$10,000 Donation Helps Launch Morning Drop-in Program In Partnership From PATH and Elizabeth Fry Society

Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH) has donated $10,000 to support the Morning Drop-in Program at the Trinity Community Centre (One City Peterborough) in partnership with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough as it reaches its two-year anniversary in January next year.

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Fry Society.

PATHs has been a community partner of the Morning Drop-in since October last year according to a press release. The partnership has been centred around providing clothing and other textile-related resources to those who access the program. It continues to state that along with the donation, PATH volunteers will take on a more active role at The Morning Drop-In, facilitating the Community Resource Room (clothing and hygiene supplies) and other programming (to be announced later).

“Elizabeth Fry wishes to express our deep appreciation to PATH for their donation, community partnership and the services they will help to provide for our community,” said Kristal Jones-Craighead, Morning Drop-in Program Facilitator. “When organizations work alongside each other, capacity is increased. The Morning Drop-in Program will provide direct service experience and mentorship to PATH volunteers and enables them to create relationships and trust as they provide this service for our unsheltered neighbours.”

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough has operated the Morning Drop-in Program since January 2023. Located at 360 Reid St. in partnership with One City Peterborough, the Program is a space where community members can gather, share a light breakfast, enjoy a cup of coffee, access the Community Resource Room (clothing/hygiene items), washrooms, and showers, connect with housing outreach workers, access harm reduction supplies, participate in community programs and have the occasional dance party.

Some program highlights include:

• 428 days of Morning Drop-in service

• Served an average of 46 guests per day

• 19,688 meals served

• Housing Outreach accessed approximately 260 times

• The full impact report can be viewed online

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Volunteer Peterborough Receives $3,250 Donation From RTOERO to Help Spread Volunteer Opportunities Through New Welcome Brochures

District 36 Peterborough of Retired Teachers of Ontario (RTOERO) has donated $3,250 to Volunteer Peterborough to help connect residents with meaningful volunteer opportunities in a cheque presentation at the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce on Monday morning.

(From left to right) Kathryn Reynolds, Pat Smith, Annette Thomson, Hilda Jolley and Lois Tuffin. District 36 has about 1,300 members, serving the City of Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funds will be used to design, print and launch welcome brochures for new residents in the region.

“As soon as people arrive in Peterborough, they're going to be handed a piece of paper that shows, 'here's how you can get introduced to your community and here's how you can contribute,’” said Lois Tuffin, Volunteer Peterborough founder. “It just saves everybody a lot of time and it's also going to help a lot of non-profits get new blood and new talent so we can do more as a community.”

The welcome brochure initiative will kick off with a launch event for realtors and other professionals who frequently engage with newcomers. The idea is to ensure the brochures effectively reach those most benefit from community involvement.

District 36 funding is part of RTOERO's annual community grants program. Since 1968, the organization has been comprised of teachers, school and board administrators, educational support staff, and college and university faculty in retirement.

“We find throughout the community what needs to happen and sometimes it's through word of mouth,” said Kathryn Reynolds, RTOERO president, District 36 Peterborough.

Districts apply for grants each year to support community projects. In 2024, RTOERO funded 31 projects for a total of $122,252.

Reynolds says that retirees and seniors often have extra time on their hands and volunteering both helps the community and keeps everyone busy.

“Many seniors have the time and inclination to volunteer, but don't know where they can contribute, especially if they're new to the community,” she explained. “Our grant will help Volunteer Peterborough raise awareness. Ultimately, this will strengthen community connections and well-being.”

Each year, a RTOERO member committee assesses each grant submission's merits. Projects touch on everything from environmental sustainability to healthy and accessible communities according to a press release. Since the inception of the community grants program 24 years ago, almost $2.1 million has been donated to more than 600 programs and projects.

“Our non-profits are vital lifelines for so many services in this community. It's hard to even fathom how many meals get delivered, how many people who are lonely get visited and arts programs thrive,” explained Tuffin. “Volunteers are the lifeblood behind all of that and they add a huge capacity to our community.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Local Restaurant Owner Continues Tradition of Giving Free Meals To Anyone In Need For Thanksgiving Sunday

The Original Spaghetti House Pizzeria owner Ilir Sino is continuing his giving spirit tradition as he plans to give our free hot meals for Thanksgiving Sunday to anyone in need.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ILIR SINO.

He typically offers free hot meals during Easter and Christmas but has included Thanksgiving for this year.

Meals will be distributed from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Spaghetti House, 512 George St. S. They can be picked up or delivered.

