Lois is a community champion, dedicated journalist, and tireless advocate for social justice and inclusion. As the esteemed Editor-in-Chief of Peterborough This Week from 2003 to 2018, Lois left an indelible mark on the community, earning accolades including every major community newspaper award in Ontario and several across Canada. Her commitment to shedding light on the stories of those facing adversity, whether it be poverty, addiction, or housing insecurity, exemplifies her unwavering dedication to giving voice to the voiceless.

Beyond her journalistic endeavors, Lois's passion for making a difference extended far beyond the newsroom. She played a pivotal role in founding transformative organizations such as the YES Shelter, The Mount Community Centre, and Volunteer Peterborough, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and empowerment in her wake. Her leadership roles, including serving as Vice Chair of Homegrown Homes and contributing to various committees focused on fundraising and communications, demonstrate her knack for rallying community support and mobilizing resources to tackle pressing issues head-on.

Lois's commitment to inclusivity is evident in her welcoming embrace of all citizens, particularly newcomers and underrepresented groups, encouraging them to join Volunteer Peterborough in building a more inclusive community together. Her ability to identify major challenges and galvanize community action around them has been instrumental in driving positive change throughout Peterborough.

Even behind the scenes, Lois's impact reverberates profoundly. Her unwavering support for women struggling with mental health issues, especially during the isolating times of the pandemic, showcases her deep empathy and generosity of spirit. Her home became a beacon of hope and solace, offering a lifeline to those in need. Simultaneously, Lois's entrepreneurial spirit shone through as she launched a successful freelance business, bridging communities and clients worldwide while remaining deeply connected to her roots.

In every facet of her life, Lois embodies the essence of a true changemaker, leading by example and inspiring others to join her in building a more equitable and compassionate world.

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Our office will be closed on Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6, an will reopen on Tuesday, April 7. 

Have a safe and restful long weekend!
At United Way Peterborough & District, we believe in building a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and included. Autism is part of the rich diversity that strengthens our community. 

Let’s move beyond awareness and continue working toward acceptance, accessibility, and meaningful inclusion for all.

#WorldAutismAwarenessDay
Today marks the beginning of our new campaign season and with that, we must sadly announce… more
Today Trans Day of Visibility 🏳️⚧️

We celebrate the courage, resilience, and contributions of transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people who make our communities stronger every day. 

Let’s keep fostering a culture of inclusion and respect for all!
#ThrowbackThursday reminiscing on more than 80 years of building community in Peterborough & District ❤️.
We’ll always remember this campaign, and the incredible leadership behind it 💫

Over the past year, Paul has brought dedication, energy, and heart to every part of this campaign. From milestone moments to the quiet work behind the scenes, his commitment never wavered (even when it meant going back up on the roof!).

Now, it’s time to celebrate everything this community has accomplished together.

🎉 Join us at Campaign Celebration on April 9th 
🎟️ Get your tickets today [link in bio]
“This isn’t one of your funnies, is it?”… Campaign stress relief courtesy of Joy in a garbage bag!
Racism continues to affect communities across Canada.

On the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we stand for reflection, education, and action to build equitable communities for all!

🔗 Click the link in our bio to learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
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