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

It’s hard to believe 2016 was 10 years ago! 🕰️

So much has changed in the last decade and yet, so much has stayed the same. Ten years ago, we were celebrating a major milestone: 75 years of serving Peterborough & County. We were raising funds through fun community events, supporting ongoing initiatives like Backpacks for Success, hitting big team milestones, and making headlines alongside media partners who continue to uplift our work.

Now, as we celebrate 85 years, the most important thing remains the same, we’re still here building community and changing lives for people across the City of Peterborough. 💙

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It’s hard to believe 2016 was 10 years ago! 🕰️ So much has changed in the last decade and yet, so much has stayed the same. Ten years ago, we were celebrating a major milestone: 75 years of serving Peterborough & County. We were raising funds through fun community events, supporting ongoing initiatives like Backpacks for Success, hitting big team milestones, and making headlines alongside media partners who continue to uplift our work. Now, as we celebrate 85 years, the most important thing remains the same, we’re still here building community and changing lives for people across the City of Peterborough. 💙

⏳ 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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Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 17870090313438780
⏳ 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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Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 18078317111211076
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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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.
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