Sino announced on his Facebook that on Friday evening, he is inviting Peterborough and the surrounding area to come grab a meal. According to a Facebook comment on his original post, people can also request meals for others.

Sino has a history of philanthropy. In November 2022, he donated $1,500 to Alternatives Community Program Services Peterborough. He has also donated to local sports teams and other charities.

He opened his production facility, Sino’s Fine Foods, located at 597 Monaghan Rd. in the summer of 2022. The business produces his sauces, dressings, soups, oven-ready dinners and more.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Elementary School's Breakfast Club Gets Cooking After Donation of Two Ovens From Rotary Club of Peterborough

Prince of Wales’s Breakfast Club kicked off the school year on the right foot as they received two new ovens donated from the Rotary Club of Peterborough and unveiled on Tuesday morning.

Thea Chaput, Grade 6 (left); Camryn Chaput, Grade 5 (middle) and Sophie Bradley, Grade 7 (middle right) getting '“apple-loutely’ excited over the new overs with Colin Mackenzie, Rotary volunteer (Middle left) and Tommy Reburn of Leon’s Peterborough (right). Volunteers and Rotary Club members have been providing breakfast to the Prince of Wales students for nearly 30 years. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

An official ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorated the ovens and the Rotary’s work during breakfast hours at the school.

The program feeds roughly over 500 children according to Brad Conlin, Prince of Wales principal.

“The School Nutrition Program has a major impact on the safety, well-being and belongingness of our students,” he said. “Many students use the breakfast program not only as a place to fill their tummies for the start of their day, but it is a place that students can use as a soft-start transition from home to school.”

At the end of the last school year, the ovens began to malfunction, making it difficult to prepare meals promptly and efficiently.

“Faces of trusted adults and the impact of our volunteers goes beyond the needs of just the healthy breakfasts and lunches that are provided,” said Conlin. “The staff and volunteers always have a lens of inclusivity which fosters an environment of food for some, food for all.”

Peterborough Rotarian of the Year and volunteer Catherine Hanrahan contacted her fellow Realtor colleague at Century 21 United, Tom Reburn, who also owns Leon’s. His company supplied, delivered, and installed them free of charge during the last week of August.

“Leon’s is well known as a great community supporter so I didn’t hesitate to reach out to my friend Tom to see if he could hook us up two new stoves and a microwave.” says Hanrahan.

One Prince of Wales student highlighted the club's importance and how having breakfast can positively impact a child’s learning experience.

“This year, as soon as I saw the first person go in the Breakfast Club doors, I went in as well. I was hungry and I didn’t have a chance to eat breakfast. At my old school we had plain oatmeal everyday. At POW we have a variety of foods. A couple of days ago we had eggs, hash browns, and cereal. If we have eggs three days in a row, they are always cooked differently. The program is really important to me because in the morning sometimes I can make myself a hot chocolate but most of the days I don’t have time. After I eat breakfast, it helps me to focus better at school. There are a lot of community volunteers and they are always treating us nicely and coming to our tables to ask us if we want more. I would love to volunteer because I love to cook. Today I helped a little girl make her yogurt more tasty by squeezing an orange into her yogurt like the adult volunteer showed us how to do. Another day I helped that girl’s little sister when she spilled her drink all over herself and the floor. Children from every grade can eat breakfast together, whether they can’t afford it, or they didn’t have time that day. That is why Breakfast Club is important to me and the rest of the school.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Chicken Farmers of Ontario Donate 350 KG of Chicken to Kawartha Food Share to Distribute Among Local Food Banks

In a partnership to help combat food insecurity, the Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO) have partnered with Food Ontario to donate 350 kg of chicken to Kawartha Food Share at the latter’s facility on Thursday afternoon.

Tim Klompmaker, CFO District 9 Board Director; Shanade Thomas, Food Ontario and Ashlee Aitken, Kawartha Food share general manager putting the CFO SWAG and chicken on display. The CFO Cares: Farmers to Food Banks program contributes over 1 million meals annually to local food banks. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Thanks to the continued dedication of the Ontario chicken farming community who donate their chicken to food banks year-round, since 2015, the CFO Cares: Farmers to Food Banks program has donated over nine million chicken meals,” said Tim Klompmaker, CFO District 9 Board Director.

The donated chicken will contribute to over 3,000 meals for families and individuals in need throughout Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

“Proteins, like chicken, are among some of the most-needed items at food banks and we want to ensure that Ontario communities and food banks have a steady supply of safe, healthy, locally-grown chicken,” said Klompmaker. “Chicken Farmers are proud to support the Peterborough community.”

The CFO made the donation through the CFO Cares: Farmers to Food Banks program. It enables chicken farmers to donate their chickens to food banks across Ontario.

