Trent University Raises Over $150,000 for United Way

Trent University faculty, staff and retirees have raised a record-breaking $150,936 for the 2020/21 annual United Way campaign for community organizations and services in need announced Thursday.

Photo Courtesy of Trent University.

The campaign launched virtually in October as The United Way committee was thrilled with the result and donations from the fundraiser.

“The pandemic created a crisis for the United Way: community need surged while fundraising activities became enormously more difficult,” says Dr. Marcus Harvey, United Way Peterborough campaign chair. “Trent’s response was crucial to this year’s campaign. For people who rely on the services of United Way Partner Agencies, the generosity of the Trent community can be life-changing.”

Photo Courtesy of Trent University.

Funding will go to various initiatives including 325 counselling sessions; housing supports for 200 people; spaces for 200 women and gender diverse individuals in our community to access social supports to build self esteem, manage stress and navigate healthy relationships; court advocacy and service navigation for 100 women; as well as supporting a Peterborough agency the ability to support nine people with barriers to traditional employment and who have experienced homelessness.

“Each year, Trent faculty and staff come together to support the United Way and our local communities,” says Julie Davis, vice president of External Relations and Development at Trent. “This year was a particularly challenging for many as we navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s been inspiring to see the generosity of our Trent community in support of the United Way, their partner agencies, and the people who rely on these vital supports and services – contributing to the largest gift to the United Way in Trent’s history.”

“Through the generosity of Trent University, the United Way and partner agencies successfully supported over 800 community members this year,” adds Jim Russell, CEO, United Way of Peterborough & District. “With thanks to Trent’s generosity community members struggling with mental health, emotional wellbeing, employment and housing received the support they vitally needed. We are truly grateful to the Trent University community.”

Trent has been supporting the United Way since 1965, raising over $2 million during that span. The campus has been Peterborough’s largest workplace partner in the Peterborough region.

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United Way Delivering “Day of Caring” Donations For Students and Shelters

Local shelters and students will receive more than 100 kits each donated by the community and collected by United Way’s “Day of Caring” announced on Wednesday.

School supplies such as backpacks, pencil crayons, markers, notebooks, paper and more were school supply items donated to the United Way. Photo Courtesy of United Way.

More than 120 local residents donated 275 kits worth of items (135 for local shelters and 139 for students) at the United Way office in downtown Peterborough last Wednesday. Brant Office Supply contributed more than 200 facemasks to be included in all kits. 

Personal hygiene and care product kits are for the local shelters. Backpacks filled with school supplies are for the students of the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board as part of the United Way’s “Backpacks For Kids” program.

The community collection drive was a departure from past “Day of Caring” events that had volunteers working on local projects and instead focused on meeting the immediate needs of those in our community who are financially insecure, precariously housed or homeless. 

Toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, body wash, sanitizer, shampoo, feminine hygiene products, bandages and more were in the personal care kits. Photo Courtesy of United Way.

Jim Russell, district C.E.O. was overcome with pride at being part of such a generous and giving community.

“To hear stories from so many people as to what inspired them to give to this initiative really served to bring home to me that we are lucky to live, work and play in such an empathetic and caring community,” he said. “One young girl heard the call to action on the news and spent her allowance to create a kit… … She said that when she first came to Peterborough, she received a backpack through her school and will never forget how proud and lucky that made her feel so was excited for the chance to pay it forward.”

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Trent University Crushes Its United Way Goal For Second Year In A Row

Trent University blew past its United Way goal for a second year in a row. The target was $100,000, and they raised a whopping $114,328.

United Way’s Cabinet member Michael Nasello—the Education Director for the Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board—was on hand at the United Way office (see picture below) to receive the oversized cheque from Trent University’s Julie Davis, Vice President of External Relations and Advancement, and Trent’s internal United Way committee.

Michael Nasello (far left) And Julie Davis (far right) with Trent’s internal United Way Committee (Photo courtesy United Way)

“This is humbling and speaks to the quality of educators and educational institutions in Peterborough and their commitment to the community,” says Nasello.

Since 1991, employees at Trent University have given more than $1.6 million to United Way of Peterborough and that is definitely something to celebrate.

