United Way Peterborough & District Announces Disbursement of Federal Funding

On May 19, United Way Peterborough & District launched a call for applications for the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). The fund provides financial support to charities and other qualified donees adapting their frontline services to support vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ECSF is funded by the Government of Canada and is being administered in collaboration with United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Red Cross.

Today, United Way Peterborough & District is pleased to share an update on the recipients of this funding. 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:

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough
  • Community Care Peterborough
  • Community Counselling & Resource Centre
  • Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough
  • Easter Seals ON
  • Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough
  • Five Counties Children’s Centre
  • Food for Kids Peterborough
  • Friends Reaching Individuals in Every Nation Doing Service (FRIENDS)
  • Good Neighbours Care Centre
  • Junior Achievement of Peterborough Lakeland Muskoka
  • Kawartha Child Care Services (Compass Early Learning & Care)
  • Kawartha Participation Projects Foundation
  • Kawartha Youth Orchestra
  • Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation
  • KSAC
  • New Canadian Centre
  • Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle
  • Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre
  • PARN
  • Peterborough Green Up Association
  • Peterborough Youth Services
  • Saint Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
  • Sensity
  • Special Olympics Ontario – Peterborough & Area
  • John’s Anglican Church – One Roof
  • Telecare Distress Centre of Peterborough Inc.
  • The Canadian Canoe Museum
  • The Council of Persons with Disabilities
  • Township of Selwyn Public Library
  • Trent Valley Literacy Association
  • Victim Services of Peterborough & Northumberland
  • VON Peterborough Victoria Haliburton
  • YMCA
  • Youth Emergency Shelter of Peterborough

United Way Peterborough & District is proud to support the important investment of $366,079.96 into our local communities.

“The pandemic has been hard on everyone, especially those who were vulnerable pre-COVID. Through our federal government’s response, 8 million Canadians are receiving a guaranteed income of $2,000, 3 million workers have been supported with the wage subsidy, thousands of organizations, including those serving vulnerable women and children, have been able to keep their doors open and keep people safe. Through this investment of $366,079, our government has partnered with the United Way to provide additional supports to 35 local organizations caring for our neighbours in their hour of need. There is more to be done, to be sure. The Safe Restart agreement with Ontario carves out $5 billion over the next eight months for the province to support things like putting in place safety measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19, managing public spaces and critical services, and ensuring that public transit is safe to use. Our government will be there with you every step of the way.” says Maryam Monsef, Member of Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha.

“These times of COVID-19 call for leadership. Our Federal Government has demonstrated a commitment to the Not-for-Profit sector and a deep belief in the resilience of local communities. United Way is delighted to partner with the government in supporting leading agencies who are meeting the needs of our vulnerable neighbors now.” says Jim Russell, CEO of United Way Peterborough and District.

“Charities and non-profit organizations are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, acting as lifelines for many vulnerable Canadians,” says The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. “The Government of Canada is pleased to work with its trusted partners to support these organizations through the Emergency Community Support Fund so they can continue to help those most in need during this crisis.”

Media Contact:

For more information, contact Jim Russell, CEO at United Way Peterborough & District at 705-742-8839 x26 or by email at jrussell@uwpeterborough.ca.

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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!
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As the holidays approach, we wanted to share a quick update on our office hours.

Our office will be closing early on Wednesday and Thursday of this week as we celebrate the season with our staff, board and committees. We will then be closed beginning at noon on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) through January 5, returning to regular office hours in the new year.

If you or someone you know needs support during this time, please remember that help is available by calling 211, 24/7.

Wishing you a safe, restful, and joyful holiday season. 🎄✨
Looking for food support this holiday season? 

Please visit the City of Peterborough website for information on food banks and free meals. 

peterborough.ca/foodcalendar
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