United Way Peterborough & District Announces Second Round of Emergency Community Support Fund

United Way Peterborough & District is accepting funding applications for the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) Round 2 from October 5 to October 30, 2020. The fund continues to provide financial support to charities and other qualified donees adapting their frontline services to support vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government of Canada has released this balance of funding for ECSF and it is being administered in collaboration with United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Red Cross.

United Way Peterborough & District is proud to support this important additional investment of $132,808 into our local communities.

“Charities and non-profit organizations are at the heart of our communities, helping the most vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 crisis. The Government of Canada is pleased to support these organizations through the Emergency Community Support Fund so that they can continue their invaluable work.” says The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.

“This partnership between United Way Centraides and the Government of Canada recognizes that local United Ways are uniquely positioned in their communities to respond to some of the most pervasive issues facing our residents,” says Jim Russell, Chief Executive Officer, United Way Peterborough & District. “Here in Peterborough City & County, we will work together with community partners who are closest to those most vulnerable to rapidly respond to the needs in our community. This will ensure that the Emergency Community Support Funding will go to those organizations most directly affected by COVID-19.”

“Our community is stronger because of those who work in the charitable and social sectors. Our Government will continue to support them so they can continue to support the most vulnerable. Through Phase 1 of the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund, United Way Peterborough and Community Foundations have distributed more than a combined $680,000 towards 58 local organizations and projects that are directly supporting the most vulnerable in Peterborough-Kawartha. These funds have ensured food banks can stock their shelves to feed those in need, that counselling services are able to keep up with an increase in demand, and that service providers can adjust to life in a post-COVID world with transportation to make home deliveries, or drive seniors to appointments. If your organization has a service to provide that can help in our neighbourhoods, I encourage you to apply for this second round of funding.”

For complete information, including Frequently Asked Questions and to access the funding application for the Emergency Community Support Fund available through United Way Peterborough and District please visit uwpeterborough.ca or click here.

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!
🎄✨Festive sweaters described in one word only!

We brought the holiday spirit in support of our @unitedwayptbo workplace campaign!

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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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