Jill Wickins

Jill Wickins is a stalwart figure in the early childhood education community, having dedicated over four decades to the field. As a Registered Early Childhood Educator with Compass Early Learning and Care, she has left an indelible mark on the lives of over 4000 children and their families. Throughout her extensive career, Jill has worn many hats, embodying roles ranging from educator to advocate, leader, and mentor.

Her approach is rooted in the belief of a value/strength-based methodology, which she applies not only to succession planning but also to day-to-day operations. Jill understands the pivotal role of fostering deeper understanding and cultivating confident decision-makers and leaders within the early learning environment. She places significant emphasis on building robust relationships with community partners, families, children, and colleagues, recognizing them as invaluable resources for creating nurturing and enriching early learning environments.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Jill finds solace and fulfillment in her family and farm life, cherishing her role as a grandparent to two beautiful grandchildren. Despite her numerous achievements and accolades, Jill remains grounded and humble, attributing success to collective effort rather than individual accomplishment.

An ardent advocate for fair compensation within the early childhood education sector, Jill champions equitable pay for all educators and support staff. She fervently believes that their contributions to children, families, and communities warrant recognition and fair remuneration.

In facing professional challenges, Jill is undeterred by obstacles, often generating innovative solutions to enhance accessibility and meet the diverse needs of families. She is relentless in her pursuit of staying abreast of industry changes, supporting various programs, and advocating for the success of all involved.

Jill's leadership in the community is unparalleled, admired by hundreds for her unwavering dedication to children and families, her empathetic nature, and her sense of loyalty to the field of early childhood education. Her impact extends beyond the confines of her role, inspiring others and raising the standard for childcare in her community.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jill's commitment shone brightly as she worked tirelessly to facilitate emergency childcare for frontline workers and provided clarity and reassurance to families navigating uncertain times.

In sum, Jill Wickins is a beacon of resilience, compassion, and advocacy, whose profound influence has left an indelible mark on the landscape of early childhood education.

Social Posts

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.
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.
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.
🚨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.
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!
🎄✨Festive sweaters described in one word only!

We brought the holiday spirit in support of our @unitedwayptbo workplace campaign!

Which one’s your favourite? 🤨

#UnitedWayPTBO #BuildingCommunity
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