Paul Rellinger: Currently a freelance writer (Rellinger Writing Services) as well as a regular contributor with KawarthaNOW.com and trentu.ca, Paul Rellinger is a multi-awarded and effective communicator with 39 years of print and broadcast experience, including 27 years as an editor and columnist with Peterborough This Week and, for the last two years, a regular co-host of The Regulars on Extra 90.5 FM.

With his wife Mary, Paul moved to Peterborough in 1989 where they raised three children – Paul, Peter and Laura – and now enjoy spending time with their four very active grandchildren – Landon, Hudson, Mia and Mila.

Paul is vice-chair of the Peterborough Musicfest board and is Honourary Chair of the annual Peterborough Family Literacy Day.

From 2011 to 2017, Paul’s annual Relly On The Roof fundraiser for Habitat For Humanity saw him “camp” each spring for 48 hours atop The Brick, raising thousand dollars for that organization’s important work.

Paul has served on the boards of Showplace Peterborough and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Peterborough, and sat on committees with the United Way, the John Howard Society, the Peterborough St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Peterborough Musicfest.

In addition, Paul was a tutor with the Trent Valley Literacy Association, helping a number of adults improve their reading and numerical skills to better their job prospects and overall quality of life. And as a 15-year member of the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough, Paul was named Kinsman of the Year in 1998-99 and served as club president in 2000-01.

Paul has emceed numerous community events, including the Peterborough Pathway of Fame Induction Ceremony, Peterborough Musicfest concerts and Peterborough Vegfest as well as numerous benefits for individuals and groups in need.

When he’s not putting pen to paper, Paul is on a sincere but woefully futile quest to own every postage stamp ever issued. A rabid reader of history, Paul claims to know who shot JFK but can’t say out of fear for his safety. Paul counts among his passions Peterborough’s rich live music scene, the Toronto Maple Leafs, slo-pitch and retrieving golf balls from the woods.

As a member of the Cabinet for the 2019 United Way campaign, Paul is the principle organizer and producer of Peterborough Performs for the United Way, a multi-concert showcase and celebration of local and exceptional musical talent to be staged in March 2020 at the Showplace Performance Centre. More details on that grand event will follow.

Social Posts

🚨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!

Which one’s your favourite? 🤨

#UnitedWayPTBO #BuildingCommunity
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
❤️It’s Thank You Thursday!❤️

Thank you to the whole team at J & M Automotive who welcomed us into their shop to present a generous gift to @unitedwayptbo 

We also want to thank @darcybonner2829 Campaign Cabinet member, for helping build these strong community connections. 

We’re so grateful for local businesses who step up for our community! Remember that every dollar raised here, stays here supporting our 20 outstanding partner agencies.
❄️Even with the snow coming down outside, our spirit week continues strong with Statement Sock Day!

🧦Bold statements, adorable animals, throwback characters - the team brought it all. 

❤️Proud of this team for finding joy, colour and community no matter the weather!
Donate To the United Way
Donate