“We really challenged our faculty, staff and retirees by setting a $100,000 goal for the 2018 campaign—our highest ever,” adds Julie Davis, vice-president, External Relations & Advancement. “Trent University’s annual campaign is the largest corporate campaign in the community and it’s an important way for us to give back and support the Peterborough region.”

Photo courtesy United Way

“Trent University is setting the standard for leadership and employee engagement in the annual Campaign,” adds United Way CEO Jim Russell. “Not only have they raised the most money this year, they maintain their unofficial title of best damn burgers during campaign.”

United Way Peterborough will be celebrating its 2018 campaign wrap-up on Wednesday, March 27th from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Showplace Performance Centre.

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Trent University United Way Campaign Raises $103,400 For Those in Need

Trent University’s faculty, staff and retirees came together to crush the University’s previous records for both fundraising goal and total funds raised for the annual United Way campaign, raising a whopping $103,400 for those in need locally.

“Each year, I’m blown away by the Trent community’s response to our United Way campaign," says Julie Davis, vice-president, External Relations & Advancement at Trent University, and education sector chair of the United Way cabinet. "Building on the success of last year’s $77,000 record-breaking campaign, we posted a challenge to go even further and raise $80,000 this year."

Julie Davis at far left

Retirees, faculty and staff smashed that $80,000 goal by more than $23,000, capping off a plaidtastic campaign.
 
Launched in October with a kick-off BBQ, Trent’s United Way campaign was supported by many employee-led special events, including a chili cook-off, white elephant tables, and a gift basket raffle before the holidays. These special events were paired with donations from retirees and employees.

United Way Campaign Chair Neil Morton (Co-Founder of PTBOCanada.com) and his Vice Chair Robert Gauvreau—both Trent alumnus—were on also on hand for the big announcement, where Gauvreau issued a 5k challenge to community and business leaders as part of UW's close campaign to hit their target of $1.85 million.
 
“Trent University’s 2017 campaign achievement is both humbling and awe inspiring," says Jim Russell, CEO of United Way of Peterborough and District. "The leadership and commitment of this organization is a shining example of indefatigable spirit to build community. We congratulate the Trent University community on this accomplishment.”

Robert Gauvreau (middle) announcing his 5k challenge and thanking Trent University

Trent’s campaign committee is made up of Linda Smith, staff co-chair; Dr. Susan Wurtele, faculty co-chair, Kathy Fife, retiree co-chair; and Alison Scholl, campaign coordinator.

Trent University was also well represented on the United Way cabinet: In addition to Julie Davis, recent Trent alumna Dorcas Mensah filled the youth ambassador position, and Marcus Harvey—executive director of the Trent University Faculty Association—served as the cabinet’s Labour representative.
 
Trent University has supported the United Way since 1965 and has raised more than $1.9 million for the organization.

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Put Your Director To Work Day For The United Way

Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board is excited to launch the 2nd Annual Put Your Director to Work Day.

Director of Education Michael Nasello is once again raffling himself off to raise money for a local United Way campaign. One lucky PVNC employee will get a day off to kick up their feet, while Nasello rolls up his sleeves and does their job for the day. Last year, the raffle raised $1,485 and sent Nasello to St. Paul CES in Lakefield, where he filled the role of an educational assistant.

Michael Nasello at last year's Put Your Director To Work Day

“I had a great time last year working closely with some great students and all the amazing staff at St. Paul Lakefield,” Nasello says. “Who will it be this year? A custodian? A kindergarten teacher? I can’t wait to find out.”

A single ticket costs $5 or employees can purchase three for $12.

The employee whose winning ticket is selected, whether it’s a supply teacher, a custodian, an educational assistant, a secretary or any other staff position, will get a paid day off while Nasello performs their job for the day.

PVNC is pleased to partner with four United Way campaigns in Peterborough, Durham, Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland. The winner’s work location will determine where the proceeds go.

“Every year we support the United Way’s mission as it works to empower some of our communities’ most vulnerable people and fund important social services that some of our students and their families rely on,” Nasello says. “This raffle is also a great opportunity to recognize the important roles all of our staff play each day in ensuring our students are given every opportunity to succeed.”

Tickets will go on sale to PVNC staff at school locations and the Board office on Wednesday, November 1st. The raffle runs until Friday, December 1st and the winning ticket will be picked at the monthly Director’s Meeting at the Board office on Wednesday, December 13th.

