United Way Peterborough & District is only $117,000 away from meeting its campaign goal of raising $1.5 million by March 31.
The funds raised during the campaign will support the non-profit organization’s 20 partner agencies, which focus on social issues including homelessness, domestic violence, mental health, unemployment, and addiction.
According to a media release from the United Way on Monday (February 10), the annual campaign — which runs from September to March — has already been a success, with community support returning to pre-pandemic levels thanks to the generosity of local workplaces and individual community members.
“Being a part of this effort has been truly inspiring,” says campaign cabinet chair Shirley Turner in the release. “Seeing our community come together — neighbours, businesses, and even strangers united by a shared purpose and working hard towards a shared goal — is amazing. We set a priority of having fun this campaign and it has paid off.”
Despite the success so far, the United Way is encouraging the community to help with a final push to meet the $1.5 million campaign goal.
“The campaign goal is so much more than just a number,” says United Way CEO Jim Russell. “It serves as both a sign of the level of need in our community, but also as a beacon of hope. Achieving the campaign goal means that our community came together, recognized the need, and responded.”
Donors can take advantage of United Way’s “Double Your Difference” campaign, which is still in effect. Launched last fall, the campaign means individuals who did not give to the United Way’s 2023-2024 campaign will see their donations to the 2024-2025 campaign matched 100 per cent by an anonymous donor. In addition, anyone who donated to the 2023-2024 campaign and increases their donation to the 2024-2025 campaign by 10 per cent or more will see that increased amount matched.
With the federal government having extended the deadline for claiming 2024 charitable donations until February 28, any eligible donations made during February can be claimed on a donor’s 2024 tax return.
You can support United Way Peterborough & District’s 2024-2025 campaign by making a donation by March 31. Donations can be made in person at 277 Stewart Street on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or by calling 705-742-8839 ext. 3, or online at give.unitedway.ca/donate/wpeter.
You can also support the United Way by purchasing tickets to upcoming events such as Peterborough Performs – Musicians United Against Homelessness, which takes place on Wednesday, March 26th at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough, and by particpating in its virtual silent auction (more details to come).
