Paul Rellinger Returns to the Roof as United Way Nears $1.6 Million Community Campaign Goal

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The United Way Peterborough and District’s Campaign Chair Paul Rellinger announces from the roof of the Twohey Home and Long & McQuade Musical Instruments building that they are 4 per cent away from the $1.6 million campaign goal.

photo courtesy of the united way peterborough and district.

Rellinger addressed the community from the roof of Twohey Home and Long & McQuade Musical Instruments, reviving a visual many in Peterborough will remember from his past “Relly on the Roof” fundraiser.

Fifteen years ago, in the spring of 2011, Rellinger launched the first “Relly on the Roof” fundraiser, a rooftop campaign that supported United Way Peterborough & District and quickly became a memorable local tradition.

With just weeks remaining in the campaign, United Way announced it is now 4 per cent away from its $1.6 million goal, with $61,000 left to raise before March 31.

“We’re incredibly proud of what this community has already accomplished,” said Jim Russell, CEO of United Way Peterborough and District. “This campaign reflects the generosity and commitment of people across Peterborough and the county. When we come together, we can make a real difference in the lives of our neighbours.”

Throughout the campaign year, volunteers, workplaces and individual donors have supported the campaign, helping raise critical funds for programs that address poverty, food insecurity, housing instability, mental health and social isolation across the region.

“Many people in this community will remember when I spent time on rooftops raising money for local causes,” said Rellinger. “I never expected to be back up here again, but when you’re this close to your goal, you are willing to go to great heights to finish the job. We’re just $61,000 away from our goal. That final 4 percent represents real support for people in our community who need it most. If you’ve been thinking about giving, now is the time to help us cross the finish line.”

With the campaign deadline approaching on March 31, United Way is encouraging community members to help raise the final funds needed to complete what has already been a remarkable year of collective giving.

Community members can learn more or make a donation by visiting the website.

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Easter Seals Ontario Score With Peterborough Petes Alumni Celebrity Hockey Classic Fundraiser

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Six teams filled with NHL greats, Petes alumni and more hit the ice for the Peterborough Petes Alumni Celebrity Hockey Classic fundraiser in support of Easter Seals at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) on Thursday.

The two-day fundraiser opened with a VIP Draft Party, giving registered teams a chance to select an NHL alumnus to join their team at The Venue on Wednesday night. Among the NHL alumni who attended the event were Brad May, Kris King, Keith Acton, Troy Crowder and André Roy. Also playing in the tournament was former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Doug Gilmour, who is no stranger to the PMC from his Ontario Hockey League tenure.

“It's a little different being back in the dressing room where I coached for three years and the GM side but coming back to Peterborough is always great,” he said. “Growing up in Kingston, our league consists of Oshawa, Peterborough, Belleville, Trenton and Kingston so it's always nice to come back.”

The two-day tournament proceeds go towards Easter Seals Ontario to help children and youth with physical disabilities across the province.

“It's all about having fun out here and everybody works hard on raising money,” explained Gilmour. “There are no losers out here today; the winners are Easter Seals.”

@ptbo_canada Doug Gilmour was one of several NHL legends at the Peterborough Petes Alumni Celebrity Hockey Classic in support of Easter Seals Ontario. Proceeds go towards children and youth with physical disabilities across Ontario. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #fyp #easterseals ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Each team was guaranteed two games. An All-Star game was held following the event, where the top eight fundraisers were eligible to participate. Every player was asked to raise a minimum of $500 for Easter Seals.

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Trent University Exceeds United Way Annual Campaign Goal

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United Way Peterborough and District and Trent University came together to celebrate another successful year of partnership, as Trent’s 2025 Workplace Campaign raises $124,847.

photo courtesy of the united way peterborough and district.

Since the mid-1960s, Trent University faculty and staff have united annually to host fundraising events like their signature kick off barbecue and chilli cook off.

“It’s always heartwarming to see our community show up for one another, but what I find especially touching is when we can do so with our friends and colleagues at Trent for 60 years in a row. Sixty years,” said United Way CEO Jim Russell. “Each year, our friends at Trent have shown up and approached their campaign with enthusiasm and energy. Our team looks forward to building on this remarkable relationship for decades to come.”

While Trent University’s workplace campaign has concluded, the broader community campaign remains active through March 31. United Way continues to fundraise and relies on the generosity of local donors to meet their community campaign goal of $1.6 million.