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Peterborough Petes Unveil Plaid Jerseys To Be Worn November 2nd In Support Of United Way

On a plaidtastic Monday (October 16th) in the Pat Casey Alumni room at the Memorial Centre, Jim Russell CEO of the United Way of Peterborough and District together with the 2017 Campaign Chair Neil Morton (co-founder of PTBOCanada.com) gave more details on Petes Plaid Night for the United Way to take place on Thursday, November 2nd—unveiling the plaid jerseys the Petes will wear for the first time in their storied history.

Here they are - the #plaidtastic jerseys that your Petes will wear in support of @unitedwayptbo on Nov. 2 vs @stinghockey!

A post shared by Peterborough Petes (@petesohlhockey) on Oct 16, 2017 at 9:03am PDT

Matt D’Agostini of the Petes front office was unabashed in his support of the night and the partnership with the United Way. He was joined at the podium by three of the Petes players: Cole Fraser, Matthew Tims and Dylan Wells. They all sported redesigned special edition maroon, black and cream, plaid game day sweaters.

Unveiling of Petes Plaid jerseys at Memorial Centre

The jerseys will be worn during the game and be auctioned off, with all proceeds going towards the 2017 United Way campaign. Co-sponsors of the one of a kind sweaters are Cambium Inc. and Patrick McAuley of Bowes and Cocks.

Thanks to the @PetesOHLhockey for supporting #petesplaidnight, November 2, 2017 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre pic.twitter.com/OXfs3rA18X

— Pat McAuley Realtor (@PatrickHMcAuley) October 16, 2017

It's game time! Next time you'll see these jerseys are November 2nd when the @PetesOHLhockey face-off against the @StingHockey! #plaidtastic pic.twitter.com/iZAjuW1LlW

— GauvreauCPA (@GauvreauCPA) October 16, 2017

Jim Bailey of Cambium Inc. spoke of the culture of his workplace and the importance to give back to the community: "For us it was a perfect fit, with both the United Way and the Petes being important to Peterborough," he says.

In addition, Ashburnham Realty is sponsoring the Petes Skybox for this special evening. 

REPRESENT THE NEW @petesohlhockey PLAID JERSEYS! Join the Ashburnham Realty team on Nov 2 - @unitedwayptbo #petesplaidnight @ptbo_canada! 👊 pic.twitter.com/f2WXzWH0k3

— Ashburnham Realty (@AshRealty) October 16, 2017

Noah Crowley, of Sun Life Financial—Chair of the silent auction table for the event—shared a list of items so far secured including, Gold Leaf Tickets, an Anaheim Ducks game jersey signed by Nick Ritchie, a Fitbit from Best Buy, a signed Kurtis Foster hockey stick, and a special “Suite Night Out” package which will include a box, tickets for 8, and food for the evening sponsored by Ricky’s Peterborough.

Our Brand Strategist @A_Elliott_ rocking the #plaidtastic jersey @PetesOHLhockey will be wearing November 2nd in support of @UnitedWayPtbo. pic.twitter.com/1sAMt4b7AN

— PTBO_CANADA (@Ptbo_Canada) October 16, 2017

Plaid dream come true: We revealed #PetesPlaidNight jerseys for their November 2nd game in support of @UnitedWayPtbo. #plaidtastic pic.twitter.com/neWXh8EBDj

— Neil Morton (@neilmorton) October 16, 2017

@PetesOHLhockey players unveil #PetesPlaidNight unis’ for the Nov 2 @UnitedWayPtbo fundraiser. #plaidtastic pic.twitter.com/l5JdWNGoVK

— Darcy Bonner (@darcyjbonner) October 16, 2017

United Way organizers want a "a sea of plaid" for the game November 2nd, and encourage everyone coming to the game to wear some kind of plaid. There are $20 tickets still available, $7 of each going directly to the United Way, as well as Plaid scarfs for $25. Both are available at the United Way office.

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5th Annual Paint The Town Red Has 30 Restaurants Participating This Year

The 5th annual Paint the Town Red all day event in support of United Way Peterborough takes place on July 19th.

Participating restaurants, cafes and pubs will be donating 25 percent of their daily sales to support United Way Peterborough & District, with proceeds directing impacting vital social services in your community.