Peterborough and the Kawarthas have received chicken donations contributing to 70,200 meals provided through local food banks since May of 2022.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Teachers for Kids Foundation Receives $10,000 Donation From 100 Women Peterborough

100 Women Peterborough continues its philanthropic ways and has donated $10,000 to Teachers for Kids Foundation on Tuesday.

At its meeting, 100 Women Peterborough announced that it has collectively donated over $200,000 to local charities since its inception. Photo courtesy of 100 Women.

“I am thrilled to share the lengths that this donation would bring about for girls in the community and would enhance their lives in the Peterborough area KPR schools by letting these budding minds participate in life-changing STEM programs, helping them break free from the cycle of poverty and financial constraints,” said Kerrie Magnus of Teachers For Kids.

Founded in 1986, the Teachers for Kids Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to addressing the needs of students facing financial hardship. The foundation supports various necessities including sports club registrations, sports equipment, meals to support academic progress and medical and personal needs according to a press release.

“The donation will surely make a significant difference, opening doors to college, university, and careers and fostering a brighter future for these young girls and women.” said Janie Kelly of the Teachers for Kids Foundation. “Together we can help shape a better tomorrow and we are extremely happy to receive a gracious donation from the women of our community.”

100 Women Peterborough and similar groups pool resources and select a cause to donate to. According to the organization, their approach enhances financial support for various causes and fosters a culture of sustained, informed, and engaged philanthropy, driving systemic social change with a focus on gender inclusivity.

“Together, our dedicated giving group is supporting a local charity uplifting students in our community, proving that collective generosity can transform futures and create lasting change.” said Wendy Hill, 100 Women Peterborough founding member.

The donated funds will be redistributed among dozens of female students to meet essential needs and help them pursue their dreams as stated in a press release.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Local Couple Donate $1 Million to PRHC Foundation

Local philanthropists Martin and Denise Pick have made a $1 million donation to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation while unveiling a new sign recognizing the couple’s efforts.

(left to right) Denise Pick; Martin Pick; Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO; Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President & CEO; Charles Pick, Denise and Martin’s son , Dr. Rardi Van Heest, daughter-in-law and Dr. Joslin Cheverie, PRHC General Surgeon. Photo courtesy of PRHC.

Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President and CEO said the donation represents the Pick’s life-long love of community and shared dedication to improving the lives of friends and neighbours.

“Martin and Denise believe in the power of philanthropy to make their hospital and hometown great,” she said. “They have a long history of making transformational gifts and their generosity has been shaping the future of healthcare in this region for years. We’re beyond grateful for their continued support.”

The couple, who both have long-standing relationships with PRHC as donors and volunteers, said they were inspired by the hospital's continuous commitment to innovation and excellence.

“Denise and I feel that the quality of healthcare available in a community is tied to its overall quality of life – to its ability to grow and prosper,” said Martin. “We want to help make sure the doctors and nurses at PRHC have the tools they need to deliver the best care. To do that, we need to support them and give them the equipment that will allow them to innovate.”

“The more we can do to support PRHC, the more we can help improve healthcare for patients from Peterborough and our surrounding communities,” said Denise. “We hope our donation encourages others to join us.”

The Picks’ donation was made through the Remembering Otto and Marie Pick Charitable Foundation, a family charitable fund named for Martin’s parents. Lesley explained that the gift is already improving care for patients across the region through investments in minimally invasive intervention and state-of-the-art diagnostic technology.

“The Pick family’s gift was instrumental in allowing PRHC to upgrade a general operating suite with state-of-the-art minimally invasive surgical tools this winter – one of four suites undertaken by the Foundation,” she said.

“(The investment) has given my colleagues and me access to brand new, leading-edge equipment to perform cancer surgeries,” said Dr. Joslin Cheverie, PRHC general surgeon. “This new, specialized system is letting us operate with increased precision. It’s an advancement that has tremendous potential for the treatment of bowel and other cancers.”

The remainder of the Picks’ gift helped fund two new, cutting-edge CT scanners that generate higher-quality, more comprehensive images to support safer, more accurate diagnoses. The expansion and upgrading of the Health Centre’s Interventional Radiology suites is also ensuring PRHC’s experts can treat more urgent and chronic conditions like cancer, stroke, and traumatic injury without invasive surgery.

