United Way Peterborough & District and PATH Launch Annual Coats for Community Winter Clothing Drive

By Scott Arnold

With winter approaching, United Way Peterborough & District and Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH) are asking the community to help ensure local residents have the warm clothing and winter essentials they need.

Coats for Community… and More! collects winter clothing and essential gear for local residents, with donations helping people stay warm through the colder months. (Photo Courtesy of United Way Peterborough & District)

The annual Coats for Community… and More! campaign launched October 21st, continuing a tradition that began in 1986 as Coats for Kids. Now in its third consecutive year of partnership with PATH, the initiative collects winter clothing and gear for people who need it.

Last winter, more than 2,200 coats and hundreds of other winter essentials were distributed through the program.

Donations of new and gently used items are welcome, including winter coats, snow pants, insulated boots, hats, gloves, mittens, warm clothing layers, blankets and sleeping bags. Hand warmers are also needed. Used items should be in good condition, without stains or tears and with working zippers.

A community collection day is planned for Saturday, November 7th, from 10am to 2pm at PATH, located at 385 Lansdowne Street East in Peterborough. Donations can also be dropped off at PATH on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm throughout the winter, with collections continuing into April.

Workplaces, schools, sports teams, service clubs and other community groups are encouraged to organize their own collection drives. A limited number of collection boxes are available through United Way Peterborough & District.

For residents who need winter clothing, PATH will offer pickup opportunities on Saturdays from November 14th to December 19th, between 10am and 2pm. Volunteers will help community members find suitable items, with clothing also available through some local service providers.

To ask about organizing a collection, volunteering or arranging collection boxes, contact Betsy MacDonald at United Way Peterborough & District at bmacdonald@uwpeterborough.ca.

More information about accessing winter gear and local service providers is available through the United Way Peterborough & District website.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Peterborough Musicfest 50/50 Goes Year-Round Ahead of Milestone 40th Season

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough Musicfest is keeping its 50/50 going through the off-season, giving supporters another chance to win while helping bring free summer concerts back to Del Crary Park in 2027.

Peterborough Musicfest is keeping the excitement going with its 50/50 draw now running year-round, with proceeds helping support the festival’s free summer concert series. (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest)

The festival has launched its first-ever off-season 50/50 draw following a successful summer that saw more than $120,000 in tickets sold.

During Musicfest's 39th season, 50/50 ticket sales reached $120,930, generating $60,465 in prize money for winning ticket holders.

That success has prompted Musicfest to introduce monthly off-season draws as it begins building toward its milestone 40th season in 2027.

“Our supporters made the 50/50 an incredible success this summer,” says Peterborough Musicfest Executive Director Tracey Randall. “Their enthusiasm helped us reach $120,930 in sales and award more than $60,000 to winners. We’re excited to keep that momentum going as we begin working toward a milestone 40th season.”

There is also some unfinished business from this summer.

Three winning 50/50 tickets have yet to be claimed from draws held during concerts featuring:

• July 15th: Tyler Joe Miller #100050036

• July 18th: Julian Taylor #70120011

• July 22nd: Matthew Good and His Band #80150049

Anyone who purchased tickets for those draws is encouraged to check their numbers.

The first off-season jackpot begins growing September 1st, with tickets available throughout the year.

For Musicfest, the 50/50 is more than just a chance to take home a prize. The festival's share of the proceeds helps support the free-admission summer concert series at the Fred Anderson Stage in Del Crary Park.

Musicfest brings nationally recognized artists and emerging performers to the waterfront each summer, drawing tens of thousands of music fans to Little Lake.

As a non-profit organization, the festival relies on fundraising, sponsorships, grants and community support to keep those concerts free and accessible.

With the 39th season now in the books, the year-round 50/50 gives Musicfest supporters a way to stay involved while the organization works toward its next big milestone.

Tickets for the first off-season draw are available at Musicfest5050.ca, where purchasers can also find complete ticket and draw information.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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United Way Peterborough Unveils Campaign Cabinet for 85th Anniversary and Official 2026 Campaign Launch Date

By Scott Arnold

A team of 17 Peterborough-area community leaders is getting ready to rally neighbours together as United Way Peterborough & District prepares to launch its 2026-27 Community Campaign.

