Volunteer Peterborough Founder Given Charity Village Impact Award

Lois Tuffin, Volunteer Peterborough founder, has seen her community work pay back dividends as she received Charity Village’s Most Outstanding Individual Impact – Volunteer announced on Tuesday.

olunteer Peterborough founder Lois Tuffin networks with Joseph Hughes of Kids Against Hunger at the Chamber's Love Local Show at Lansdowne Place in September. Since launching in July 2023, VolunteerPeterborough.ca has signed up 1,524 individuals who are seeking volunteer roles and 162 organizations who rely on volunteers. It welcomes postings about non-profits and the roles they have open so volunteers can find this information in one handy location. Photo courtesy of Volunteer Peterborough.

The award recognizes her work to resurrect a match-making service in Volunteer Peterborough to help local non-profits. It celebrates the outstanding impact of a volunteer at a nonprofit or charity.

“I nominated Lois to shine a spotlight on her work with Volunteer Peterborough,” said Hannah Routly, subcommitte group member. “In just over a year, Lois and a fulsome team created a much-needed way to match volunteers with critical roles in our community. I hope this award shines light on this vital initiative and encourages others to support this work.”

Tuffin had received several nominations from Jennifer DeBues, executive director of the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough; Jayne Culbert, co-ordinator of Age-friendly Peterborough and Volunteer Peterborough’s operations co-ordinator Genevieve Ramage.

“In the past year in particular, we’ve seen how much people want to help and how willing they are to act when given an outlet,” said Tuffin. “It’s gratifying to see our team come together to create this volunteer movement.”

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Ontario Museum Association Recognizes Peterborough Museum and Archives With Award of Excellence in Special Projects

The Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA) has been recognized with the Ontario Museum Association Award of Excellence in Special Projects for its role in the “To Honour and Respect: Gifts from Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales, 1860” exhibition project on Friday.

File photo.

The Award recognizes innovative initiatives, approaches or techniques that profoundly advance the museum profession.

The exhibition featured 13 quilled wiigwassii makakoon (birch bark baskets) on loan from His Majesty King Charles III, through the Royal Collection Trust, United Kingdom. The makakoon were created by women of Hiawatha First Nation and gifted to the Prince of Wales on Sept. 7, 1860, when he visited on a cross-Canada Royal tour.

The exhibition focused on education, revitalization, and skill-building. Traditional quillwork and the Michi-Saagiig Nishnaabemowin language were integrated into the exhibition, project materials, and events. Interactions with the makakoon provided powerful moments to pass down traditional skills, strengthen intergenerational connections, foster healing, and promote cross-cultural understanding.

“The complex partnerships brought together for this project have helped to continue to strengthen the relationships between the PMA and local Indigenous communities,” said Dr. Amy Barron, Program Coordinator, Heritage Programs, Haliburton School of Art + Design, Fleming College. “Hopefully, this project can serve as a model for the loan of other Indigenous artifacts from overseas institutions, allowing these ancestors a chance to return home.”

‘To Honour and Respect: Gifts from Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales, 1860’ was a partnership between Hiawatha First Nation, the Mississauga Nation, the PMA, the Royal Collection Trust and the co-Curators, Dr. L. Beavis and Dr. L. Peers.

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Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough Reveal Rebel Awards Recipients

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough (EFRY) unveiled its Rebel Awards recipients ahead of its eighth-annual Rebel With A Cause fundraising event at Showplace Performance Centre on Nov. 27.

Photo courtesy of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough.

EFRY says the ceremony honours outstanding local individuals and organizations who have engaged in advocacy and action to address issues of criminalization, challenged practices in the criminal justice system, and worked towards gender equity.

There are live performances by Peterborough’s Babe Chorus and Poet Laureate Ziysah von Bieberstein. A silent auction, a 50/50 draw and a photo booth are fundraising efforts that will be at the ceremony. This year, all proceeds raised will support the Morning Drop-in Program at Trinity Center. 

The 2024 Rebel with a Cause Award recipients are; 

• Cheyenne Buck, Drop-in Program Coordinator- One City Peterborough

• Kelli Marshall, Indigenous Enrollment Advisor/ Dancer - First Peoples House of Learning

• Jocelyn Enright, Community Engagement Coordinator, Kawartha Sexual Assault Center

This year, EFRY is introducing two new awards categories that highlight the work of community partners and businesses that work thoughtfully and creatively to support and uplift vulnerable communities experiencing challenges associated with mental health, addiction, homelessness and criminalization.