To make an impact with United Way Peterborough and District you can donate online, in person (277 Stewart St.) or over the phone.

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The 54th-Annual Easter Seals Telethon to Support Children With Disabilities Hits the Air On March 22

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The 54th-annual Easter Seals Telethon fundraiser to support children with physical disabilities is set for March 22, announced at Lansdowne Place on Wednesday morning.

(From left to right) Stuart Harrison, Easter Seals Telethon host; Zoe Gibbbons, Easter Seals Ontario Ambassador for Peterborough-Durham and Sarah-Lynn Gibbons, Zoe’s mother. The Gibbons were active partipants in the 40th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim on Friday morning. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Proceeds go towards Easter Seals Ontario so that children and youth with physical disabilities have access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. The Telethon airs live from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on YourTV and Global Peterborough. The Telethon brings together stories, community voices and fundraising efforts to support Easter Seals kids across the region.

This year’s Easter Seals Ambassador (representing Peterborough-Durham) is seven-year-old Zoe Gibbons from Ajax. This is her second year participating in Easter Seals Ontario but her first as an ambassador.

Zoe was born with a rare condition known as congenital disorder of glycosylation type 2 (CDG Type-2) at birth and requires a wheelchair for mobility. She was the 49th person in the world to be given the diagnosis, according to her mother, Sarah-Lynne Gibbons.

“That's when the sugars and proteins, that mechanism is broken on one of her X chromosomes so there's a 50/50 chance that it can affect every system and organ in her body,” she explained.

Zoe uses her eyes and a Tobii Dynavox communication device to interact with others.

“There's heat sensors on the bottom so if she focuses on something long enough (like on one of the boxes), then it speaks out loud,” said Sarah-Lynn. “It's really cool. It took a really long time for us to advocate because it's one of those things that's hard to get covered but we did and we haven't stopped chatting since.”

The Gibbons were recipients of the Incontinence Grant through Easter Seals Ontario which is awarded to families with children who are diapered at the age of three and beyond.

“They also help with camps for all abilities and equipment so equipment that isn't covered by the government comes with a heavy price tag,” said Sarah-Lynne.

@ptbo_canada The 54th-annual Easter Seals Telethon is set for March 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.! Proceeds are for Easter Seals Ontario for children with physical disabilities access to tools and opportunities to thrive. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #eastersealscanada ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Jeff Leal, Peterborough mayor, were in attendance for the launch. Leal had declared March to be Easter Seals Month in the City of Peterborough.

Throughout the month, Easter Seals Ontario invites the community to several fundraising events. This includes the Boston Pizza Celebrity Serving Event (1164 Chemong Rd.) on Sunday and the Peterborough Petes Alumni Celebrity Hockey Classic on March 12 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

“It's amazing to see the community to come together the way it does and for everyone to show up, it's pretty incredible,” she said.

Donations can be made online.

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Trent University's Second-Annual 'Curl with Cathy Funspiel' Raises Over $12,000 Student-Athlete Support

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The second-annual ‘Curl with Cathy Funspiel’ raised over $12,000 Peterborough in financial support for Trent University Excalibur student-athletes at the Golf and Country Club on Saturday.

Dr. Cathy Bruce (far left) with Trent Students and faculty during the second-annual Curl with Cathy Funspiel. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Hosted by Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor, the event offered a day of curling and camaraderie to raise support for Trent's Green & White Athletic Financial Awards. 

“I want to thank everyone for taking part and for supporting this important cause. The generosity helps student athletes’ balance academics, training, competition and life beyond sport,” said Bruce. “To date, the fund has benefited over 450 Trent student-athletes, helping remove barriers, open doors and create opportunities for students to thrive at Trent. The impact of this support is also reflected in the success we continue to see across Excalibur Athletics.” 

This year’s event featured two sold-out draws, with more than 60 participants taking to the ice. Through event registrations, sponsorships and a silent auction, the 2026 Funspiel exceeded the fundraising target for the year and nearly doubled the inaugural year’s fundraising total of $7,000. 

“I want to thank President Bruce for her leadership and for once again championing this event in support of our student-athletes,” said Nathan McFadden, director, Trent Athletics & Recreation. “Her commitment to the Green & White Scholarship Fund continues to make a meaningful difference and is helping us reach new levels of success, both on our respective fields of play and in the classroom. It was special to see the Peterborough Golf and Country Club filled for the second annual Funspiel, which speaks volumes about the strength of our Trent community and the belief our supporters have in Excalibur student-athletes.”  

