Social Action Projects
Pride March
UFP has taken part in the annual Pride Parade for the past several years. For more information, on Pride Week events, please visit this website.
Welcoming Congregation
The Sexual Diversity Working Group is thrilled to announce that the Welcoming Congregation Resolution passed at the Annual General Meeting on April 20, 2008. We received the CUC acknowledgement in May at the ACM in Ottawa. Stay tuned for more to do in the coming year to honour our plans to build commitments and ensure our participation in this work.
For more information contact Paula Greenwood or visit the CUC website.
Mittens and Greens for Crossroads Shelter
Each December, members of the congregation bring scarves, hats, and mittens for the women and children of the YWCA's Crossroads Shelter. Alternatively, gift food cards and cash can also be given.
Kawartha Food Share
The congregation collects canned foods for Kawartha Food Share each Sunday.
AIDS Walk for Life
Each September, members of the congregation take part in this event which starts in Millennium Park. See photos from past years and register your own group online to easily collect pledges here.
Raging Grannies Tea Party
In March of 2007, the Raging Grannies held the Engaging Raging Tea Party of Elevating Highjinks for the very worthy cause of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. The focus of the fundraiser was the foundation's programs of support to Grandmothers in Africa who are raising children orphaned by AIDS ("Grandmothers Together)".
Red Ribbon Campaign
UFP takes part in PARN's annual Red Ribbon Campaign each November. Volunteers canvass at a variety of sites throughout the four counties by offering red ribbons to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. In 2007, over $6,000 was raised by PARN.
Gleaning Project
Gleaning is the act of collecting leftover crops from farmers' fields after they have been commercially harvested or on fields where it is not economically profitable to harvest. The Peterborough Gleaning Program became a grass roots organization in 2002, when the YWCA lost funding to run it. The O’Marra farm believed strongly in the importance of the program and urged everyone to seek alternate solutions. In the late spring several Faith Communities volunteered money to pay for buses, and they volunteered themselves to help to run the program. The bus company gave the Program a discounted rate, and still does, to allow for the buses to be affordable for Sponsorship. While the program is funded by Faith Communities, there is no religious component to the program. The Faith Communities see the Program as an opportunity to help those in need. It is estimated that for every adult Gleaner on the bus, three households benefit; the Gleaner’s home, the Gleaner’s neighbour’s home, and the Gleaner’s extended family. Sometimes, after Gleaners have picked for themselves they may choose to donate to local charities by picking for various places in need such as Crossroads, Y.E.S., and the Salvation Army. This allows the Program to extend the reach of the people benefitting, and it allows for the Gleaner to give back if they so desire.
Adopt a Road
The UFP has for many years been participating in the County of Peterborough's Adopt-a-Road Program. This involves spring and fall roadside garbage removal. We are responsible for 3.2 km of County Road #4 starting at the corner of Parkhill and Television Road and going East.
