United Way Peterborough & District grants $366,079.96 to 35 local programs through Emergency Community Support Fund

We are proud to have partnered with United Way Centraide Canada and the Government of Canada to deliver the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) in Peterborough.

Over the past month, United Way Peterborough & District has received over 40 applications for community programs and services that support vulnerable community members. To date, 35 organizations have been approved for a total of $366,079.96. We are pleased to announce the ECSF is supporting the following:

  • $10,000 was invested in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough to provide virtual mentoring opportunities and small group activities to keep children feeling connected, safe and secure.
  • $10,000 was invested in Community Care Peterborough to assist seniors, caregivers and persons with disabilities living in poverty to attend medical and other essential appointments.
  • $10,000 was invested in Community Counselling & Resource Centre to provide services through an outside Housing Clinic ‘drop-in’ for homeless or precariously housed persons.
  • $10,000 was invested in Community Counselling & Resource Centre to assist individuals with community service orders find opportunities that provide physically distanced home projects and educational opportunities to complete their community service hours.
  • $5,000 was invested in Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough to provide virtual programming and social opportunities for individuals with Down Syndrome.
  • $6,135 was invested in Easter Seals ON to provide mobility and accessibility equipment to children, and supporting their families in the Peterborough region facing increased challenges due to the COVID-19 crisis.
  • $10,000 was invested in Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough to Elizabeth Fry Society Peterborough will increase their capacity to provide services to a greater number of service users, by developing alternative formats of program delivery and support.
  • $9,405 was invested in Five Counties Children’s Centre to allow children to receive their much needed treatment virtually at home and continue their progress while Centre sites are closed during Covid-19.
  • $11,689.62 was invested in Food for Kids Peterborough to continue feeding children who normally rely on breakfast programs every day to ensure they get the nourishment they need to grow and be healthy.
  • $10,000 was invested in Friends Reaching Individuals in Every Nation Doing Service (FRIENDS) to ensure that the FRIENDS location remains operational during the pandemic by supporting salary of the full time employee and the supplies needed.
  • $11,689.61 was invested in Good Neighbours Care Centre to maintain the food bank clothing store so those in need in Peterborough and the surrounding area may access it through the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • $10,000 was invested in Junior Achievement of Peterborough Lakeland Muskoka to run Junior Achievement programs digitally on an online campus so students from grades 3 – 12 can continue building financial and business skills through the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • $12,500 was invested in Kawartha Child Care Services (Compass Early Learning & Care) to prepare the space offered in partnership with Kawartha Land Trust for the ‘TimberNook’ program based on COVID-19 protocols for six vulnerable children.
  • $9,449.62 was invested in Kawartha Participation Projects Foundation to provide personal supports that are essential to the activities of daily living for adults with physical disabilities.  Offered in one of our 5 Housing Locations, or in the client’s home.
  • $9,888 was invested in Kawartha Youth Orchestra to design, develop, and deliver digital resources for interactive music enrichment for school-aged youth, vulnerable seniors, and long-term care residents within the Peterborough community.
  • $5,085 was invested in Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation to retrofit a meeting room inside at the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society’s Peterborough location with Plexiglas and utilizing additional PPE safety protocols so that KHCAS staff can resume indoor visits with their clients.
  • $10,000 was invested in KSAC to support those affected by sexual violence and to influence social change within our community.
  • $12,000 was invested in New Canadian Centre for a training program in use of technology for newcomers with lower literacy levels.
  • $10,000 was invested in Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle to support part time staff who will assist NASC program workers with the challenges associated with providing our services during COVID-19
