The United Way Peterborough & District Announces Results of Tenth Annual Period Promise Menstrual Product Collection Drive

The United Way Peterborough & District announced their menstrual product total for the 2026 Period Promise drive on Monday; collecting 41,556 period products.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

The includes 29,366 pads, 4,533 liners, 7,550 tampons, 26 cups, 7 reusable pads, 55 reusable period underwear, 7 disposable underwear and 12 disposable discs with an estimated value of $20,725.

Donated products will be distributed by Kawartha Food Share to local food banks and other agencies in order to get items into the hands of those who struggle to afford them on their own.

The goal for the tenth annual Period Promise drive was to collect at least 25,000 items, while opening opportunities for dialogue about menstruation. By focusing on inclusion, awareness building, advocacy and greater diversity of product options, the United Way team hopes that those who menstruate, including women, trans-men and non-binary individuals feel more comfortable discussing the realities of their bodily experience.

“We still have a lot of work to do in terms of normalizing menstruating as a whole, as this process is not talked about nearly enough,” said Lindsay Young, Trans Peer Outreach Worker and Trans Family Support Worker at Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge. “One big step moving forward would be to talk about the way different bodies menstruate, allowing for more inclusive and diverse products and conversations.”

The United Way team has collaborated with several organizations and workplaces as part of this work, including three International Women’s Day events running menstrual product drives as part of their efforts: Kawartha World Issues Centre, the Tiffany Show and Delta Phi Nu at Trent University.

Several workplaces ran internal collection drives and the City of Peterborough provided three public drop off locations: City Hall, Miskin Law Community Complex and the Peterborough Public Library. The Women’s Business Network kicked off this year’s Period Promise campaign by donating 6,101 items, nearly one quarter of the 25,000-item goal.

“With our renewed focus on reconciliation, equity, accessibility, diversity and inclusion or READI, it’s important that these efforts are embedded across everything we do, so it’s been exciting to see our Community Impact Officer and two Campaign Officers take this on board as they promoted our 2026 Period Promise drive,” said Jim Russell, CEO of United Way Peterborough & District. “The two pillars that guide our work are Poverty to Possibility and Building Strong & Healthy Communities, and I believe that this year’s Period Promise has truly embodied those aims.”

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

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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City of Peterborough Employees Raise Nearly $25,000 For United Way Peterborough and District

City of Peterborough employees have raised $24,914.14 in support of United Way Peterborough and District’s 2025 campaign at their City Council meeting on Monday night.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

From that amount, $20,521.11 was deducted from employee payroll.  

An additional $4,393.03 was raised through a series of engaging workplace events, including a Chili Cookoff and Jar Wars which encouraged employees to donate loose change and dollar bills and a popular online auction with items donated by employees.  

“I want to sincerely thank City employees for their incredible generosity and strong sense of community,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Their commitment to supporting United Way Peterborough and District reflects the values and passion for community that make our organization and our city stronger.” 

“The level of support and enthusiasm for this campaign from City employees was truly inspiring,” said Laken MacFarlane, the City’s United Way Campaign Chair. “The energy behind our fundraising activities reflects the pride and compassion City staff have for the United Way and the programs it delivers in our community. On behalf of the campaign team, I would like to sincerely thank all staff who donated, volunteered or helped organize events.”

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Winners Crowned In United Way's Inaugural Ultimate Burger Battle Fundraiser

After eight participating restaurants put their cooked patties to the test, United Way Peterborough & District has announced its winners of its first-ever Ultimate Burger Battle at Agave by Imperial on Monday morning.

Jennifer Gutierrez, Agave by Imperial head chef (left) and Angelica Jimenez, Agave by Imperial partner (right) celebrating their victory, claiming the title of “Ultimate Burger of the Year.” Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The month-long fundraiser saw eight local restaurants, eight Burger Ambassadors, and the community participate. Each restaurant crafted a signature Ultimate Burger to compete for one of several awards.

The following were the participating restaurants: 

• The Dirty Burger Company

• Double Dz's Diner

• Agave by Imperial

• The Vine

• The Loon Lakefield

• The Chemong Lodge

• Pizza Villa & Pasta House

• The Rink Tap & Grill

This year’s Burger Ambassadors were:

• Laura Montague, PTBO Eaters

• Dan O’Toole, BetRivers

• Neil Morton, Consultant/ Entrepreneur, 2017 United Way Peterborough & District Campaign Chair

• Tiffany Arcari, The Tiffany Show

• Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA

• Pete Dalliday, TV Voice of the Lakers & Petes

• Jason Wilkins, Muralist/ Illustrator

• Paul Rellinger, Journalist, 2025 United Way Campaign Chair 

@ptbo_canada Agave by Imperial is crowned the winner of the United Way’s inaugural Burger Battle! 🍔 🌮🍹 #AgavePTBO #PTBOCanada #peterboroughontario ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

A combined 1,022 ‘Ultimate Burgers’ were sold, with two dollars from each supporting United Way’s work across its 20 partner agencies. In total, the inaugural campaign raised $2,065 for programs and initiatives that help ensure individuals, families and seniors have access to essential supports.

