United Way Peterborough & District Marks the End of 2025 Fundraising Campaign After Raising Over 1.5 Million Dollars

United Way Peterborough & District has wrapped up another successful community fundraising campaign, marking the $1,560,075 achievement at its annual Campaign Celebration April 9.

The county of peterborough was awarded the “Making it Rain” award for delivering an increase in employee event donations. photo courtesy of the united way peterborough & District.

The organization brought together local partner agencies, workplaces and community members to unveil its 2025 fundraising total and recognize the collective effort behind a successful campaign. Held at the McDonnell Street Activity Centre, the evening offered an opportunity for peers and colleagues to reflect on their shared impact, celebrate achievements and honour outstanding contributions through awards.

Award recipients included the County of Peterborough, Trent Valley Learning Association, Tiffany Arcari, the John Howard Society of the Kawarthas, the City of Peterborough, the New Canadians Centre, Jeannine Taylor, the Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board, Trent University and Laken MacFarlane.

“As I look back on my time with United Way, I am so overwhelmed with gratitude for the people who continue to show up each year for their community,” CEO Jim Russell shared. “It’s not our organization alone that makes this work possible, it’s a shared responsibility, brought to life by our dedicated partners and workplaces from across the region. This year especially was a true show of community spirit, with so many new partnerships forming and more people stepping forward to get involved whether it was events like Backpacks for Success, Period Promise, or the ever-popular Peterborough Performs championed by our incredible Campaign Chair Paul Rellinger.”

In coming months, United Way will usher in their 85th campaign year, continuing to build on community partnerships while welcoming new opportunities to create lasting change. Upcoming initiatives, including Day of Caring and Backpacks for Success, will return later this summer to support local needs. 

The team celebrates this year’s fundraising total of $1,560,075, representing a 3 per cent increase over last years campaign.

“As Campaign Chair I’ve had the honour of being a part of the United Way team, and let me tell you, fundraising is no easy task,” said Rellinger. “It really is nonstop all year long, trying to meet goal to ensure our Peterborough community is receiving the much-needed support that it deserves. Although, I am chair for only a year, I am a supporter of United Way Peterborough always.”

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

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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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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COIN Hosting "The Mangy Moggy" Bicycle Scavenger Hunt Fundraiser For United Way

On October 15th, Community Opportunity & Innovation Network (COIN) is hosting a United Way fundraiser in the form of a bicycle scavenger hunt.

The Mangy Moggy is for avid cyclists, commuters, Sunday-afternoon-cyclists, and families. Meet at Millenium Park at 2 p.m. that day, and the hunt starts at 3 p.m. 

Sign up in teams of 4 for their Poker Run, or as an individual for the faster paced Alley Cat Race.

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