PHOTOS: Local Kids Get a Back-to-School Head Start From United Way's 23rd 'Backpacks For Success' Initiative

The United Way Peterborough & District’s 23rd Backpacks for Success initiative filled roughly 400 backpacks with supplies to help kids get a head start on the back-to-school season at the Calvary Pentecostal Church on Thursday.

Elisha Rubacha, United Way Community Impact Specialist (left) and Jason Seguya, CEO (right) getting supplies together for backpacks. All Photos by David Tuan Bui.

Volunteers from Swish and IG Wealth Management were on hand to help United Way staff stuff the backpacks. They are being distributed to students across Peterborough and surrounding areas.

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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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Community Builder Tiffany Arcari Named Chair For United Way's 85th Community Campaign

The role of United Way Peterborough & District’s Chair of the Community Campaign Cabinet for 2026 became even more fabulous and vibrant with the appointment of Tiffany Arcari, announced on Wednesday.

Tiffany Arcari (middle), making her grand entrance after being named the new Community Campaign Chair for 2026. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

A longtime Peterborough resident since 2004 and a community builder, Arcari is known as an emcee for multiple community events and for shining the spotlight on the city’s notable residents through her social media platforms and talk show, The Tiffany Show.

She joked and thought United Way was kidding when the idea was first introduced to her as chairing this year’s campaign but immediately agreed to lead the non-profit organization.

“But then immediately, honestly… Honoured and excited because I know the United Way has been in our community making changes for so many years,” she explained. “I knew that I wanted to step in, I wanted to help and it honestly fuelled that fire in my belly that always gets me to take action and do something. I understand the United Way and their work actually changes and improves things for the community.”

Arcari first became involved with United Way as a judge for the Ultimate Burger Battle, a fundraising event introduced last fall. She also hosted a donation drive for United Way's Period Promise initiative at her International Women's Day event, collecting nearly 10,000 items and contributing them.

She currently serves as the Community Manager at Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory, where she leads community initiatives and manages entrepreneurs within the firm. Arcari founded the annual ‘The Tiffany Show’s International Women’s Day Party,’ which celebrates and supports women in the community. Last year, she was recognized with the Luminary Award for Emerging Entrepreneur.

As Chair, Arcari’s duties include leading a team of over 20 volunteers to orchestrate fundraising efforts, strengthen donor engagement and host inclusive community events during United Way’s 85th campaign.

“The reason I believe so fiercely in this campaign is because... People matter,” she said. “Behind every statistic is a neighbour, a family, a story. For 85 years, United Way has brought our community together to make sure people don't have to face challenges alone and I am honoured to help carry that mission forward as Chair this year.”

@ptbo_canada The role of United Way Peterborough & District Chair of the Community Campaign Cabinet for 2026 became even more fabulous and vibrant with the appointment of Tiffany Arcari. #journalism #fyp #news #ptbocanada #unitedway ♬ bounce (i just wanna dance) - фрози & joyful

Arcari resided in Hamilton before moving to Bancroft, then eventually Peterborough, in her mid-to-late teenage years in the mid-2000s. She sought help from the United Way when she moved to Peterborough and giving back as Chair comes full circle for her.

“It's so remarkably important to me,” said Arcari. “Reciprocity breeds reciprocity and kindness breeds kindness and vulnerability fosters connection. I know these things to be true from when I was a little girl.”

Arcari succeeds journalist Paul Relliger, who held the role last year.

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United Way Peterborough & District Introduces New CEO For July 6

The United Way Peterborough & District has introduced Jason Seguya as its new Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of his predecessor, Jim Russell, who announced his departure earlier this year after a 15-year tenure.

Seguya, incoming United Way Peterborough & District CEO (left) sharing a heartelt handshake with Jim Russell, the outgoing CEO (right) as the former is officially introduced to the public. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Seguya says that Russell’s legacy is momentum that should be continued to create a positive impact for Peterborough and the surrounding communities.

“The work that he has done for this organization has been so integral in the organization's growth and that does not stop here today,” he explained. “It continues with more faces, more hands and more individuals involved, including myself, to make that work impactful.”

The 27-year-old assumes the role on July 6. A Ugandan native, he immigrated to Toronto and then sought his post-secondary education in Ottawa.

He previously served as the executive director of The Fulcrum Publishing Society for the University of Ottawa and Ontario Student Voices.

“I am deeply honoured to be joining United Way Peterborough & District and to have the opportunity to build on the incredible legacy of leadership, service, and community impact that Jim and the team have advanced,” said Seguya. “I believe the strength of any sustainable, long-standing organization lies in its people,and United Way Peterborough & District’s impact has continuously been made possible by the dedication of its staff, board, volunteers, donors, partners, and community members who have brought this mission to life every day. I look forward to working alongside them, with dedication and care as we share this journey ahead.”

Russell announced his retirement from the position this past December. He says he will remain in Peterborough, citing the fact that he met the love of his life here and jokingly adding that she ensured he stayed in town.

“Serving this community through United Way Peterborough & District has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” said Russell. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together alongside our staff, volunteers, donors, partners, and supporters. As I prepare for retirement, I do so with deep confidence in the future of this organization. United Way’s best days are still ahead.”

“Jim’s dedication and leadership have positioned United Way Peterborough & District for continued success and a smooth transition as he enters his well-earned retirement,” said Karen Wilson, Board of Directors Chair. “After a careful and deliberate selection process, the Board is proud to make this announcement to our community.”

@ptbo_canada Jason Seguya has been named the new CEO of United Way Peterborough & District, assuming the role on July 6, 2026! #journalism #fyp #news #ptbocanada #unitedway ♬ The Edge Of Everything - Ryman Leon

Seguya remarked that a community is not something you inherit; it is something you build. He is ready to move forward and hit the ground running once he officially assumes the CEO role.

“One of the key things that's been made with both the board of directors and staff is really incorporating reconciliation, equity, accessibility, diversity and inclusion in our work,” he explained. “What this looks like internal to the organization is boosting the capacity so we're able to speak on these items and support communities whereas externally, removing some barriers so that folks can engage with the United Way Peterborough & District in different ways.”

According to the United Way, Seguya duties include working closely with staff, volunteers, community partners and donors with a focus on strengthening community impact and advancing United Way’s long-standing leadership in local social change.

“It really leans on that belief that if you support those who are most vulnerable, all will benefit from it,” said Seguya. “That's one element of this work but the other element is truly rooted in community and that will be an ongoing conversation which will pass discussion by discussion, issue by issue.”

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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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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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