“This campaign exceeded every expectation,” Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “The Ultimate Burger Battle brought together local creativity, friendly competition, and real community spirit. Every burger sold represents not just a great meal, but a direct investment in the well-being of people across Peterborough and the County. We’re incredibly grateful to the restaurants, ambassadors, and residents who made this first year such a success.”

United Way has announced the 2025 winners:

Ultimate Burger of the Year

Agave By Imperial – Cien Fuegos

Double house-made beef chuck patty, spicy queso fundido, jalapeño & bacon jam, caramelized onion, chili oil aioli.

This title was determined by United Way’s Burger Ambassadors, who scored each burger on presentation, taste, originality, toppings and overall execution.

Most Ultimate Burgers Sold

Double Dz’s Diner – The Big D (207 Ultimate Burgers sold)

Featuring a fresh 6oz ground chuck smash burger with lettuce, peameal bacon, gouda, onion rings, double smoked bacon, signature whiskey sauce, peppercorn ranch aioli on a homemade bun.

People’s Choice Ultimate Burger

Pizza Villa & Pasta House – The United Way Burger

Melted mozzarella on both buns, bacon, mushrooms, onions, hot peppers, BBQ sauce, a six-ounce beef patty, and melted cheddar.

This title was determined through an online voting form available on the United Way’s website – diners were encouraged to visit the online page after trying each burger to crown their favourite.

Russell stated that he wants to do this fundraiser again next year.

“We’re already hearing from restaurants and residents asking when round two begins,” he said. “Based on the excitement and community pride we witnessed this year, we’d say the appetite is definitely there.”

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United Way Reaches 36 Per Cent of $1.6 Million Fundraising Goal

The United Way Peterborough & District’s 2025-26 campaign goal of $1.6 million has reached 36 per cent, with $574,000 raised to date since its launch on Sept. 25.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“In Peterborough, and frankly, across Ontario, we’ve seen the need for community investments continue to rise this year,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “Through our research and the work of our 20 partner agencies, United Way Peterborough & District has gained insight into where we can make the biggest impact and help where it matters most. The annual community campaign is how we deliver on this promise to build community and change lives.”

In an effort to meet their goal, United Way has brought back its Donation Match,

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.

United Way has reported that local couple, D.r James Ryan and his wife, Sheila Ryan had donated a substantial amount towards the cause.

“We are so pleased to recognize the generous contribution of retired doctor, James Ryan, and his wife, retired nurse Sheila Ryan,” said Russell. “Their donation of $125,000 represents a commitment to the health of our community and Dr. Ryan and Sheila Ryan are shining examples of people who care and want what is best for our community.”

“It’s good to know that people are thinking about the United Way Peterborough, period, and what's needed this year,” said Shiela.

United Way launched several new initiatives including a brand-new monthly 50/50 raffle. Six draws will take place between now and Feb. 27. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the United Way office at 277 Stewart St.

“We want the community to win in more ways than one,” said Paul Rellinger, United Way campaign chair. Each ticket purchased directly supports the United Way’s campaign, with 50 per cent contributing to local partner agencies and the remaining 50 per cent awarded to the lucky winner. “No matter who wins, every dollar spent stays local and strengthens the community.”

Rellinger has been an organizer for Peterborough Performs, a United Way benefit concert running annually since its inception in March 2020. The next event is set for Feb. 26 at Showplace Performance Theatre at 7 p.m.

“Peterborough Performs has proven to be the marquee live entertainment event that brings together community with the city’s vibrant music scene. As a vital fundraiser for United Way-supported partner agencies providing shelter and homelessness relief, the event has raised close to $150,000 to date.” said Rellinger.

United Way's inaugural Ultimate Burger Battle is underway until Nov. 30. The event features eight restaurants across Peterborough, Lakefield and Bridgenorth competing for the title of Ultimate Burger Champion. Winners and additional awards will be announced in early December after the eight burger ambassadors, a panel of local foodies, cast their votes.

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

Community members and workplaces who wish to participate in United Way Peterborough & District’s 2025–2026 campaign have until March 31 to get involved.

