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 Community

Period Promise (formerly 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: Period Promise

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

Happy 70th anniversary to all of our friends celebrating the Peterborough & District Labour Council🥳.

We are so grateful for all that you do for our communities, and can’t wait to celebrate this momentous occasion alongside you, tonight. 

Here’s to another 70 years of a thriving organized labour community here in Peterborough!
Small Investment, BIG Impact. 💛 

The Neighbourhood Fund supports local, volunteer-led projects that help make Peterborough communities better. 

Get to know your neighbours, give back to your community, and have fun!

🔗 Apply using the link in our bio
🗓️ Deadline: Wednesday, May 27 at noon
Reaching Home: Indigenous Initiatives Applications Are Now Open! 📣

United Way Peterborough & District is excited to announce new, targeted funding opportunities through Reaching Home for Indigenous initiatives.

🔗 Learn more and apply when you visit the link in our bio.
❗ Applications close May 11, 2026.
🌱Garden Boxes are back, and they’re going fast🌱

These beauties are made by local volunteers! Hand-crafted, solid wood garden boxes are available in two sizes:
• Medium 4 ft box – $45 
• Large 6 ft box – $65

Built by community, for community, with proceeds supporting programs and services right here across Peterborough City and County.

A very special thank you to our friends @chemonghhbc for generously providing the materials to make this project possible.

Spring has already sprung, and quantities are limited, so if you’ve been thinking about growing your own veggies, herbs, or flowers this season, now’s the time to jump in!

👉 Reserve yours today by emailing: dayofcaring@uwpeterborough.ca, or send us a DM for further details!
Don’t worry, Jim & Rhonda! We’re holding it down over here!
🌍💚 A healthy planet supports healthy communities.
 
Climate change impacts us all — but the most vulnerable feel it first and hardest.
 
This #EarthDay, let’s take action for people and the planet.
 
How are you making a difference today? 🌱
Learn more about the Neighbourhood Fund at the link in our bio 😌🏡
🙌 Volunteers bring communities to life!
 
From lending a helping hand to leading initiatives, volunteers make lasting change possible.
 
This #NationalVolunteerWeek, we celebrate YOU — the people who make our communities stronger every day.
 
Drop a ❤️ if you’ve ever volunteered!
Do YOU want to make a difference in your community? 🏘️

👉 Apply for our Neighbourhood Fund Grant today!

United Way Peterborough & District's Neighbourhood Fund offers small, one time grants to help groups of people in the City and County of Peterborough bring their community ideas to life. Whether you’re planning something with neighbours or working on a local project, this fund is here to support you. It’s all about helping people connect, get involved, and make their community a better place together.

🔗 Get started via the link in our bio
🗓️ Deadline to apply is Wednesday, May 27 at noon
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