The United Way Peterborough & District is aiming to raise $1.5 million during its 2024 community campaign.
The not-for-profit organization announced the fundraising goal for its 83rd annual campaign during a launch event at the Healthy Planet Arena on Wednesday (September 11).
“We set this ambitious goal because the community need for services is greater than ever,” said United Way Peterborough & District CEO Jim Russell in a media release. “Achieving this goal will ensure that vulnerable community members have access to the vital supports our partner agencies provide when and where they are need them most.”
Reflecting the “Building Community” theme for this year’s community campaign, the energetic event began with members of the United Way board and campaign cabinet — chaired by Peterborough real estate agent and former teacher Shirley Turner — ushering in almost 200 people with pom-poms, music, and bubbles.
Sectors from across Peterborough were represented at the launch event, with attendees from Trent University, GM Financial, Swish Maintenance, Scotia Bank, CMHA Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge, and more.
Supported by local philanthropists David and Patricia Morton, the launch event featured team-building activities that quickly became competitive, when tables locked in a tie determined the winner though a dance-off, along with music and lunch.
Speakers included Christian Harvey of One City Peterborough, Kristal Craighead-Jones of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough, and Dane Record of PARN, who described how the United Way fosters collaboration among local agencies.
They shared stories from their collective work at the Trinity Centre, a community hub in Peterborough for people experiencing homelessness, and how the United Way campaign provides essential support for their services.
After he revealed the $1.5 million campaign goal with the help of attendees who discovered the placards under their tables, Russell led a conga line to close out the launch event.
To find out how to support this year’s campaign, visit the United Way Peterborough & District’s website at www.uwpeterborough.ca.