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"It's a Deepening Crisis" United Way's Annual Housing Report Sees Continued Downward Trend

The United Way Peterborough & District has released its 20th edition of ‘Housing is Fundamental,’ which is a report that tracked the cost and availability of rental housing in Peterborough from 2004 to 2024, announced on Wednesday morning.

Paul Armstrong authored the Housing is Fundamental report annually. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Author Paul Armstrong says the research also seeks to contextualize the pressures households face in maintaining safe, affordable housing. His main takeaway is that their housing in Peterborough has trended downward repeatedly.

“It's a deepening crisis,” explained Armstrong. “This is something that compounds year over year over year, and it's been happening for 25 to 30 years. We are in a very, very bad set of circumstances and housing is underscoring the times of social deficiencies that we have.

The following are his key findings:

• Current vacancy rate: 3.1 per cent

• Current two-bedroom rent: $1,506/month, a 6.7 per cent increase over last year

• 20 per cent of purpose-built rental units are owned by financial firms- approximately 400,000 units nationally

• Over a 20-year period rent for a two-bedroom unit has gone up 88.95 per cent The current welfare rate for a single person is $733/month, while the average bachelor apartment rents for $956/month

“As a society, we are in decline of people who can't afford their housing when they have to line up for their food. The significant numbers that where you find this in housing and in food insecurity. We are in a time that we can safely say that we have first-world and third-world societies co-existing.”

“We need to see housing as a human right,” explained Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “We need to understand that success in life requires safe affordable housing. We need to be ever vigilant to the creeping presence of a predatory capitalism."

Trent University’s Dr. Naomi Nichols, director of research for the social change lab Trent had analyzed Armstrong’s report.

“This year's Housing is Fundamental report demonstrates the deep need for non-profit and public investments in affordable rental housing to lessen the financial pressures facing individuals and families in our community,” she explained. “Peterborough residents are being squeezed. Despite a softening of local vacancy rates since 2022, average market rents and the cost of food continue to rise faster than household incomes.”

“We are living the effects of the globalization of inequality and the proliferation of economic hardship,” concluded Armstrong. “To know and witness this progression is to call for justice and rebalancing.”

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Burger Supremacy Runs In November For United Way's "Ultimate Burger Battle" Fundraiser

United Way Peterborough & District has kicked off its first-ever Ultimate Burger Battle where local restaurants and Burger Ambassadors gathered for a ‘First Bite’ preview of this delicious new fundraiser at its facility on Thursday morning.

The Ultimate Burger Battle has been tested to delicious success in other communities, with United Way Thunder Bay launching the original event six years ago. Since then, it has expanded into a national event organized by United Ways across Canada, serving more than 60,000 burgers nationwide last year alone. SCreenshot, Instagram.

The month-long Burger Battle is a new community fundraiser that was announced during United Way’s Campaign Launch in late September.

Eight local restaurants have crafted a burger to battle for the title of Peterborough and County’s Ultimate Burger of the Year. For every burger sold throughout November, two dollars will be donated to United Way Peterborough & District to support its programs and services. 

“We’re absolutely thrilled to bring the first-ever United Way Ultimate Burger Battle to Peterborough and District,” said Jim Russell, CEO of United Way Peterborough & District. “This campaign is a fun way to celebrate the creativity of our local restaurants while uniting the community around a shared cause. We’re especially proud to see participation from restaurants across both the City and County, a reflection of the wide reach and generosity of our region. Every Ultimate Burger sold helps build a stronger, more caring community, and I think that’s something we can all sink our teeth into.” 

The Ultimate Burger Battle has showcases creations such as fish patties to burgers stacked high with pickled jalapeño peppers.

Restaurants joining Peterborough & District United Way’s inaugural Ultimate Burger Battle include: 

• The Dirty Burger Company

• Double Dz's Diner

• Agave by Imperial

• The Vine

• The Loon Lakefield

• The Chemong Lodge

• Pizza Villa & Pasta House

• The Rink Tap & Grill

During November, a team of local Ultimate Burger Battle Ambassadors are tasting their way across Peterborough and the County, sharing their experiences, reviews, and behind-the-scenes peeks on social media.

This will help spotlight participating restaurants and encourage the community to join the fun by trying new burgers and voting for their favourites. Community members can get involved by voting online at uwpeterborough.ca for their favourite burger to help decide the People’s Choice Awards.

The Burger Ambassadors taking a bite include:

• Laura Montague, PTBO Eaters

• Dan O’Toole, BetRivers

• Neil Morton, Consultant/ Entrepreneur, 2017 United Way Peterborough & District Campaign Chair

• Tiffany Arcari, The Tiffany Show

• Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA

• Pete Dalliday, TV Voice of the Lakers & Petes

• Jason Wilkins, Muralist/ Illustrator

• Paul Rellinger, Journalist, 2025 United Way Campaign Chair 

“The Ultimate Burger Battle is a fantastic way to showcase the creativity and passion of our local restaurants,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area executive director. “It’s more than just a culinary challenge; it’s an opportunity to bring people together, celebrate local talent, and support a meaningful cause. I’m excited to see our community come out, enjoy some incredible food, and cheer on their favourite spots in the spirit of friendly competition.” 

