Did you know that locally 2,895 children and youth age 17 and younger live in poverty?

Our economically vulnerable must make impossible choices every day…choosing between paying rent, paying bills or buying groceries.  September brings an additional financial stress for these families, back to school shopping for all of the basic tools that will contribute to their child’s success.

1 in every 10 households in the City and County of Peterborough have an annual income that falls under 20k. For these families and many others, finding the extra resources to provide these supplies is almost impossible.  Our vision is that everyone in every community has the opportunity to reach their full potential and our Backpacks for Success initiative serves to ensure that all students have the educational tools they need.

Show your support and help students start the 2025-2026 academic year with all the supplies they need to succeed.

Thanks to your support, last year ALL requests from our school communities of KPR and PVNCC District School Boards were provided with 496 backpacks being distributed to local students and new Canadians!

2025 Backpacks for Success Applications Now Open!

Since the Backpacks for Success program launched locally in 2003, United Way Peterborough & District has provided more than 12,886 backpacks containing grade-appropriate school supplies to local youth in Kindergarten through Grade 12 who are financially vulnerable.

United Way Peterborough & District is working with local schools and agencies to identify students who could benefit from the Backpacks for Success program. Parents and guardians of students in need can now request backpacks and supplies for the 2025-2026 school year directly through their school or agency.

Please note: Due to the high volume of requests, we are unable to deliver backpacks directly to individual students or families. All backpacks will need to be picked up by the school or agency coordinating the requests. We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us reach as many students as possible.

Become a 2025 Backpacks for Success Sponsor

We are currently seeking sponsors for our 2025 Backpacks for Success program! Your support will help provide local students with essential supplies —packed with care and ready for learning.

Sponsorship Opportunities Include:

  • Financial contributions
  • In-kind donations (e.g., school supplies, backpacks)
  • Corporate or community group sponsorships

A $500 sponsorship can provide artistic tools, such as crayons, markers, paper, and pencil crayons, for 75 local students, or equip 30 students with essential Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) supplies.

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

For more information, please email amurphy@uwpeterborough.ca, or call 705-742-8839 ext. 25.

Social Posts

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...👀

13 0
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

59 0
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.

33 7
Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 17961146409032942
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

21 0
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

✨ 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.

23 2
Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 18416222917142916
✨ 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.

8 0
Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 18071391818610543
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.

13 0
Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 17999028359896819
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

7 0
Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 18544235956054806
🚨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.

19 0
Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 18074348807595011
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!

35 1
Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 17853016254598368
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!
Donate To the United Way
Donate