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Empty Bowls Community Fundraising Event Celebrates 22nd Year

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Attendees filled their bowls and their stomachs at the Showplace Performance Centre Friday for Empty Bowls 2026; a fundraising event aimed to address hunger in the local community, with all proceeds supporting One City Peterborough.

After 21 years of Empty Bowls supporting the YWCA Nourish Food Program, which ended in 2025, One City Peterborough has partnered as the new beneficiary for the fundraiser. All proceeds will support One City’s daily meal program at Trinity Community Centre.

180 event attendees received a handmade artisanal bowl from Kawartha Potters Guild, opportunity to participate in the silent auction and an array of food options from local restaurants and vendors including:

  • Hanoi House

  • St. Veronus

  • The Vine

  • La Mesita Restaurante

  • Hard Winter Bakery

  • By the Bridge

  • The Food Shop

  • Sam's Place

  • Love You Mean It

  • Ashburnham Ale House

  • Silver Bean Cafe

@ptbo_canada 180 attendees filled their bowls and their stomachs Friday at Empty Bowls 2026; a fundraising event aimed to address hunger in the local community, with all proceeds supporting One City Peterborough! 🥣 Visit ptbocanada .com to read more! #ptbocanada ♬ Does it Really Matter? - Boyan

“It’s really exciting that so many people wanted to participate in this event,” said One City’s Mackenzie Clark-Smith. “So many community members have told me they’ve been coming to this for 10 years, and others have said that this is their first time. It is very exciting that people who have liked the event in the past and those who are newcomers are all here supporting.”

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Rotary Club of Peterborough's 40th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swimathon Fundraiser Hitting Major Milestones

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The 40th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim aimed to reach major milestones at the YMCA Central East Ontario pool to raise $50,000 for Easter Seals Ontario and Rotary Club of Peterborough projects on Friday morning.

Groups and individuals signed up to do swim lanes, catwalk and cannonball challenges to support Easter Seals and Rotary Projects. Hitting the fundraiser’s $50,000 goal would raise $1.5 million overall to mark its 40th anniversary.

“We've seen it for years and it just never seems to let up,” said Vanessa Oake Hogan, event organizer. “Everyone's really supportive of this event. I think it's a legacy event in our community and the Rotary Club works really hard to put it together. For me, it's really special that my father started it.

This is the second swim without event founder Carl Oake, as the family announced his passing in early January last year.

“It was a lot of effort he put in and I don't know if he ever did it for accolades but I think he'd be very proud,” explained Oake Hogan. “I love hearing his name and when you lose someone you love that's very important to you, it's great to keep them alive. You don't want people to forget him.”

@ptbo_canada The Rotary Club of Peterborough hosted it’s 40th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim in support of its projects and Easter Seals! #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #fundraising ♬ Swear By It - Chris Alan Lee

Since its inception, the Swimathon has raised over $1.45 million for Easter Seals and Rotary Projects. Other recipients of the proceeds include literacy programs, various shelters (Brock Mission, Yes Shelter, and more), Breakfast for Kids, Camp Kawartha, Rotary Trail and more.

Over $7,500 of the $50,000 goal was already raised online at the publication of this article but more funds have yet to be accounted for with a final tally.

Donations can be made at any time online on the Rotary’s website.

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United Way Nearing Finish Line, 96 Per Cent of $1.6 Million Fundraising Goal Raised

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The United Way Peterborough & District’s 2025-26 campaign goal of $1.6 million has reached 96 per cent of its fundraising target since its launch on Sept. 25.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“There’s real energy right now,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “As we enter the final stretch, we are committed to leaving no stone left unturned in reaching the finish line.

United Way has brought back its Donation Match, where new donors will have their gift matched 100 per cent, while returning donors who increase their previous contribution by 10 per cent or more will have the increased amount matched.

The organization also held its annual Pyjama Day on Dec. 12, with participation from workplaces and schools across Peterborough and the County and United Way Peterborough & District’s own office.

The United Way benefit concert Peterborough Performs has run annually since its inception in March 2020. This year’s event is at Showplace Performance Theatre this Thursday at 7 p.m.

Several new initiatives were launched this year to reach the ambitious goal. This included a brand-new monthly 50/50 raffle, its inaugural Ultimate Burger Battle in November.

