Trent University Crushes Fundraising Goal Raising Over $117,000 For United Way

Trent University's faculty, staff and retirees smashed their fundraising goal of $100,000, raising $117,847 for the United Way supporting those in need in Peterborough and Durham at a cheque presentation held at Bata Library on Thursday morning.

Trent's support and annual campaigns for the United Way date back to 1965 and have raised more than $2.7 million for the organization. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“The enthusiasm and generosity displayed by Team Trent have set a standard for what can be accomplished when we come together with a shared purpose,” said Marcus Harvey, United Way board chair and Trent University Faculty Association executive director. “Trent's annual campaign will make a tangible, positive impact on the United Way and the agencies and individuals they serve.”

The campaign launched in October with fundraising events such as the annual kick-off BBQ, a chili cook-off and white elephant tables.

“I want to extend heartfelt gratitude to Trent University for their unwavering dedication and generosit,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “Their remarkable efforts in raising funds epitomize the essence of community support, ensuring that the most vulnerable among us receive vital assistance. Thank you to the donors and campaign ambassadors at Trent University for your outstanding commitment to building a strong community. Together we can uplift lives and forge brighter futures.”

The funds will aid United Way in redistributing it to its community partners including its ‘Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy.’

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United Way Announces First-Ever Funding Recipients From Women United of Over $15,000

United Way Peterborough & District’s inaugural Women United Fund has donated $15,800 split between Peterborough Child and Family Centres and Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre at the former’s main office announced on Wednesday morning.

(from left to right) Betsy Ferrar, United Way Manager of Community Impact; Nicola Lyle, Child & Family Centres CEO; Maryam Monsef, CEO and Founder of ONWARD; Brittany McMIllian, Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre executive director and Kellie Walden, Peterborough Child and Family Centres director of administrative services. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Women United Fund was donated by Maryam Monsef, CEO and Founder of ONWARD, to help United Way offer a funding opportunity for one-time projects. United Way published a Request for Proposals this past June that sought initiatives supporting women, girls and gender-diverse people in the Peterborough community according to a press release.

“The Women United Fund embodies what is possible when community comes together to address a shared goal,” said Betsy Ferrar, United Way manager of community impact. “This grant was not only made possible through Maryam’s generous donation but also her drive and awareness of local issues as the founding chair of our local Women United group. In addition, we want to extend our gratitude to all of the applicants who brought forward creative and compassionate solutions to complex gender-based issues.”

Taking place between Sept. 1 and Aug. 31 next year, the inaugural Women United Fund recipients are:

Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, for their project titled Leading Ladies. There was $4,750 in Women United funding, contributing to leadership training for women in the local non-profit sector. Through weekly seminars, women will engage in training that spans topics related to leadership and advocacy as stated in a press release. Guest speakers from various professional backgrounds will participate in the training delivery. Women have traditionally made up a strong portion of employees within the non-profit sector, so providing leadership training tailored to the sector's unique intricacies will support their personal and professional growth as they advance into senior roles.

“KSAC is honoured to have received funds through the Women United Fund. With this funding, we will be able to provide leadership training and expertise to women in the non-profit sector,” said Brittany McMIllian, Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre executive director. Our Leading Ladies Curriculum will create a safe community for women to support their growth as future leaders.”

Peterborough Child and Family Centres received $11,050 for their ‘Empowering Two Generations’ project. The funding will support young, parenting women through life skills programming according to United Way. This project will enhance their current programming to ensure their vulnerable clients can increase their skills and confidence in the areas of parenting, health and wellbeing, educational support, financial literacy, and personal development. Participants will also be supported through access to transportation, childcare, and a meal to reduce barriers to accessing the programs and services at PCFC.

“Peterborough Child and Family Centres has been providing support to vulnerable pregnant women, parents, and their young children for almost 30 years,” said Nicola Lyle, Child & Family Centres CEO. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our work with young parenting women, providing the tools they need to overcome barriers to employment and education, build resilience, and improve their families’ well-being.”

“Tough economic times are often toughest on women and women-led families. I applaud every agency working to support women and the most vulnerable in our community,” said Maryam Monsef, CEO and Founder of ONWARD. “Thanks to the team at United Way for working with me to establish the Women United Fund and for selecting two projects that offer professional and personal development opportunities for young moms and leaders in the non-profit sector. I look forward to building on this momentum with the Women United Steering Committee and our caring community.”

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PVNC Raises Over $56,000 For 2022 United Way Campaign

Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board has raised $56,757 for the four area United Way organizations during its 2022 board-wide campaign announced on Tuesday.

