Trent University faculty, staff, and retirees have once again demonstrated their deep commitment to community by raising an impressive $134,543 in support of the United Way Peterborough and District, exceeding the initial goal of $120,000.

“Trent’s United Way campaign is a testament to the power of community. The generosity of Trent’s faculty, staff, and retirees is crucial to building a more resilient, supportive, and inclusive community,” said Dr. Marcus Harvey, executive director of the Trent University Faculty Association and Board chair of the Peterborough’s United Way. “By supporting the United Way, we make a collective investment in the vital services that provide shelter, food, support, and opportunities for individuals and families throughout the Peterborough and Durham regions.”

The fundraising effort was supported through employee and retiree donations, and special events. The United Way’s “Double Your Difference” gift matching drive helped inspire 36 Trent employees to become new donors to Trent’s campaign, which unlocked $19,000 through matching.

The collective support received from Trent’s campaign will allow the United Way to provide 160 nights in a shelter, serve more than 1,400 meals, offer 700 home care visits and create 109 social learning opportunities. This year’s success is part of a broader community-wide effort to meet the United Way’s $1.5 million campaign goal.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of the Trent community,” said Jim Russell, CEO of United Way Peterborough & District. “As valued United Way champions they set the pace for this year’s campaign, inspiring others to give and be part of something bigger. In a time of rising costs that have especially impacted the agencies we fund and the vulnerable clients they serve, Trent’s commitment makes our community a better place to live, work, and thrive.”

The United Way campaign remains a vital initiative, supporting 20 partner agencies that address key social challenges, including homelessness, domestic violence, mental health, unemployment, and addiction.

Since 1965, Trent University has raised more than $2.9 million for the United Way, through annual campaigns and support from faculty, staff and retirees. Trent is the largest workplace partner for the Peterborough and District United Way.