Donor Stories: Generation Solar — Local Power, Shared Purpose
Some partnerships are built over decades. Others are rooted in shared values. Our relationship with Generation Solar is both.
Founded in 1998, Generation Solar has been a fixture in the Peterborough community for over 25 years, providing clean energy solutions to residential, commercial, and agricultural clients. Co-owners JP Pawliw and Simon Boone have long been part of our extended Wild Rock family—cycling the same roads, hiking the same trails, shopping at our original store, and building a business in the same spirit of community and care.
Their recent significant donation to the ComPassion Project is an incredible affirmation—not just of the work we’re doing, but of the power of local action.
“Clean energy is democratized energy,” JP told us. “Unlike traditional energy infrastructure, anyone can participate in the clean energy economy. Clean energy is therefore a community asset and community tool for change. Supporting our community through giving is, therefore, completely aligned with our core values.”
Generation Solar Co-owners JP Pawliw and Simon Boone
This donation goes straight to work. Like all gifts to the ComPassion Project, 98% of the funds are distributed via the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough to our six partner organizations—groups working across food insecurity, housing, land stewardship, and inclusive outdoor access. Generation Solar’s contribution helps meet real needs, right here, right now.
But it also does something more: it reminds us that we’re not in this alone.
“Simon and JP have been customers of ours since before they founded Generation Solar,” says Kieran Andrews, the driving force behind the ComPassion Project. “The fact that they believe in this project and chose to support it—it means the world to us. It tells us we’re on the right track.”
Over the years, Generation Solar has supported a number of community causes. But JP admits, finding the right fit hasn’t always been easy.
“Making donations is often difficult owing to the over-abundance of need. How to choose?” he said. “We’ve supported a number of organizations over our 26-year history, but never had any particular strategy or vision. The ComPassion Project offers a curated list of important organizations that are consistent with our values, has a clear vision, and is being driven with the usual Wild Rock positive community-building energy. It's easy to get behind a project like this.”
That alignment is something we’re seeing more of—and it’s exciting. Local businesses are stepping up in ways that reflect not just generosity, but responsibility. Businesses have reach, influence, and capacity to shape the kind of community we all want to live in. When we use that platform for good, we help grow a culture of care.
“Peterborough is a great place in so many ways. We live here by choice, and we want our staff to live here and raise their families here and invest here. It’s our community; we reap what we sow.”
We couldn’t agree more.
If you’re reading this and wondering how to get involved, it’s easier than you think. Start by following one of our partner organizations—especially one whose work you find unfamiliar or even intimidating (like One City, for example). Sign up for their newsletter. Follow them on social media. You’ll start to see how many good news stories are unfolding there. And one day, you’ll recognize that you have something to offer—whether with your time, your voice, your skills, or your money.
We know it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the state of things. But the best antidote we’ve found is action. Taking part. Giving what you can. Helping where you are.
As JP shared, “Communities require investment to flourish. If we want our community to flourish, we must invest in it deeply and broadly.”
Inspired to Give?
You can join Generation Solar and others in investing in our community. Whether it’s $10 or $1,000, every donation fuels our mission of building a stronger, healthier, more equitable Peterborough.