“Every partnership, every event and every act of enerosity brings us closer,” said Russell. “Thank you for being part of it, for showing up, giving back and helping us build a stronger community together.”

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United Way’s Peterborough Performs Returns For Its 6th Year to Celebrate Local Music and Raise Funds to Address Homelessness

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At a press conference Thursday, United Way Peterborough and District announced the 6th annual Peterborough Performs: Musicians United to End Homelessness, taking the stage at Showplace Performance Centre Feb. 26.

Photo courtesy of united way peterborough.

This event brings together 14 local acts for a night of music, community and generosity; raising funds to support programs that address homelessness in the region.

Since its inception in 2020, Peterborough Performs has raised over $135,000 to support initiatives in Peterborough and County addressing homelessness, helping hundreds of neighbours access housing and vital services. Last year, United Way partner agencies across the community provided 15,013 nights of safe shelter.

"I have come to know Peterborough as a community that shows up when it matters most, and Peterborough Performs VI is the perfect example,” said Jim Russell, CEO of United Way Peterborough and District. “Every note played, every ticket purchased and every bid in the virtual auction translates into real support for neighbours facing homelessness. Together, we’re not just raising funds, we’re raising hope, dignity and opportunity for those who need it most."

United Way says they have just under $100,000 left to reach this year’s $1.6 million campaign goal.

“This event has grown tremendously since 2020. What began as a one-time idea has evolved into a signature community tradition, with a total of 44 acts taking the stage over the years, representing more than 100 incredible local musicians,” said United Way Peterborough and District’s 2025 Campaign Chair and PTBO Performs coordinator Paul Rellinger. “We couldn’t do this without their generosity and talent, and we certainly couldn’t do it without the unwavering support of our community. I’m especially grateful to United Way for continuing to champion this event year after year. This year’s show is going to be spectacular.”

The PTBO Performs VI Virtual Auction opened Feb. 12. The two week-long auction features items donated by local businesses, organizations and community members.

Bidding for the virtual auction runs until 9:30 p.m. Feb. 26. Auction winners attending the event can pick up their prizes at Showplace, and others can collect items from the United Way office (277 Stewart St.) All proceeds from the auction go directly toward United Way programs addressing homelessness.

Tickets are $50 each or two for $80, available at the Showplace Box Office (290 George St N.) in person or online.

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Peterborough Petes Annual Pink in the Rink Game Returns This Saturday

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The Peterborough Petes 17th annual Pink in the Rink game returns to the Peterborough Memorial Centre Feb. 7, with the Petes supporting the Survivors Abreast Peterborough Dragon Boat Team.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

Over the past 16 years, the Petes Pink in the Rink Campaign has raised over $1 million in support of cancer research, benefiting a number of different organizations. Now entering the 17th consecutive year, the campaign continues to be the OHL’s biggest ongoing fundraiser.

This season, funds raised from the Pink in the Rink Campaign will support Survivors Abreast, a group of breast cancer survivors from the Peterborough area in various stages of treatment and recovery. Known for hosting Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival, their mission is to improve fitness, develop paddling skills required for dragon boating and to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer care in the Peterborough Community.

As of 2025, the Dragon Boat Festival has raised over $4.9 million dollars towards cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

“Survivors Abreast Dragon Boat Team is honoured that the Pete’s chose to support our organization through Pink in the Rink this year,” said Janice James, Survivors Abreast President. “Recovery after a cancer diagnosis doesn’t just end with surgeries and treatments. Survivorship is a journey of its own and Survivors Abreast plays a huge role in this. We look forward to seeing everyone on game night and connecting with anyone who would like more info.”

Fundraising opportunities on game night will include:

  • A live game worn jersey auction on the ice after the game

  • An in-person silent auction throughout the game

  • A pass the bucket run by volunteers from Survivors Abreast

  • Pizza Hut Chuck-A-Pep

  • Pink in the Rink branded merch sales (replica jerseys, shirts, sweaters) at the Petes Store

  • A special Pink in the Rink themed rink board featuring names of those who have battled cancer (in production)

  • Ticket sales through Survivors Abreast

Fans are invited to submit their loved ones' names and pictures to be featured on the video board during the game. Submissions can be sent in via email. The deadline to submit photos is tonight (Feb. 2) at 11:59 p.m.

Limited tickets for Saturday’s Pink in the Rink game against the Sudbury Wolves are still available through Survivors Abreast.

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