For the first time in over 10 years, the United Way Peterborough & District has met its annual fundraising campaign goal for its partner agencies and other initiatives.
Supporters gathered at a celebratory event on Thursday evening (April 24) at the McDonnel Street Community Centre in Peterborough, where the organization revealed it has raised $1,506,198 for the 2024-25 campaign.
The United Way had set a $1.5 million goal for the campaign, which ran from April 1 last year (with the campaign goal announced in September) until March 31 this year, and attributes the success of the campaign to support from community members, local workplaces, and a number of new fundraising initiatives.
It is the first time in over 10 years that the United Way has met its annual campaign goal.
“Reaching this goal is a powerful testament to what we can accomplish when we work together,” says United Way CEO Jim Russell in a media release. “I’m incredibly proud of our team and deeply grateful to everyone who contributed, whether through time, donations, or spreading the word. This campaign has shown the true heart of our community, and it’s an achievement we can all celebrate.”
Peterborough real estate agent Shirley Turner, who was the 2024-25 campaign cabinet chair, says she “couldn’t be more thrilled” by the “incredible achievement.”
“The energy, enthusiasm, and generosity we’ve seen from every corner of our community — friends, families, businesses, even complete strangers — has been nothing short of amazing,” Turner says. “We set out to make this campaign not just meaningful but fun, and it’s been such a rewarding journey to see that vision come to life.”
New fundraising initiatives introduced during the campaign included Peterborough Pajama Day, where the community was encouraged to donate $5 and wear their pajamas to work. Over 100 people employed at dozens of local businesses participated in the event.
Another successful strategy was the Double Your Difference initiative, where an anonymous donor matched all new donations in full as well as all increases from existing donors of at least 10 per cent over their 2023 gift.
For Trent University, whose workplace campaign raised a total of $135,543 from faculty, staff, and retirees, the gift-matching drive helped inspire 36 Trent employees to become new donors and donate $19,000.
Peterborough Performs V: Musicians United To End Homelessness, a benefit concert with 14 local music acts held on two stages at Showplace Performance Centre on March 26 accompanied by a virtual auction, raised $36,375 for the United Way.
The record amount, which was almost $4,000 more than last year’s fourth annual benefit, brings the five-year total raised for the United Way to $149,458.
Any further donations made to United Way Peterborough & District will contribute towards the 2025-26 campaign, which will be launched in September.
