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

📸 Whoever gets caught on camera…. Has to promo the December 50/50!

❤️ When you buy United Way Peterborough & District 50/50 tickets, no one loses. In fact, there’s always two winners: you and your community. 

💸 Congratulations to our November winner, J. Million of Peterborough on taking home $877.50!

🔗 Tickets for the December draw are live! Find out more at the link in our bio. 

*Must be 18 years or older to purchase 50/50 tickets. Ontario residents only.
❤️ Today is the day - #GivingTuesday 2025!

💡Did you know that thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all new donations will be matched 100%, and any donor who increases their gift by 10% or more will have that increase matched as well. 

✨ That means not only will your gift strengthen our community’s social safety net by championing our research efforts and sustaining the work of our 20 partner agencies, but your impact can be DOUBLED‼️

🔗 To learn more about the work of UWP, and explore ways you can give, visit the link in our bio!
It’s with a profound sadness that United Way Peterborough and District, staff, Board of Directors, and Campaign Cabinet remember and celebrate the life and legacy of Ann Farquharson. 
 
Ann was a dedicated member of our Campaign Cabinet - a community builder with admirable determination. Her legacy spans decades of dedicated civic leadership, and her impact is woven into every corner of our community. We will miss Ann’s voice in our community, and around our tables. 
 
To her family, many friends, and colleagues: we offer our deepest condolences. To our United Way community: we pledge to honour her memory by continuing the work that she so believed in. 
 
Thank you, Ann.

Photo courtesy of: @jordanlyallphotography
On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we stand united against gender-based violence.
Let's raise awareness, support those who have experienced violence or are struggling and work towards a future free from violence.
If you or someone you know needs help, dial 2-1-1 for support and services.
✨🍔There’s still PLENTY of time left in the search for Peterborough & Districts Ultimate Burger of the Year!🍔✨

Peterborough and County - your mission this weekend is simple: get out, try an ultimate burger (or two or three), and head to the 🔗 link in our bio to cast a 🗳️vote for your favourite!

A huge shout out to our incredible participating restaurants for bringing the heat all month long🔥: @agavebyimperial @thevine_ptbo @thedirtyburgercompany @therinktapandgrill @theloonlakefield @chemonglodge @doubledz_s @pizzavillabridgenorth 

And a massive thank you to our Burger Ambassadors for taste-testing, cheering loudly, and keeping the friendly competition alive all month long! @ptboeaters @dangotoole @neildmorton @_thetiffanyshow @nourm_ @petedalliday77 @artofwilkins @rellyelton 

PLUS - big gratitude to our media and community partners @kawarthanowcommunity and @corus_entertainment for helping spread the love and the flavour ❤️

📍Every Ultiamte Burger sold donated $2 back to United Way Peterborough & District, supporting programs that build community and change lives 
🗳️ Cast your people’s choice vote at the link in our bio!

#UWPUBB #UltimateBurgerBattle
Today is #NationalChildDay.

United Way Peterborough & District provides children and youth with the support they need to thrive, succeed in school, and reach their full potential.

To learn more about our work in this area, visit the "Our Research" link in bio.
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