  • $23,500 was invested in Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre to enhance Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre’s ability to prepare and provide weekly nourishing meals for our most vulnerable community members, including our Elders/Seniors, homeless, youth-at-risk and single parent families.
  • $10,000 was invested in PARN as part of their HIV prevention strategy, provide weekly programming for 2-SLGBTQIA youth 12-24 in Peterborough and area, which includes inclusive education and social components to reduce isolation, build resiliency and strengthen awareness regarding identity, health and wellness.
  • $10,000 was invested in Peterborough Green Up Association to provide access to equipment and learning supports to move an adult from non-rider to confident commuter, providing independent, low-cost transportation.
  • $10,000 was invested in Peterborough Youth Services to the Community Response Team (CRT) that provides mobile crisis outreach services for ages 0-18. It is designed to be flexible and responsive to the needs of youth.
  • $11,689.61 was invested in Saint Vincent de Paul Food Pantry to resume the personal grocery shopping in the pantry that was replaced by hampers handout when COVID-19 started, and restock shelves to ensure that customers can come into the food pantry and shop for groceries tailored to their specific dietary and family needs.
  • $1,615 was invested in Sensity to purchase technology to promote social inclusion and support a person in the Peterborough area who is deafblind during COVID-19 isolation. Allowing them to connect with peers, participate in virtual activities organized by Sensity and of their own choosing, and engage their creativity through apps and games all of which would promote inclusion and reduce their sense of isolation
  • $10,000 was invested in Special Olympics Ontario – Peterborough & Area to enable individuals with an intellectual disability currently without access to electronic materials to access content to remain connected, informed, healthy and active.
  • $11,689.61 was invested in John’s Anglican Church – One Roof to provide large portions of healthy take away lunches for the clients, increasing the number of snacks people can take with them at the lunch meal pickup, providing additional food to clients who have kitchen facilities and working with Nourish to continue to provide food boxes to clients as well.
  • $10,000 was invested in Telecare Distress Centre of Peterborough Inc. to train volunteers to take calls confidentially and non-judgmentally from anyone in our catchment area who may be in distress, particularly due to COVID-19 isolation and its effects.
  • $10,000 was invested in The Canadian Canoe Museum to rebuild social engagement and learning for isolated seniors through live virtual museum tours of the Canadian Canoe Museum’s collection and galleries.
  • $10,000 was invested in The Council of Persons with Disabilities to adjust the Community Accessibility evaluation Program (CAEP) and the Time in My Shoes (TIMS) program, moving them to a digital format. CAEP is offered to local businesses so they may enhance accessibility at their location. TIMS is an educational program aimed at raising awareness of the barriers to accessibility and inclusion for those living with disability.
  • $7,000 was invested in Township of Selwyn Public Library to provide programs that would include online book clubs, additional virtual children’s programs, and additional virtual adult programs such as online genealogy programs, trivia, and much more. Also, purchase a subscription to Hoopla, which provides public libraries the ability to offer patrons an enormous selection of digital video, music, audiobooks, and ebooks.
  • $12,000 was invested in Trent Valley Literacy Association to expand digital literacy training availability to new participants and purchase equipment and tools to reduce the digital divide for those already in service.
  • $10,000 was invested in Victim Services of Peterborough & Northumberland to purchase of a database with secure on-line text or chat capability to safely connect with clients during the pandemic.
  • $11,689.61 was invested in VON Peterborough Victoria Haliburton to prepare “Dinner on Us” care packages and drop them off at our client’s homes, since our adult day programs are not taking place.
  • $7,700 was invested in VON Peterborough Victoria Haliburton to purchase iPads and mobile internet hubs so that we can assist isolated clients to connect virtually with their family and friends.
  • $5,000 was invested in YMCA to purchase sports equipment for a modified camp that will adhere to provincial pandemic guidelines, which recommend that cohorts do not share equipment.
  • $11,354.28 was invested in Youth Emergency Shelter of Peterborough to promote the safety and well-being of youth experiencing homelessness through COVID-19, they will provide access to internet-based services for youth in emergency shelter and in their youth housing program for one year.

