“Peterborough Performs VI: Musicians United To End Homelessness” has raised $36,236 for the United Way Peterborough & District to support homelessness relief programs and services, bringing the grand total raised by the annual event since 2020 to $185,694.
Held over four hours last Thursday night (February 26) at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough, the benefit concert featuring 14 musical acts on two stages sold more tickets and raised more funds than any of the five previous concerts Paul Rellinger has organized since he co-founded the annual event with David Goyette.
Rellinger has continued to organize the event in support of the United Way every year, with the exception of 2021 when the event was not held because of the pandemic. Over the past six year, he has brought together a total of 44 local music acts — almost 100 individual musicians in total — to donate their time and talents in support of the most vulnerable people in the community.
Rellinger’s commitment to Peterborough Performs and the United Way is one of the reasons he volunteered to serve as chair of the United Way’s 2025-26 community campaign.
“Paul for six years has been the magic behind this event, moving with impish joy, a full heart, and a profound love of music and musicians,” United Way CEO Jim Russell said on Thursday night. “He is the dream weaver of Peterborough Performs and its inspiration. You would think that would be enough, but he is serving double duty by being this year’s United Way Campaign Chair working closely with a cabinet of community volunteers and driving to success.”
Even since the inaugural event on March 5, 2020 raised $23,669, the annual benefit concert has taken place as the United Way’s annual community campaign wraps up. This year’s campaign has now reached 96 per cent of its $1.6 million goal.
“The timing of Peterborough Performs, with it being staged in the waning days of the annual United Way campaign, is key,” Rellinger said. “It provides a vital boost to the campaign as it enters its final month, not only raising essential dollars for the important work of the United Way’s partner agencies but keeping the campaign front of mind for those haven’t yet made their donation.”
With Peterborough Performs now in the rear-view mirror, the United Way is encouraging the community to help the organization raise the final four per cent of this year’s goal before the campaign concludes on March 31.
“We are leaving no stone unturned as we move with vigour toward a successful campaign,” Russell said.
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 and upcoming 50/50 draws, visit www.uwpeterborough.ca.
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