Less than a month after the United Way Peterborough & District announced it had raised just over half of its ambitious 2025-26 community campaign goal, the organization is now 90 per cent of the way towards raising $1.6 million.
On Friday (January 9), when celebrating the winner of its December 50/50 draw, the United Way announced it has raised $1,450,563 to date.
Funds raised through the campaign will support a network of 20 local non-profit agencies working to address poverty, housing instability, food insecurity, mental health, and social inclusion across the region. Campaign dollars also support United Way’s research and internal initiatives, including programs such as Coats for Community and Backpacks for Success.
According to the United Way, events like the December 50/50 draw demonstrate how small acts of generosity can come together to create meaningful local impact. The draw, which raised $2,980, was won by Kathy Woodcock, a special education resource teacher with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board.
United Way Peterborough & District CEO Jim Russell visited Keith Wightman Public School on Friday to present Woodcock with a cheque for $1,490 — the largest jackpot awarded through the 50/50 draw to date.
“This record-breaking draw is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when our community comes together,” Russell said in a media release.
The United Way also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of workplace campaigns in support of the 2025-26 community campaign, given that the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board runs workplace fundraising campaigns in support of the United Way each year across its schools and at the board level.
“Support from workplace campaigns like those of Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board plays a vital role in helping us reach people where and when they need it most,” Russell said.
With the campaign wrapping up at the end of March, the United Way is encouraging community members to help push the campaign across the $1.6 million goal line by donating through workplace campaigns, making individual donations, participating in upcoming monthly 50/50 draws, and buying tickets for the Peterborough Performs VI benefit concert on February 26.
“Reaching our campaign goal is about more than a number — it’s about ensuring vital supports remain available for people who rely on them,” Russell said. “Every ticket purchased, every dollar donated, helps strengthen our community’s social safety net.”
Donations can be made online at give.unitedway.ca/donate/wpeter, by calling 705-742-8839, or in person at the United Way office at 277 Stewart Street in downtown Peterborough.
For more information on the United Way community campaign, upcoming 50/50 draws, and ways to get involved, visit www.uwpeterborough.ca.
The original version of this story has been updated to correct the date of the Peterborough Performs benefit concert.