“It’s so encouraging to have the support of people like Martin and Denise Pick, who care as much about our healthcare future as we do and are willing to invest in us and the technology we need to make our vision a reality,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President and CEO. “This is more important than ever, given the system-wide challenges we are facing,” she continued. “Addressing these challenges requires fresh thinking and innovative solutions. We simply can’t move forward without the partnership of individuals, families, and organizations who share our vision for the hospital and what we can achieve together.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Over 1,500 Donations Made For Peterborough County's 'Blankets For People' Campaign

The 2024 ‘Blankets for People’ campaign by Peterborough County-City Paramedics (PCCP) and Peterborough County yielded over 1,500 donations for those in need, announced on Monday.

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) KERRI KIGHTLEY, FOURCAST; CRAIG JONES, PETERBOROUGH COUNTY CITY PARAMEDICS COMMANDER OF OPERATIONS AND BRUCE THOMPSON, WINDSOR’S DRYCLEANInG CENTRE CO-OWNER WRAPPED IN A BLANKET TO KICK OFF THE INAUGURAL ‘BLANKETS FOR PEOPLE’ CAMPAIGN FROM LAST YEAR. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

Donors were asked to give blankets and sleeping bags to those in need during winter. They were dropped off at campaign partners One City Peterborough, Windsor’s Drycleaning Centre and various locations throughout the City of Peterborough.

The eight participating townships hosting 'pop-up' drop-off and pick-up locations were new to this year’s campaign.

Any residents with winter items to donate can bring them to Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes at 385 Lansdowne St. on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or by appointment by emailing pathrfh@gmail.com for their new ‘Ready for Home’ pilot program.

“In the harsh cold of winter, experiencing homelessness becomes an even more formidable challenge,” said Craig Jones, Peterborough Paramedics commander of operations. “Your contributions go beyond blankets; they provide solace, hope, and a tangible reminder that our community stands together in solidarity. Your generosity blankets those in need with more than just warmth – it offers kindness, understanding, and a shared commitment to making a difference.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Trent University Crushes Fundraising Goal Raising Over $117,000 For United Way

Trent University's faculty, staff and retirees smashed their fundraising goal of $100,000, raising $117,847 for the United Way supporting those in need in Peterborough and Durham at a cheque presentation held at Bata Library on Thursday morning.

Trent's support and annual campaigns for the United Way date back to 1965 and have raised more than $2.7 million for the organization. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“The enthusiasm and generosity displayed by Team Trent have set a standard for what can be accomplished when we come together with a shared purpose,” said Marcus Harvey, United Way board chair and Trent University Faculty Association executive director. “Trent's annual campaign will make a tangible, positive impact on the United Way and the agencies and individuals they serve.”

The campaign launched in October with fundraising events such as the annual kick-off BBQ, a chili cook-off and white elephant tables.

“I want to extend heartfelt gratitude to Trent University for their unwavering dedication and generosit,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “Their remarkable efforts in raising funds epitomize the essence of community support, ensuring that the most vulnerable among us receive vital assistance. Thank you to the donors and campaign ambassadors at Trent University for your outstanding commitment to building a strong community. Together we can uplift lives and forge brighter futures.”

The funds will aid United Way in redistributing it to its community partners including its ‘Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy.’

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Wolfe Lawyers Two-Hour Free Holiday Parking Raises Over $12,000 For Kawartha Food Share

Downtown shopping has paid off in a big way as the Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers Two-Hour Free Holiday Parking raised $12,625.58 for Kawartha Food Share (KFS) at a cheque presentation at the latter’s facility on Wednesday afternoon.

(From left to right) Mayor Jeff Leal; Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager; Councillor Alex Bierk and Bill Wolfe, Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers. Kawartha Food Share currently assists more than 9,000 people every month through its 36 member agencies. It supports four meal programs, seven city food banks, six housing projects, seven county food banks and over 20 food cupboards across the City and County of Peterborough. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

From Nov. 25 to Dec. 31, Wolfe Lawyers sponsored Downtown Peterborough's free parking. This includes all downtown municipal parking spaces such as on-street parking, municipal parking lots, the King Street Parking Garage and Simcoe Parking Garage.

Any optional parking fees paid through parking meters or the HotSpot App went towards KFS during that time.

“The Two-Hour Free Holiday parking promotion is a true win-win scenario that collects much-needed donations for the Kawartha Food Share while encouraging people to enjoy the shopping, dining and entertainment of downtown businesses,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

“We appreciate the support and generosity of shoppers and residents making voluntary donations during the holiday season,” said Bill Wolfe of Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers. “These funds, through the support of Kawartha Food Share, will help to put food on the tables for people.”

“We are so thankful for the continued support of the City of Peterborough and the local shoppers for donating to Kawartha Food Share each and every December,” said Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager. “This year, more than ever before, we needed this donation to help us restock our shelves.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.