The Inaugural recipients we are honouring this year are:

• PATH Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes - Radical Audacity Award

• Arising Collective- Business Excellence Award

Tickets are available online or at the Showplace Performance Centre Box Office at 290 George St. N. Tickets include a light dinner and refreshments.

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Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce Announce Business Excellence Awards Recipients

The Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce handed out its 2024 Business Excellence Awards at a ceremony held at Showplace Performance Centre on Tuesday night.

Phillip Jolicoeur (middle) with his family, announced as the Business Citizens of the Year. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commernce.

The awards are designed to publicly recognize and honour local businesses with a passion for excellence.

Almost 50 businesses and individuals were profiled in 22 categories, with recipients announced live on stage.

The following are the nominees and award recipients:

4-Under-40 Profiles, in memory of Kathy Windrem

• Dr. Taylor Bonner

• Joe Curry

• Hillary Flood

• Dylan Radcliffe

Businesswomen of the Year

Entrepreneur

• Rosalea Terry of nectar co. (Recipient)

Organization

• Heidi Popov of Kawartha Gymnastics (Recipient)

Business Citizen of the Year

• Phillip Jolicoeur of PJ The Marketing Guy, Phillip Jolicoeur Entertainment, Photo Booth Fun (Recipient)

Business Student Leadership Prizes (winners listed)

• Ali Jammal (Trent University)

• Joylyn Johnson D Souza (Trent University)

• Swarna Latha Mareedu (Fleming College)

Commercial Development or Renovation

• Ashburnham Realty (The Railyard Development)

• The Canadian Canoe Museum (Recipient)

• Holmes Riseley LLP (823 Park St. S.)

Customer First

• The Boardwalk Board Game Lounge

• Couture Candy (Recipient)

• McLeod's EcoWater

Employer of the Year

• Engage Engineering

• Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory (Recipient

Entrepreneurial Spirit

• Green Street Inc.

• nectar co.

• Wanderlight Alpaca Experience (Recipient)

Peterborough County Farm Family of the Year (winners listed)

• Scott, Paula, Jason & Shelby Cornish (Whiskey Lane Livestock)

Green Initiatives

• Camp Kawartha (Recipient)

• Cheeks Ahoy

• Dietrich Homes

Health & Wellness

• Acceptance Nurse Psychotherapy

• Flow Spa (Recipient)

• Trent Health in Motion

Hospitality

• Levantine Grill

• Millbrook Mercantile (Recipient)

Local Focus

• Lang Pioneer Village Museum (Recipient)

• Market Hall Performing Arts Centre

• OmniWorx Design

Marketing & Promotion

• Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

• Harmony for Healing

• nectar co. - The Viral Keepsake Campaign (Recipient)

Micro Business

• The Chocolate Rabbit (Recipient)

• Millbrook Mercantile

• Peterborough Disability Tax Services

Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year

• Sama Noor Yousafzai (Goodies on Mews)

Not-for-Profit

• Five Counties Children's Centre

• Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region – (Recipient)

• Kawartha Gymnastics

Professional Services

• Acceptance Nurse Psychotherapy (Recipient)

• Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory

• Holmes Riseley LLP

Retail

• Dan Joyce's Retailing Limited

• Paris Marine (Recipient)

• Shop The Lake Inc.

Skilled Trades

• R & M Smith Contracting (Recipient)

• Tom's Heating and Cooling

Tourism

• Beachwood Resort

• Kawartha Country Wines

• Lang Pioneer Village Museum (Recipient)

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Fleming College Alumni Nominated For Premier’s Awards

Six Fleming College alumni have been selected as nominees for the this year’s Premier’s Awards.

The Premier Awards were founded in 1992. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Colleges Ontario administers the Premier’s Awards, the advocacy voice for Ontario’s 24 colleges.

This annual celebration recognizes college graduates' significant social and economic contributions on a provincial and global scale.

Colleges can nominate alumni in seven categories: Skilled Trades, Business, Community Services, Creative Arts and Design, Health Sciences, Recent Graduate and Science, Technology and Engineering.

The Fleming College nominees for 2024 are:

Skilled Trades
Dylan Stadtke: Mechanical Techniques Plumbing (2016), HVAC Technician (2018)
The co-owner of Pristine Plumbing Peterborough, Dylan’s business is thriving, reflecting his dedication to high professional standards and community involvement. In addition to two Fleming diplomas, Dylan completed the Construction Leadership Program at Fleming in 2022, demonstrating his commitment to leadership and excellence in his field. Beyond his professional achievements, Dylan is deeply committed to men’s mental health and is a strong proponent of promoting women in trades. His dedication to these important issues underscores his role as a leader and innovator in his industry.

