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.

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What you’ve heard is true…
Campaign Celebration is on for April 9th! 🎉

Join us, Thursday, April 9 from 4-6PM as we celebrate another fantastic year of generosity, collaboration, and impact. It’s going to be an evening of fun and community spirit alongside our hard working volunteers, donors, and workplace teams. 

👉Get your tickets today when you follow the link in our bio OR send us a DM - we’d be happy to send you the link directly!
🌍 Today is World Social Work Day!

The care economy workforce is at the heart of our communities, helping people, strengthening families, and building resilient neighbourhoods.

United Way Peterborough & District proudly supports the people who power the care economy sector and the vital services that touch millions of lives.
Our community showed up in a big way for Period Promise 2026!

Thanks to the incredible generosity of Peterborough & District, this year’s Period Promise campaign collected 41,556 menstrual products, far surpassing our goal of 25,000 products collected.

That’s over 41,000 items that will now be distributed through our friends @kawarthafoodshare , helping ensure individuals and families have access to essential products they shouldn’t have to go without.

Because the reality is: 1 in 4 people in Canada who menstruate have had to choose between period products and other basic needs.

This campaign is about more than products, it’s about dignity, access, and breaking the stigma.

To everyone who donated, hosted drives, and helped spread the word: thank you for being a part of this impact.
Pizza pie? That’s amore! 🍕

Celebrate Pi(e) Day with a slice from everyone’s favourite, Domino’s Pizza Peterborough. While you’re there, make a donation to United Way Peterborough & District and receive a coupon for ✨FREE cheesy bread✨

That’s right. You give back AND get to enjoy a delicious side of cheesy bread for FREE.

Domino’s Pizza + United Way = The ultimate slice of community impact 🤝
💜 Today we celebrate International Women’s Day!

Across Canada, women are leading change by strengthening communities, advocating for equity, and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.

At United Way Peterborough & District, we’re proud to invest in gender equality to support women’s economic empowerment and reduce financial stress. 🌟
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