For more than five decades, Trent has been a key contributor to the economic, social and cultural vitality of Peterborough and Durham. Trent students, staff and faculty have a long history of giving to the United Way, shopping at local businesses, fueling up at local restaurants and coffee shops, and supporting local organizations through donating their time or personal goods. These businesses and organizations are the fabric of our local communities and promote the culture of our cities while servicing the unique needs of each community.

This year, these local shops and services have been significantly impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the holiday season approaches let’s show our communities the Trent spirit and focus our giving and shopping locally. Now, more than ever, local matters. 

You can show how Local Matters in some of the following ways:

Giving
The United Way in Peterborough and Durham have experienced a 50 percent increase in demand for services as a result of the pandemic. To help meet the need, Trent has set a fundraising goal of $150,000. Consider giving to United Way through Trent’s annual campaign. 

Shopping
This holiday season consider local merchants and restaurants when selecting gifts for friends and family. Local shopping has never been easier thanks to the efforts of the municipalities and BIA’s to create coordinated platforms so you can safely explore your favourite local shops, or discover news ones, from home.

If you are looking to shop local in the Durham Region, here are some resources you can turn to:

• Shop Local – Shop and Eat in Durham Region
• Support Main Street - Rediscover Durham’s Downtowns

If you are looking to shop local in Peterborough, here are some resources you can turn to:

• Support Downtown Peterborough – Shop and Eat in Downtown Peterborough
• Shop Local – Local Peterborough Businesses

With members of the Trent community learning and working remotely you can search for resources in your home community to shop local.  You may also consider purchasing gift cards from your favourite shops and restaurants now to use later, and sharing your great local finds and promoting businesses with your social media followers by tagging the business and using the hashtag #trentloveslocal.

Supporting
There are many safe ways to give back this holiday season. Consider giving to local food drives or winter clothing drives, or joining a card writing campaign to bring joy to those who cannot be with their families and loved ones. Find a cause that matters to you and extend the Trent spirit to lift up those around us.

Trent University remains committed to supporting the vibrant communities that our campuses are located in and encourage all members of the Trent community to focus their giving, shopping and support locally this holiday season.