Students at St. Patrick CES in Peterborough took part in the school's ‘Pumpkin Fest’ fundraiser for the United Way in October. Photo courtesy of PVNC.

PVNC staff gave the money through payroll donations as schools could host special fundraising events such as pumpkin carving contests, soup sales, dress-down days and more. 

“Given that we launched this year’s campaign amid a turbulent labour process, and during a time of high inflation and increased household costs, we cannot thank our PVNC Community enough for its generosity this year,” said Galen Eagle, campaign chair. “It’s heartening heading into the Christmas holidays to be able to provide this source of funding to our United Way agencies that support services so integral to the health and well-being of our communities.”

Proceeds will go to Peterborough and District United Way, Northumberland United Way, Durham United Way and City of Kawartha Lakes United Way.

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United Way 'Adopt A Crop' to Fund Community Garden Project

United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes (UWCKL) will be launching a new fundraiser on Giving Tuesday (Nov. 29), allowing community members and organizations to ‘Adopt a Crop’ through their community garden.

Photo courtesy of United Way.

Adopt a Crop will provide individuals and organizations with the opportunity to sponsor or “adopt,” a crop at Edwin Binney’s Community Garden, UWCKL’s food security and food literacy project. All proceeds will go towards the community garden.

The project was started in 2019 on unused land on the Crayola Canada property. Over 50,000 pounds of produce have been donated to 20 organizations with food programs and 11 food banks in the last four years, according to UWCKL.

“Running a farm as a non-profit is a major investment of time and resources, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have corporate and individual donors to help us with our work in tackling local food insecurity,” says Emily Beall, United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes co-executive director. “This season we produced more food than ever before; over $40,000 worth of fresh produce that was donated into our communities across the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton. Adopt a Crop is an effort to involve the community more, while also ensuring we have the means to maintain the garden, grow nutrient-rich foods and provide educational opportunities.” 

This fundraiser will be ongoing until all sponsorships are claimed for the 2023 growing season. Sponsorships will be available each year, with sponsors from the previous year receiving the right of first refusal to adopt their crop again.  

There are 25 crops available for adoption. To learn more visit the Adopt a Crop website starting Tuesday.

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Kawartha Lakes United Way Executive Director Retires After a 17-Year Tenure

Penny Barton Dyke, executive director of the United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes (UWCKL) has retired after 17 years of service announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of The United Way City of Kawartha Lakes.

Barton Dyke served the community through a number of projects, including Community Matters which encouraged deeper conversations in the community about development work.

She was also involved in Edwin Binney’s Community Garden (EBCG) which established an approach to food security and education through planning and growing crops in the community.

“It has been a privilege and honour to work with incredible community leaders, donors, volunteers and staff over the years,” said Barton Dyke. “I am looking forward to taking some time off and looking at new adventures.”

The United Way Board of Directors has hired Emily Beall and Shantal Ingram to be co-executive directors. Beall is currently the organization’s projects and communications coordinator while Ingram is a community investment coordinator with UWCKL.

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Fleming College Students And United Way Transform Empty Lot Into Community Garden To Help Feed Kawartha Lakes

Fleming College’s Sustainable Agriculture program, based at Fleming’s Frost Campus, and United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes have been developing a garden since 2019 on a plot that was once an empty, unused lot owned by Crayola Canada.

Farm Stand at Edwin Binney’s Community Garden. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Fleming’s Sustainable Agriculture diploma and post-graduate and Ecosystem Management students have helped turn the once vacant lot into a thriving community garden with a robust irrigation system and more than 100 fruit trees.

“This garden is a living lab providing our students with an invaluable, hands-on education and an experience that travels far outside the classroom,” said Fleming College President Maureen Adamson. “The work they are doing in Edwin Binney’s Community Garden benefits not only the students but the entire region. As many homes struggle with rising grocery bills, Fleming students are helping to supply fresh, nutritious food to the community.”

The United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes has opened a farm stand at Edwin Binney’s Community Garden in Lindsay that, sells produce grown in the new community garden.

The stand, located at 50 Mary Street W., runs each Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. throughout the growing season while supplies last. Freshly harvested veggies, fruits and herbs will be available for purchase.  

In its first year, Fleming students and faculty with the Sustainable Agriculture Technician program helped produced 5,500 lbs. of fresh produce. Last year that yield increased to 16,264 lbs. of healthy fruits and vegetables.  