“From the Adam Scott Cafeteria to Zeke’s — I’ve done the A-to-Z of Peterborough burgers,” said Pete Dalliday, Peterborough Lakers director of community engagement. “The Burger Battle just gives me another excuse to keep the streak going, support local spots, and have some fun for a great cause.” 

The Ultimate Burger Battle Passport is available to help track burger adventures, and anyone who tries five or more burgers will have the chance to become an Ultimate Burger Battle Ambassador for 2026.

Workplaces can also get in on the fun through ‘Ultimate Burger Battle @ Work,’ a team lunch initiative that lets staff order burgers together in support of United Way workplace campaigns. 

Proceeds support United Way Peterborough & District’s network of local agencies and initiatives working to address poverty and strengthen community well-being. 

The Ultimate Burger of the Year, People’s Choice Winners and Most Burgers Sold will be crowned in early December.

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United Way Announces Ambitious Goal to Raise $1.6 Million For 2025 Campaign

The bar keeps being raised for United Way of Peterborough & District which unveiled its 2025 campaign goal to raise $1.6 million, announced at the Healthy Planet Arena on Thursday afternoon.

Last year’s goal was $1.5 million while 2023 was $1.45 million. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The 84th Community Campaign for United Way’s goal is a $1 million increase from last year’s $1.5 million. Jim Russell, United Way CEO said that it is positive that the goal gets raised every year.

“As our campaign chair (Paul Rellinger) said this morning, it's aspirational. We hit 1.55 (million) last year and nobody wants to be a part of doing less than what happened the year before,” he explained. “What you want in a campaign chair is some hunger, some animation and you don't want people to set the bar. I think it's appropriate that the goal is ahead of last year's number. 

However, Russell wants to reiterate that the increased goal is not just for the sake of picking a number but rather, it is adapting to the increasing need of the United Way’s services to the community.

“The sad truth is that even the need in the community is pretty great,” he explained. “Waiting lists are longer for our services that our partners provide and so the need is there. It's picking a number for money needs to be invested in the right services in our community and we want to make sure that happens.”

@ptbo_canada The bar keeps being raised for Peterborough & District United Way which unveiled its 2025 campaign goal to raise $1.6 million. #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #unitedway ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

New this year are two new fundraiser initiatives for United Way. The first is a monthly 50/50 online draw. The other is the United Way Ultimate Burger Battle taking place from Nov. 1 to 30 which would get local restaurants involved in the fundraising campaign in a creative and fun way.

“It was an initiative that some United Ways started a couple of years ago with local restaurants, creating a burger for the United Way with proceeds from the sale of that burger,” explained Russell. “It happens throughout the month of November so we're in the midst of trying to get restaurants on board with the campaign. It's been really quite successful in other communities ironically enough so we're happy to add that element to the mix.”

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United Way Announces Recipients of Neighbourhood Fund Grants of $30,000 In Total Funding

United Way Peterborough & District has announced 11 recipients of its 2025 Neighbourhood Fund grants, which will receive $30,000 in funding.

This year saw 27 applications requesting over $100,000 in support. Photo courtesy of the United Way.

The Neighbourhood Fund supports grassroots, community-led initiatives that foster connection, inclusion, and belonging across the city and county according to a press release.

The following are the 2025 Neighbourhood Fund Grant Recipients:

• Big Sing Nogojiwanong-Peterborough ($2,240)

• BIPOC Youth Environmental Justice Program ($4,200)

• Building Community Through Creative Recycling & Reuse ($3,900)

• Diwali 2025 ($4,000)

• Healing Through Gardening ($900)

• Lakefield Pride Picnic ($1,500)

• Neighbourhood Welcome & Inclusion Project ($1,050)

• Neighbourhood Winter Gatherings ($2,200)

• Peterborough Volunteer Appreciation Day ($5,000)

• The Community Table ($2,010)

• Ukrainian Cultural Events ($3,000)

“These projects reflect the incredible creativity, diversity, and warmth of our community, it is amazing how far a little bit of money can go in building community,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO.

“We’re honoured to support initiatives that bring people together and build stronger, more inclusive neighbourhoods. It’s not about the best grant writer, it’s about finding groups that really connect with their neighbourhood,” said Nancy Fischer, Chair of the Community Impact Committee.

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