Members of United Way Peterborough & District’s 2026-27 Community Campaign Cabinet are ready to help lead the organization’s 85th anniversary campaign. (Photo courtesy of United Way Peterborough & District)

Led by campaign chair Tiffany Arcari, the new Community Campaign Cabinet brings together representatives from businesses, organizations and sectors across Peterborough City and County.

The campaign's theme is “Certified Neighbours,” celebrating the people who step up for one another and recognizing that everyone has a role to play in building a stronger community.

Arcari said the people around the table share a commitment to the community and a desire to help.

“I am incredibly grateful for this team of Certified Neighbours. Every person around that table said yes because they believe in our community, care about their neighbours, and want to help make our community stronger,” she said.

The 17-member cabinet includes community ambassadors as well as representatives from local businesses, health care, education, government and other organizations.

Members are:

• Tiffany Arcari, campaign chair

• Darcy Bonner, community ambassador

• Arti Chinchalkar, community ambassador

• David Dickson, community ambassador

• Coby Fewings, Scotiabank

• Sheridan Graham, County of Peterborough

• Trista Greer, For the Love of Marketing

• Johanna Hawkshaw, YourTV

• Greg Kidd, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board

• Evan Lyons, Peterborough Regional Health Centre

• Laken MacFarlane, City of Peterborough

• Thomas Piggot, Lakelands Public Health

• Amanda Pinder, RBC

• Paul Rellinger, community ambassador

• Balkaran Singh Sathi, Sathi Law

• Jeannine Taylor, KawarthaNOW

• Scott Whiteis, Work Happier

Following the cabinet's first meeting, Arcari said she was struck by the willingness of the group to come together around a common purpose.

“I left our first cabinet meeting with a full heart. There is something really special about sitting around a table with people who genuinely care about this community, who understand the challenges we face, and who are willing to step forward and say, ‘I am here, how can I help?’”

The cabinet will help United Way connect with workplaces, community members and local leaders throughout the campaign, raising awareness and support for programs and initiatives addressing challenges facing people across Peterborough City and County.

This year's campaign is also a milestone for United Way Peterborough & District, which is celebrating 85 years of bringing people together to strengthen the community.

The campaign officially gets underway with a launch event on Thursday, September 17th, from 12pm to 2pm at Healthy Planet Arena.

Presented by Miskin Law, the event will include lunch, an opportunity for community and business leaders to connect, and the reveal of United Way's 2026-27 fundraising goal.

Tickets are now available online for those who want to join the community campaign launch.

As the 85th anniversary campaign gets underway, United Way plans to recognize the people and partnerships that have helped strengthen the community over the years while turning its attention to the needs that remain.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Help Fill the Fords and Support Local Students This Back to School Season

By Scott Arnold

The community is invited to help fill two classic Ford trucks with school supplies during a fun-filled fundraiser supporting local students on Saturday, August 8th.

United Way Peterborough & District Campaign Officers Adeline Murphy and Elyse Belsey join Auto Connect Sales owners Cheryl Watson and Martin Tempelman, along with Tessa the four-legged greeter, in front of one of the classic Ford trucks that will be filled with school supplies during the Fill the Fords fundraiser on August 8th. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Getting ready for a new school year is an exciting time for many families, but for others, buying even the most basic school supplies can be a challenge.

That's why Auto Connect Sales and United Way Peterborough & District are once again teaming up to help local students through the Fill the Fords school supply drive.

The community is invited to bring donations to Auto Connect Sales, located at 1175 Lansdowne Street West, on Saturday, August 8th, from 10 am to 2 pm, where two classic Ford trucks will be filled with essential back-to-school supplies for students across Peterborough and the surrounding area.

The event grew out of the successful partnership between United Way Peterborough & District and Auto Connect during last year's community donation drives.

"We saw such generosity from our community last year," said United Way Campaign Officer Adeline Murphy. "We wanted to build on that and do something even bigger this year."

The need continues to grow as more families seek help with back-to-school essentials. Donations of items such as pencils, pens, binders, calculators, notebooks and other school supplies will help ensure local students have what they need to succeed when classes begin.

"We're hearing from schools and community agencies that more families are needing support with these essential supplies," said United Way Campaign Officer Elyse Belsey. "These are items many of us take for granted, but they can make a huge difference for a student heading back to school."