Click here to read the press release.

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It’s with a profound sadness that United Way Peterborough and District, staff, Board of Directors, and Campaign Cabinet remember and celebrate the life and legacy of Ann Farquharson. 
 
Ann was a dedicated member of our Campaign Cabinet - a community builder with admirable determination. Her legacy spans decades of dedicated civic leadership, and her impact is woven into every corner of our community. We will miss Ann’s voice in our community, and around our tables. 
 
To her family, many friends, and colleagues: we offer our deepest condolences. To our United Way community: we pledge to honour her memory by continuing the work that she so believed in. 
 
Thank you, Ann.

Photo courtesy of: @jordanlyallphotography
On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we stand united against gender-based violence.
Let's raise awareness, support those who have experienced violence or are struggling and work towards a future free from violence.
If you or someone you know needs help, dial 2-1-1 for support and services.
✨🍔There’s still PLENTY of time left in the search for Peterborough & Districts Ultimate Burger of the Year!🍔✨

Peterborough and County - your mission this weekend is simple: get out, try an ultimate burger (or two or three), and head to the 🔗 link in our bio to cast a 🗳️vote for your favourite!

A huge shout out to our incredible participating restaurants for bringing the heat all month long🔥: @agavebyimperial @thevine_ptbo @thedirtyburgercompany @therinktapandgrill @theloonlakefield @chemonglodge @doubledz_s @pizzavillabridgenorth 

And a massive thank you to our Burger Ambassadors for taste-testing, cheering loudly, and keeping the friendly competition alive all month long! @ptboeaters @dangotoole @neildmorton @_thetiffanyshow @nourm_ @petedalliday77 @artofwilkins @rellyelton 

PLUS - big gratitude to our media and community partners @kawarthanowcommunity and @corus_entertainment for helping spread the love and the flavour ❤️

📍Every Ultiamte Burger sold donated $2 back to United Way Peterborough & District, supporting programs that build community and change lives 
🗳️ Cast your people’s choice vote at the link in our bio!

#UWPUBB #UltimateBurgerBattle
Today is #NationalChildDay.

United Way Peterborough & District provides children and youth with the support they need to thrive, succeed in school, and reach their full potential.

To learn more about our work in this area, visit the "Our Research" link in bio.
🎟️ The November 50/50 post is live and growing! The next of our monthly draws takes place on Black Friday - November 28. 

Secure your tickets today at the link in our bio for your chance to win big, give back and change lives ❤️.

*Must be 18 or older to purchase tickets. Ontario residents only.
United Way Peterborough & Distirct has been running Coats for Community for many years, and every year our community shows up with generosity and heart ❤️. 

For the past two years, this program has been run in collaboration with our friends @path_ptbo (Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes). 

This video shares a glimpse into how this long-standing program has evolved over the years. 

If you’re able, we’re encouraging community members to donate warm winter items to support our neighbours facing the cold months ahead. Blankets, and men’s coats size L - XL are urgently needed at the moment, but every donation helps. 

📍Drop off: 385 Lansdowne St E
🗓️ When: Wednesday (10-3) and Saturdays (9-3)

#CoatsForCommunity #buildingcommunity #UnitedWayPTBO #peterborough
Black Friday sales are popping up left and right, but the best deal of all isn’t in a catalog it’s right here: United Way Peterborough & District’s 50/50 draw! 🎟️ ✨ 

All month long, you can purchase your tickets, and not only will you be entered for a chance to win big, but you’ll also be giving back to your local community. Proceeds from ticket sales are invested directly into Peterborough and the surrounding areas through the work of our 20 local partner agencies. These agencies address a range of needs, including homelessness, domestic violence, mental health, unemployment, addiction, and more.

Buy your tickets today using the link in our bio and discover the joy of giving back! 💫 
*Winner announced November 28th*
Paul wants 🫵YOU🫵 to have the opportunity to win big, give back and change lives through our monthly 50/50 draws! 

Visit the link in our bio to secure your tickets. 

Next draw takes place Friday, November 28! 

*Ontario residents only. Must be 18 or older to purchase tickets* 

#UnitedWayPTBO #buildingcommunity #peterborough #5050
On November 11, we remember.
From all of us at United Way Peterborough & District, we express our deepest gratitude to the brave individuals who served with courage and dedication.
Today, we honour and salute all Veterans as we work towards a brighter future together.
For help and support, dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.ca
❄️ Our first snowfall has arrived, and so has Coats for Community 🧥
We have once again partnered with @path_ptbo to ensure our neighbours stay warm this winter. 
📍 Drop-off location: 385 Lansdowne St. E
🗓️ Wednesdays (10-3) and Saturdays (9-3)
We’re collecting (and in urgent need of) BLANKETS, coats, snow pants, sweaters, socks, underwear, gloves, towels, sleeping bags, hand warmers, and more!
❤️ If you’re able to donate, please ensure all items are clean and in good condition. 
#CoatsForCommunity
👉 There’s more than one way to make a difference! Paul’s got options, and so do you❤️. Learn more about how you can contribute to your 2025-26 Community Campaign on our website [link in bio].
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