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.

Social Posts

⏳ The countdown is ON! 

Our emcee, @ellabates.joyatwork is getting ready for an unforgettable night of live music in support of our community. 

🎫 PTBO Performs VI tickets available now [link in bio], online and at the @ptboshowplace box office!

Thank you to our generous sponsors:
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A special message form @twpiggott, CEO and Medical Officer of Health for @phlakelands on this cold January morning. 

#BuildingCommunity #UnitedWayPTBO
Did you know❓
The third Monday in January is widely known as Blue Monday, the saddest day of the year.

The holiday season has passed us by, daylight is fleeting, nights are cold, and the weather is chilly. It’s no wonder some of us are feeling low, but it’s important to know you are not alone 🤍

United Way Peterborough & District is proud to partner with 211 to offer support when times get tough 
📞💬 You can call or text 2-1-1 today to get free, confidential help, or 🌐 visit 211ontario.ca
Next up in our PTBO Performs VI artist series 🎤✨

Phil Stephenson of Lagan & Derelict!

🕦 9:05 PM | Thursday, February 26
📍 The @cogeco Studio, Showplace Performance Centre 
🎉 Marking their SIXTH PTBO Performs appearance!

PTBO Performs VI: Musicians United to End Homeslessness is Peterborough’s biggest night of live music featuring 14 amazing local acts set to take both stages @ptboshowplace in support of our partner agencies providing housing and shelter services. 

🎫 Tickets are available online now [link in bio] and at the @ptboshowplace box office. 

You’re not going to want to miss this!

#PTBOPerformsVI #PTBOMusic #LiveMusicPTBO
❄️ Due to inclement weather, our office will be closing early today, (Thursday, January 15)❄️

Our team will remain available remotely and will continue to monitor phones and emails.

Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe.
Buckle up for Peterborough Performs returning February 26th! 🥳

Join us for a night of impact and community as we enjoy 14 local artists at Showplace Performance Centre. All proceeds raised are in support of our partner agencies and the work they do for housing and homelessness initiatives. 

🎟️ Get your tickets at showplace.org
☁️If you’re looking for a sign (and the chance to win big, give back and change lives) this is it! 
 
🎟️Our next 50/50 draw takes place on January 30th! Purchase tickets online through the link in our bio. 

*Ontario residents only. Must be 18 or older to purchase tickets.
Looking for a night that’s guaranteed to be unforgettable? 🎶
Peterborough Performs returns February 26th for an incredible evening of live local music!

For one night and one night only, fourteen talented local artists will take the stage under one roof, showcasing a vibrant mix of folk, pop, and everything in between. You’ll discover new favourites, sing along to familiar hits, and experience the best of Peterborough’s music scene.

Best of all, you can feel good knowing every ticket makes a difference. Proceeds raised from Peterborough Performs support our local partner agencies and their housing and homelessness initiatives. By coming together through music, we’re strengthening our community and helping create lasting solutions.

🎟️Get your tickets today at showplace.org or through the link in our bio

And don't forget to keep an eye out for our online auction - coming soon...👀
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
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