Tiffany Arcari didn’t quite get a collective “amen” during the launch of United Way Peterborough & District’s 2026-27 campaign on Thursday (September 17), but she did receive the full blessing of all in attendance.
In her role as campaign chair, Arcari led what was akin to a religious revival at the Healthy Planet Arena, urging all to see the light of what neighbours helping neighbours can do in communities where far too many are struggling.
Later, Arcari joined United Way campaign cabinet members onstage for the reveal of the $1,585,000 goal — the “85” of that big number a nod to the local United Way’s 85th year of funding critical services provided by its partner agencies.
While the 2026-27 campaign goal is $15,000 less than the $1.6 million goal set in 2025-26, it’s still three per cent higher than last year’s actual campaign result of $1,560,075.
“The goal’s a doozy,” acknowledged Arcari, adding “But you know what? We will do it.”
“This isn’t my campaign. It’s not the United Way’s campaign. It’s the community’s campaign. If we really drive the message of coming together, and finding unique, low-hanging fruit to fundraise, we’re going to get it.”
In her address from the podium, Arcari spoke to the campaign theme of “Certified Neighbours” — neighbours helping neighbours — and, in the process, invited all to come along for the ride.
“We’re all carrying something, and sometimes a little kindness, a little support, or someone showing up, can make a world of difference,” she said.
“Our community is facing some very real social challenges right now. The United Way is already doing the work to help address those challenges. If we want to see change in our community, this (the campaign) is one of the most meaningful ways we can be part of it.”
“That’s what I want to see this year in our community, in our workplaces, and in our businesses — more people feeling connected to the campaign, more workplaces finding their own way to get involved, and all of us coming together to reach the goal. When we look out for each other, we don’t just raise money. We help build the kind of community we want to live in.”
Later, Arcari spoke to the need for the start-up of more workplace campaigns in local businesses.
“It’s a different way to show up for community outside of traditional sponsorship,” she said.
“Business owners just don’t have time to get into politics and advocacy and grassroots initiatives to change things for the better. The next step is supporting the United Way, because they’re the ones that are changing that at the grassroots level. If they really want change to happen in community, corporate giving and those workplace campaigns can make a huge difference.”
“When we look at United Ways across Canada, typically we see workplace giving is on the higher side rather than individual giving — Peterborough is the reverse of that,” Arcari pointed out. “I really think there’s an opportunity here. Our business owners care a lot and they want to be good neighbours. Workplace giving is an easy opportunity for them to do that.”
With about 170 people attending the launch, Arcari noted the energy of the crowd.
“All of the people in this room will leave here today talking about the important work that the United Way does and hopefully inspiring others to give back, whether that’s a donation, whether that’s a payroll donation, whether that’s (creating) a social media post, or just having conversations around tables that the United Way isn’t sitting at. All of those things are really impactful and help our mission.”
Also addressing the audience was United Way Peterborough & District chief executive officer Jason Seguya.
Having just stepped into the CEO role earlier this year upon the retirement of his predecessor Jim Russell, Seguya came away most impressed by the diversity of that audience.
“If you want to go fast, go by yourself — if you want to go far, go with community,” Seguya said.
“The goal that we set is ambitious to a certain degree, but it’s matched with the support that will be achieved. If we, as a collective, work toward the same goal, we will not only be successful, but we may raise the bar a bit.”
“There’s a variety of different ways of how we’re going to maintain this momentum,” Seguya said.
“First and foremost, it’s me holding myself accountable to get out there and introduce myself to individuals I have not yet met and demonstrate there are ways to get involved.”
“We’re also going to be reliant on a number of volunteers and supporters to spread the word. The work will be a collective. We’re ready for this and so excited to see what we’ll achieve together.”
Speaking directly to the campaign theme, Seguya said “Being a certified neighbour is not just about an address.”
“It’s about the ways we show up. It’s noticing when someone needs support and asking ‘How can I help?’ and choosing to follow through.”
“Each of us has something to contribute, and each of us belong to this work.”
While he’s only been in his role a few months, Seguya says he has already sensed “a different energy” in Peterborough.
“There’s a shared effort in wanting to see difference in a way that benefits Peterborough. That’s not to say that doesn’t exist in other communities, but it sure as hell does not exist the way it does here.”
“There’s a shared effort, and a shared care, in wanting to achieve support in our community, and that’s going to push us forward when it comes to the campaign.”
Seguya also spoke to the renewed emphasis on facilitating more workplace campaigns.
“When community sees workplaces getting involved, it means something to them. We’ve had incredible conversations with a number of our workplaces currently involved. Contributing to issues that really speak to them personally has added to their employees’ experience.”
Others who spoke from the podium were Murray Miskin, whose law firm Miskin Law was the event’s presenting sponsor; New Canadians Centre executive director Jenniraj “JJ” Thevasagayam, who spoke to the United Way-funded services that his agency provides; United Way campaign associate Adeline Murphy, who highlighted Miskin Law’s support as well as that of community sponsors Siika Foods and the Peterborough County OPP Detachment Board; United Way community impact specialist Elisha Rubacha; and United Way board chair Karen Wilson.
Meanwhile, in conjunction with the launch of the new campaign, the United Way has introduced its Certified Neighbour clothing collection.
It’s available for viewing and purchase at united-way-ptbo.ricartondemand.com.
For more information about United Way Peterborough & District and to donate, visit www.uwpeterborough.ca.