Much of that produce makes its way to 20 agencies and 10 foodbanks throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes. The United Way, supported by Fleming College, has also implemented three pilot projects which provide produce to nearly 300 people living in rent-geared-to-income housing who are identified as being at risk for food insecurity. 

The garden also provides co-op placements for students and has created employment opportunities for summer students.  

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United Way For City Of Kawartha Lakes Opens The Edwin Binney Community Garden Farm Stand To Combat Food Insecurity

United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes will be offering fresh produce from Edwin Binney’s Community Garden every Tuesday, beginning on July 26, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. or as long as stock lasts.

Photo courtesy of United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Produce will be sold using a variable pricing model allowing shoppers to pay below market, at market, or above market values depending on their budget.

With rising rates of inflation affecting the majority of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton residents, United Way CKLH strives to offer affordable solutions that also help their projects grow to serve greater numbers of people in the community. Community members that are able to pay more will help to offset the cost for those that cannot afford market price.

Since the gardens inception four years ago, United Way CKL has donated nearly 35,000 lbs of produce to local organizations and food banks. All proceeds from the farm stand will be put back into the ongoing development and maintenance of the United Way CKL community farm.

For the time being, the Farm Stand will only be able to accept cash payment.

Weekly offerings will be posted on social media channels in advance of each week’s Tuesday market.

The Edwin Binney Community Garden Farm Stand is located at 50 Mary Street location in Lindsay.

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United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes Seeking Volunteers For Seniors Workshops

United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes is currently seeking volunteers aged 55 or older to collaborate on a steering committee to implement a Seniors Health and Wellness Workshop Series.

stock photo.

The series of six workshops will be held throughout Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County from July – December 2022, in partnership with local agencies and delivered by industry leading facilitators. Workshop topics, dates, venues and evaluations will be determined through the steering committee

They are looking for individuals who have a strong understanding of the community that they reside in, are sociable and are willing to meet in person or online for planning sessions.

Time commitment for the opportunity will be 3-5 hours per month for 6 months. To apply, fill out the volunteer form at ckl-unitedway.ca/volunteer-form/ or call Jen for more information at 705-878-5081.

This project is funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

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United Way For The City Of Kawartha Lakes Giving is Believing Golf Tournament Teeing Off This Month

United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes has announced the Giving is Believing golf tournament fundraiser in support of local Community Agencies and the Edwin Binney’s Community Garden will take place on June 22.

Stock Photo

The tournament will take place from noon to 7:30pm at Wolf Run Golf Course, located at 51 Golf Course Road.

Participants can enjoy 18 holes of golf with a cart, a BBQ chicken dinner and prizes for $150 per person.

“We are very excited to be hosting our first in-person fundraising event since 2020, the funds raised from the tournament will help us support Community Agencies in Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County with local programming and continue our food security initiatives,” said Penny Barton Dyke, Executive Director United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Golfers can register as a foursome or an individual by emailing Shantal at communityinvestment@ckl.unitedway.ca

Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact Jen at jbain@ckl.unitedway.ca.

For more information visit https://ckl-unitedway.ca/uwckl-giving-is-believing-golf-tournament/

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United Way Of The City Of Kawartha Lakes Receives $40,000 From Crayola Canada

Crayola Canada presented a cheque for $40,000 to United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes this week.

Mike Soehner and Paul Murphy from Crayola Canada present a cheque for $40,000 to Penny Barton Dyke, Shantal Ingram and Emily Beall from the United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes. Photo courtesy of United Way of the City of Kawartha Lakes.

While COVID has forced the cancellation of many charitable special events corporations like Crayola Canada still supported United Way.

In addition to the $40,000 donation, employees raised $6,818.96 through their workplace campaign. This is the highest workplace campaign for Crayola to date.

“Our company has had a long-standing relationship supporting United Way CKL - more than 30 years. We are dedicated to our commitment toward corporate social responsibility in the community. We know people in our community need help more than ever as we move through the pandemic and we are proud that we can continue to support the important efforts of the UWCKL” said Paul Murphy, General Manager of Crayola Canada.

Although the annual Crayola Sale has had to be cancelled for a second year in a row, United Way Executive Director, Penny Barton Dyke said, “Crayola has always been outstanding in its support of our work and we have developed a deeper partnership through the Edwin Binney’s Community Garden. The garden is a multi-pronged approach to issues of food security and supporting food programs and in addition it is an education centre. With the use of this land owned by Crayola, we have produced over 34,400 pounds of food to date that has been donated to agencies to help fight hunger in Kawartha Lakes and in Haliburton areas.”

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