centre. All proceeds raised are in support of our partner agencies and the work they do for housing and homelessness initiatives. 🎟️ Get your tickets at showplace.org

☁️If you’re looking for a sign (and the chance to win big, give back and change lives) this is it!

🎟️Our next 50/50 draw takes place on January 30th! Purchase tickets online through the link in our bio.

*Ontario residents only. Must be 18 or older to purchase tickets.

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Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 18554436733027633
☁️If you’re looking for a sign (and the chance to win big, give back and change lives) this is it! 🎟️Our next 50/50 draw takes place on January 30th! Purchase tickets online through the link in our bio. *Ontario residents only. Must be 18 or older to purchase tickets.

Looking for a night that’s guaranteed to be unforgettable? 🎶
Peterborough Performs returns February 26th for an incredible evening of live local music!

For one night and one night only, fourteen talented local artists will take the stage under one roof, showcasing a vibrant mix of folk, pop, and everything in between. You’ll discover new favourites, sing along to familiar hits, and experience the best of Peterborough’s music scene.

Best of all, you can feel good knowing every ticket makes a difference. Proceeds raised from Peterborough Performs support our local partner agencies and their housing and homelessness initiatives. By coming together through music, we’re strengthening our community and helping create lasting solutions.

🎟️Get your tickets today at showplace.org or through the link in our bio

And don`t forget to keep an eye out for our online auction - coming soon...👀

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Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 18098088410476796
Looking for a night that’s guaranteed to be unforgettable? 🎶 Peterborough Performs returns February 26th for an incredible evening of live local music! For one night and one night only, fourteen talented local artists will take the stage under one roof, showcasing a vibrant mix of folk, pop, and everything in between. You’ll discover new favourites, sing along to familiar hits, and experience the best of Peterborough’s music scene. Best of all, you can feel good knowing every ticket makes a difference. Proceeds raised from Peterborough Performs support our local partner agencies and their housing and homelessness initiatives. By coming together through music, we’re strengthening our community and helping create lasting solutions. 🎟️Get your tickets today at showplace.org or through the link in our bio And don't forget to keep an eye out for our online auction - coming soon...👀

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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Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 18357329695167965
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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Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 18152194417426473
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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