Helping bring the fundraiser to life are two eye-catching classic Ford trucks, including a 1996 Ford F-150 and a 1951 Mercury pickup. The vintage vehicles have become a signature part of Auto Connect's community fundraisers, serving as the collection points for donated school supplies while giving visitors something special to see.

A vintage 1951 Mercury pickup is ready to be filled with school supplies as part of the Fill the Fords fundraiser, helping support local students ahead of the new school year. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

A classic 1996 Ford F-150 will once again help collect school supplies during the Fill the Fords fundraiser, serving as one of two donation vehicles for the community-wide back-to-school drive. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

While the goal is to fill the trucks, organizers say the day is about much more than collecting supplies.

Visitors can enjoy a community BBQ featuring generously donated food from King Street Market, while the first 100 eligible donations will receive a free scoop of Central Smith ice cream. Community mascots are expected to stop by, along with a Peterborough Police Service cruiser for children to explore.

For Auto Connect owners Cheryl Watson and Martin Tempelman, giving back to the community has always been a priority.

"This community has welcomed us, so we want to do what we can to give back," said Watson. "It shouldn't be hard to be a kid. Every child deserves the chance to be excited about going back to school and to have the same opportunity to succeed as everyone else."

Watson says no donation is too small.

"It doesn't matter if you bring a whole bag of supplies or just one pencil," she said. "Every little bit helps, and everyone is welcome."

Tempelman says helping others is simply the right thing to do.

"If there's anything we can do to help others, I believe it's our responsibility," he said. "Bringing joy to others brings joy to us."

Those unable to attend the August 8th event can still support the campaign. School supplies can be dropped off at several locations throughout Peterborough and the county until August 14th, including Auto Connect Sales. United Way also has an Amazon Wish List available for those who prefer to donate online, with items shipped directly to the organization.

A complete list of requested school supplies and drop-off locations is available on the United Way Peterborough & District website.

Whether it's a backpack full of supplies or a single pencil, every donation will help local students head back to school with confidence.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Trent University Exceeds United Way Annual Campaign Goal

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

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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PVNC Catholic School Board Raises Over $50,000 During Annual Board Wide United Way Campaign

The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board has raised $50,768.13 as part of its annual 2025 United Way campaign.

file photo.

The campaign brought together staff and students from across PVNC Catholic through payroll donations and an array of school-based fundraising initiatives. From pumpkin carving contests and soup sales to dress-down and pajama days, spirit weeks and more, school communities shared in the commitment to helping others.

“This campaign is something PVNC Catholic can be incredibly proud of,” said Mark Giunta, Communications Manager and PVNC Catholic United Way campaign co-chair. “Our staff and students see the needs in their communities every day, and they respond with compassion, energy, and generosity. Raising more than $50,000 is a powerful reflection of what we can achieve when we come together.”

Funds raised through the campaign will support United Way Peterborough and District, Northumberland United Way, United Way Durham Region, and United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes as they provide programs and services that help communities, individuals and families thrive.

“The success of this year’s United Way campaign is a wonderful example of faith in action,” said Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan. “Rooted in Catholic Social Teachings, our school communities consistently answer the call to care for others. I am deeply grateful to our staff and students whose generosity and joyful spirit continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many.”

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Trent University Crushes Fundraising Goal Raising Over $117,000 For United Way

Trent University's faculty, staff and retirees smashed their fundraising goal of $100,000, raising $117,847 for the United Way supporting those in need in Peterborough and Durham at a cheque presentation held at Bata Library on Thursday morning.

Trent's support and annual campaigns for the United Way date back to 1965 and have raised more than $2.7 million for the organization. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“The enthusiasm and generosity displayed by Team Trent have set a standard for what can be accomplished when we come together with a shared purpose,” said Marcus Harvey, United Way board chair and Trent University Faculty Association executive director. “Trent's annual campaign will make a tangible, positive impact on the United Way and the agencies and individuals they serve.”

The campaign launched in October with fundraising events such as the annual kick-off BBQ, a chili cook-off and white elephant tables.

“I want to extend heartfelt gratitude to Trent University for their unwavering dedication and generosit,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “Their remarkable efforts in raising funds epitomize the essence of community support, ensuring that the most vulnerable among us receive vital assistance. Thank you to the donors and campaign ambassadors at Trent University for your outstanding commitment to building a strong community. Together we can uplift lives and forge brighter futures.”

