Jim Russell, CEO – One of Peterborough’s Top 20 Most Influential

Peterborough This Week’s annual Top 20 includes a familiar face this year. Jim Russell, CEO United Way Peterborough & District hit this year’s list at number 6.

“The collection of names and personalities is a definitive guide to the power structure of this community. While some will (and have) taken exception to who cracked our top 20, few can argue with the impact each individual has on shaping our community,” says the local paper’s Editor, Mike Lacey.

Mr. Russell shared the Top 20 with a selection of local politicians, philanthropists, business minds, lobbyists and a young scientist who also made Canada’s Top 20 under 20 for his research on cancer treatment.

“The depth of commitment and influence in our community is certainly much larger than 20. I am sure everyone on the list would agree what a privilege it is to serve and live in such a fine place as Peterborough,” says Russell.

Jim arrived in Peterborough almost 3 years ago to assume the CEO position at United Way and has been frequently quoted for wanting this to be his last job.

“It’s always humbling to be recognized, especially among a group of such august peers, but I credit the hard work of United Way staff, Board, volunteers, and the hard work of our leaders among our partner agencies who deliver such tremendous service to the community,” Russell added.

Top 20 selection criteria includes;

  •  Candidates must live in the City or County of Peterborough
  •  The decisions they make impact a large number of individuals
  •  They are leaders within their respective fields
  •  They increase the chances of a project’s success by becoming involved.

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“With happy feet, our goal we’ll meet” - Paul Rellinger, 2026 

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Local love, legendary flavour! 🍕

Domino’s Pizza and United Way Peterborough & District are teaming up to deliver the most delicious way to give back this March!

Beginning today, when you make a donation to United Way Peterborough at participating Domino’s Pizza locations, you’ll receive a coupon for a FREE Cheesy Bread. Yep, you read that right you give back to your community and treat yourself to one of Domino’s fan-favourite sides. Total win-win!

Offer ends March 29th, so stop by a participating location to make a donation and get your cheesy bread, today:

📍 Domino’s - 550 Lansdowne St West
📍 Domino’s - 1774 Lansdowne St West
📍 Domino’s - 1091 Chemong Rd

Give back. Dig in. 🍕💙
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We can’t wait to see you tomorrow from 7-11PM @ptboshowplace for PTBO Performs VI! Tickets are still available online and at the box office! See you there 🧡🕺
Every child deserves the chance to succeed. 🏆

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United Way Centraides invests $39.1M in kids' emotional wellbeing and partners with communities to empower youth, fostering positive relationships and safe environments where every child can thrive.
Today our team at United Way Peterborough & District proudly wears pink in recognition of #PinkShirtDay 💗

Thank you to @staplescanada for donating “Be Kind Always” shirts to United Way Centraides across the country, helping remove barriers so everyone can participate in this important day.

Pink Shirt Day is about more than a colour. It’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, valued, and safe. It’s about standing up to bullying and standing up for one another.

We’re grateful to work alongside partners who don’t just talk about belonging — they actively invest in it.
Kindness matters. Inclusion matters. Community matters.

#BeKindAlways
🎨 Sponsor Spotlight: Artist Sponsors 🎨

A huge thank you to our Artist Sponsors.

@2ehome
@cogeco & @yourtvptbo

Their leadership and support helps ensure that our incredibly talented local musicians are fairly compensated for sharing their time, creativity, and artistry with us. 🎶

That means when you join us this Thursday, you’re not only supporting housing and homelessness initiatives in our community, you’re also supporting the artists who make this night so special. 💛

🎟️ Tickets are still available grab yours at the link in our bio and be part of a night that uplifts both community and culture.
Thank you to the mysterious donor who shipped this box of menstrual products to our office for this year's Period Promise campaign!

Every donation gets us closer to our goal of collecting 25,000 items.

Tap the link in our bio to make a monetary donation, find a list of drop off locations, or learn more about Period Promise. - And feel free to reach out if you'd like to get more involved!
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