With three weeks left to go in its annual campaign, the United Way Peterborough & District is only $80,000 away from meeting its goal of raising $1.45 million in advance of a community celebration on April 11.
According to a media release, the success of the campaign to date has been bolstered by strong workplace campaigns including at Trent University, which surpassed its $100,000 goal by raising $117,847, and by fundraising events like this month’s Peterborough Performs benefit concert at Showplace Performance Centre, which raised more than $30,000 for local homelessness initiatives.
“It’s a privilege to see the focus and hard work of volunteers, workplaces, and donors joining in driving to a final goal,” says United Way CEO Jim Russell in the release. “Often it is the last dollars that are hardest to get, and in these final weeks we sense that community momentum in reaching the final destination of 1.45 million.”
To help the United Way with the final six per cent of its goal, you can donate online at www.uwpeterborough.ca, by mail at 277 Stewart Street, Peterborough, ON K9J 3M8 or by calling the office at 705-742-8839.
New donations of $1,200 or more made by the end of March will be matched 100 per cent. Existing donors giving $1,200 or more annually who increase their donation by $300 or more will also have their increase matched.
“I am continuously inspired by the generosity demonstrated by individuals, families, organizations, and businesses in our community,” says the United Way’s 2023 campaign cabinet chair Jim Hendry. “We’re in the final push to raise the last $80,000 and make a positive impact on countless local lives.”
The United Way will be hosting a community celebration of the campaign from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11th at The Venue in downtown Peterborough. The event will feature appetizers and a cash bar followed by an awards presentation and the announcement of the final campaign total.
“Everyone is invited to come together to celebrate and honour the caring individuals, engaged organizations, and committed non-profits who worked tirelessly to foster our essential network of local supports in Peterborough City and County,” says Anne Ondercin, the United Way’s director of philanthropy.
The United Way is seeking sponsors for the event, including $5,000 for the presenting sponsor, $2,500 for an award sponsor, and $500 for a table sponsor. Individual tickets cost $25 per person. Sponsorships and tickets are available via www.uwpeterborough.ca/event/2023-campaign-celebration-and-awards/.
In 2022, the United Way’s 20 partner agencies provided 275 programs and initiatives that directly served 46,263 Peterborough residents.