The funds will aid United Way in redistributing it to its community partners including its ‘Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy.’

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United Way Announces First-Ever Funding Recipients From Women United of Over $15,000

United Way Peterborough & District’s inaugural Women United Fund has donated $15,800 split between Peterborough Child and Family Centres and Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre at the former’s main office announced on Wednesday morning.

(from left to right) Betsy Ferrar, United Way Manager of Community Impact; Nicola Lyle, Child & Family Centres CEO; Maryam Monsef, CEO and Founder of ONWARD; Brittany McMIllian, Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre executive director and Kellie Walden, Peterborough Child and Family Centres director of administrative services. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Women United Fund was donated by Maryam Monsef, CEO and Founder of ONWARD, to help United Way offer a funding opportunity for one-time projects. United Way published a Request for Proposals this past June that sought initiatives supporting women, girls and gender-diverse people in the Peterborough community according to a press release.

“The Women United Fund embodies what is possible when community comes together to address a shared goal,” said Betsy Ferrar, United Way manager of community impact. “This grant was not only made possible through Maryam’s generous donation but also her drive and awareness of local issues as the founding chair of our local Women United group. In addition, we want to extend our gratitude to all of the applicants who brought forward creative and compassionate solutions to complex gender-based issues.”

Taking place between Sept. 1 and Aug. 31 next year, the inaugural Women United Fund recipients are:

Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, for their project titled Leading Ladies. There was $4,750 in Women United funding, contributing to leadership training for women in the local non-profit sector. Through weekly seminars, women will engage in training that spans topics related to leadership and advocacy as stated in a press release. Guest speakers from various professional backgrounds will participate in the training delivery. Women have traditionally made up a strong portion of employees within the non-profit sector, so providing leadership training tailored to the sector's unique intricacies will support their personal and professional growth as they advance into senior roles.

“KSAC is honoured to have received funds through the Women United Fund. With this funding, we will be able to provide leadership training and expertise to women in the non-profit sector,” said Brittany McMIllian, Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre executive director. Our Leading Ladies Curriculum will create a safe community for women to support their growth as future leaders.”

Peterborough Child and Family Centres received $11,050 for their ‘Empowering Two Generations’ project. The funding will support young, parenting women through life skills programming according to United Way. This project will enhance their current programming to ensure their vulnerable clients can increase their skills and confidence in the areas of parenting, health and wellbeing, educational support, financial literacy, and personal development. Participants will also be supported through access to transportation, childcare, and a meal to reduce barriers to accessing the programs and services at PCFC.

“Peterborough Child and Family Centres has been providing support to vulnerable pregnant women, parents, and their young children for almost 30 years,” said Nicola Lyle, Child & Family Centres CEO. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our work with young parenting women, providing the tools they need to overcome barriers to employment and education, build resilience, and improve their families’ well-being.”

“Tough economic times are often toughest on women and women-led families. I applaud every agency working to support women and the most vulnerable in our community,” said Maryam Monsef, CEO and Founder of ONWARD. “Thanks to the team at United Way for working with me to establish the Women United Fund and for selecting two projects that offer professional and personal development opportunities for young moms and leaders in the non-profit sector. I look forward to building on this momentum with the Women United Steering Committee and our caring community.”

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PVNC Raises Over $56,000 For 2022 United Way Campaign

Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board has raised $56,757 for the four area United Way organizations during its 2022 board-wide campaign announced on Tuesday.

Students at St. Patrick CES in Peterborough took part in the school's ‘Pumpkin Fest’ fundraiser for the United Way in October. Photo courtesy of PVNC.

PVNC staff gave the money through payroll donations as schools could host special fundraising events such as pumpkin carving contests, soup sales, dress-down days and more. 

“Given that we launched this year’s campaign amid a turbulent labour process, and during a time of high inflation and increased household costs, we cannot thank our PVNC Community enough for its generosity this year,” said Galen Eagle, campaign chair. “It’s heartening heading into the Christmas holidays to be able to provide this source of funding to our United Way agencies that support services so integral to the health and well-being of our communities.”

Proceeds will go to Peterborough and District United Way, Northumberland United Way, Durham United Way and City of Kawartha Lakes United Way.

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