La Hacienda is one of participating restaurants

This year, there are already 30 participating restaurants—up from 22 this year. 

Also, a big red spoon (with a touch of plaid) has been introduced this year by the United Way Peterborough, built by United Way cabinet member Terry Guiel (pictured above and below)...

Sam's Place is one of participating restaurants

Fresh Dreams Peterborough is participating

The @UnitedWayPtbo #PaintPtboRed team. 29+ restaurants in @downtownPtbo participating this year. July 19th! Don't miss it!! #ChangeALife pic.twitter.com/p1vPN6jupG

— PTBO_CANADA (@Ptbo_Canada) June 22, 2017

Paint the Town Red @UnitedWayPtbo fundraiser July 19 in @downtownPtbo pic.twitter.com/yTD78PJbRS

— Terry Guiel (@Terry_Guiel) June 22, 2017

We are delighted to announce we'll be participating in @UnitedWayPtbo's #PaintPtboRed July 19th, 25% of sales that day to United Way Ptbo. pic.twitter.com/l2MEY2azE7

— Gerti's (@GertisPub) June 20, 2017

For more info on Paint the Town Red, click here and check out the hashtag #PaintPtboRed.

If you're a restaurant that would like to participate, contact Erica Richmond at the United Way Peterborough here.

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A Bunch Of Kenner Students Did Freeze Flash Mob At Lansdowne Place To Raise Awareness About Domestic Violence

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton and United Way of Peterborough & District have joined forces with women’s shelters across Ontario to take part in the annual Wrapped in Courage campaign. This year’s campaign was launched with a powerful Freeze Flash Mob Tuesday morning (October 16th) in the food court at Lansdowne Place.

About 50 Kenner students gathered in the food court along with YWCA and United Way staff, supporters, volunteers and board members, holding up signs to onlookers with alarming stats showing the toll domestic violence takes.

“Wrapped in Courage is an amazing advocacy project that makes a real difference for women and children right here in our community,” says Lynn Zimmer, Executive Director of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. “Proceeds from every scarf sold [see info below on how to purchase them] in Peterborough stay local to help women and children in desperate need of shelter and support.”

“The courage of a woman alone is not enough,” says Lisa Smith, Director, Philanthropic Impact with United Way of Peterborough & District. “United Way is proud to stand in solidarity with women who have experienced violence and to partner with the YWCA for the Wrapped in Courage Campaign again this year.”

Together, YWCA and United Way invite everyone to purchase and wear a purple Wrapped in Courage scarf in support of local women and children fleeing violence. Scarves are available for $20 at Lansdowne Place at the customer service desk, and at YWCA and United Way from October 18th to November 18th.

For more info on YWCA, go here.

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YWCA and United Way Launch Wrapped in Courage Campaign

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton and United Way of Peterborough & District are joining with women’s shelters across Ontario to take part in the Wrapped in Courage campaign. You're encouraged to purchase and wear a purple "Wrapped in Courage" scarf in support of local women fleeing abuse.

“United Way is committed to lending its voice to important social issues facing our community,” says Jim Russell, CEO of United Way of Peterborough & District. “Violence in all its forms is unacceptable, and we stand in solidarity with women who have experienced violence, and say it must stop now.”
 
“This is an important advocacy project,” adds Lynn Zimmer, Executive Director of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. “These purple scarves are a symbol that the courage of a woman alone is not enough."
 
***Scarves are $15 and are available at United Way of Peterborough & District, 277 Stewart St, Peterborough and at YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, 216 Simcoe St., Peterborough (between the two bus stations). All funds raised from the sale of the scarves will support services for women and children at YWCA.
 

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Fundraising Record: PRHC Raises More Than $91,000 For United Way

Peterborough United Way campaign received amazing support once again this year from staff, physicians and volunteers with the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. This year, PRHC smashed their fundraising campaign goal of $80,000, raising more than $91,000—an all-time record for the Health Centre. "This is a campaign of people generously giving back to the community they belong to," says Ken Tremblay, PRHC President & CEO in a release. "Our staff and physicians at PRHC are known for their strong annual support of the local United Way, which helps to fund important programs and services for the residents of our community. This was a groundbreaking, absolutely phenomenal year for our campaign, thanks to the commitment and generosity of our team here."

Photo courtesy PRHC

[PRHC]

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