Trent University faculty, staff and retirees have come together to raise a record-breaking $150,936  for the 2020/21 annual United Way campaign in support of community organizations and services in need.

“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.”

Trent’s annual United Way campaign launched virtually in October with email and print appeal letters shared with staff, faculty and retirees securing significant participation across both campuses. The United Way committee was thrilled with the outpouring response and generous donations from retirees, employees, the Trent University Faculty Association, CUPE 3908 and OPSEU Local 365.

“The pandemic created a crisis for the United Way: community need surged while fundraising activities became enormously more difficult,” says Dr. Marcus Harvey, this year’s campaign chair for United Way Peterborough and executive director of the Trent University Faculty Association. “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.”

The more than $150,000 raised by the Trent community creates capacity locally. 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. 

“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’s support and annual campaigns for the United Way date back to 1965, raising more than $2 million for the organization, as the United Way Peterborough’s largest workplace partner in the Peterborough region.

Watch the message from Trent University President Leo Groarke on the success of this fundraising campaign.