Women United™ is an inclusive and vibrant global community of change makers bound together by a powerful sense of belonging — to one another, to their community and to the mission of transforming the lives of women, those who identify as women and their families.

Our vision is of a powerful force for social change, where women are key drivers of philanthropy in local communities, across the country and around the world

70,000 women leaders in more than 165 communities have raised and invested more than $1.7 Billion through WOMEN UNITED™ since 2002.

                                          

Who Are Women United Peterborough

Women United Peterborough is a collective of women, those who identify as women and allies who contribute their time, treasure and talent to create a community where everyone can thrive.

Women United Peterborough:

  • Have passion to lift up other women.
  • Reduce and remove economic and social barriers so the next generation of girls and women can lead to their full potential.
  • Learn more about the challenges facing women and gender diverse people in their community and the resources available to those in need.
  • Improve the lives of those in vulnerable situations, through financial resources and gifts of personal time and talent
  • Allies are welcome!

Locally, the movement is a network of women philanthropists and their allies who donate $1,200 or more annually to United Way Peterborough & District.  Through mentorship, advocacy and amplification of marginalized voices, Women United works to empower women, those who identify as women, girls and their families.

Our Impact

Our vision is that all women, at every stage in their lives, have the supports they need to thrive. Members of Women United support vulnerable women and their families to make sure they have equal opportunities for a successful life.

Through investment, engagement and leadership, together we will:

  • Be part of a powerful collective of women driving meaningful social change.
  • Develop a deeper connection to issues affecting their community.
  • Mentor or be mentored by women who understand the challenges uniquely experienced by women and share knowledge and experience to overcome these barriers both in and outside the workplace.

Join Us to:

  • Network with like-minded, empowered women
  • Build a strong, healthy, safe community for everyone by investing in women and their families.
  • Celebrate volunteerism, advocacy, and women leadership in philanthropy
  • Learn more about critical issues facing your community through United Way’s expertise and connections
  • Gain public profile as a community leader – be recognized as a Leadership Donor in our Annual Report and receive invitations to our Leadership Donor recognition events
  • As an employer, offer your team a sense of belonging and connection with our community and supplement existing programs to attract/retain valuable employees

For more information please contact Jocelyne Stone

In the news, Women United Launches in Peterborough

March 14, 2024 - Women United Peterborough Opens Nominations for the Inaugural Women Of Impact Awards

March 8, 2024 - Women United Peterborough Announces Call for Nominations for First Annual Women of Impact Awards

June 14, 2023: Toronto Star - Peterborough Women United launches $15K fund for groups to help women and girls

November 10, 2022: Global News – Women United launches in Peterborough

November 10, 2022: Ptbo Canada – United Way Launches New Initiative to Support Local Women and Girls

November 10, 2022: PTBO Today – Women United launched in Peterborough with the goal of driving social change

November 9, 2022: Peterborough Examiner – New Women United group aims to empower Peterborough women, girls

Social Posts

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!

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.
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