Health Sciences
Francine Sam: Practical Nursing (2024)
Francine Sam began her nursing career while living in Australia where she was enrolled in university for nursing. She ended up moving to a rural village in northern Uganda where she did humanitarian work for seven years alongside her young family, caring for vulnerable children and their communities. It was through her experiences there that compelled her to further her education at Fleming College. Francine recently graduated as a Practical Nurse and was the Valedictorian of the School of Health and Community Services and is now working as a Registered Practical Nurse in the Emergency Department at her local hospital.

Community Services
Heather George: Museum Management and Curatorship (2008)
Heather George is an influential leader in the Canadian museum sector. As Executive Director of the Woodland Cultural Centre, she advocates for Indigenous perspectives and creates opportunities for Indigenous artists and curators. As the Past President of the Canadian Museum Association and current Vice President for the Indigenous Heritage Circle, Heather advances the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #67, urging museums to engage in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. In 2021, she led a national review of museum policies in relation to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). This review involved Indigenous communities and museum professionals, culminating in recommendations to change sector standards and develop federal repatriation laws.

Science, Technology and Engineering
Matthew Wilson: Conservation Biology (2024)
In 2022, Matthew Wilson made a significant decision to leave his career in the shipping industry and return to school. He was driven by a desire to pursue a more meaningful path, he chose to focus on addressing the pressing environmental and natural world challenges facing our planet today. Matt has always had a deep passion for animals and nature. Over the years, he has worn many hats, including biologist, arboricultural field technician, and research assistant. Recently, Matt enrolled in the Conservation Biology Program at Fleming College, where he graduated as Valedictorian of the School of Environmental and Natural Resources. Driven by a strong desire to make a positive impact on our climate, Matt is committed to preserving our natural legacy for future generations.

Recent Graduate
Jacques Graveline: Business Administration-Marketing (2022)
Jacques Graveline was a Student Ambassador for Fleming Indigenous Student Services and Fleming Student Administrative Council. He graduated from Fleming College with an Advanced Diploma in Marketing in 2022 and has been extremely involved in the College since. Elected as Board Chair at Fleming SAC in 2023, he passionately advocates for students to ensure an exceptional college experience. Jacques is a leader in the Peterborough community, supporting the United Way homeless initiative and Dragon Boat Races for Breast Cancer, while creating and implementing marketing strategies as the Marketing Assistant at Bridges Peterborough. Jacques is currently the Governance and Advocacy Coordinator with the Fleming Student Administrative Council.

Creative Arts and Design
Aaron Robitaille: Graphic Design-Visual Communication Advanced Diploma (2020)
A 2020 graduate of Fleming College’s Graphic Design (GDV) program and recipient of the Muriel Cooper Award for Design Excellence, Aaron launched “Aaron Robitaille Design” and developed notable branding for Haven Brewing Company. Her expertise spans large-scope murals, websites, and mentoring local artists, with work featured across Ontario. She is currently an instructor at Fleming College and acts as Vice Chair and member on Artspace’s Board of Directors, Peterborough’s only artist-run centre. The GDV program’s comprehensive training and community partnerships were pivotal in her success, fostering a blend of art and design that continues to drive her career and contributions to the local arts community.

The Premier’s Award nominees will be recognized at a gala event in Toronto on Nov. 25 where the winners will be announced.

To nominate a deserving Fleming graduate for a 2025 Premier’s Award, please contact the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office at 705-749-5530 ext. 1197 or email alumni@flemingcollege.ca.

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Local Luxury Home Builder/Developer Wins Award for Two-Storey Home Design

Dietrich Homes has won the Ontario Home Builders’ Association’s (OHBA) 2024 Awards of Distinction for Production Built Home.

dietrich homes logo

The OHBA’s award ceremony took place on Tuesday in Niagara Falls.

According to a media release, the awards recognize the creativity, innovation and excellence of land developers, builders, renovators, designers, marketers and service professional’s within the residential construction industry.

“We would like to take this time to recognize the amazing work completed by all of our vendors who take pride in their work and have contributed to our success,” said Paul Dietrich, owner and builder of Dietrich Homes.

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United Way Peterborough & District Names Recipient of 2024 Scholfield Award of Community Distinction

Paul Armstrong, a long-time housing advocate, is the recipient of the award.

united way peterborough & district photo of paul armstrong

The Scholfield Award of Community Distinction is handed out to annually to a individual or organization who, ‘through their excellent leadership or outstanding contribution has demonstrated the ability to mobilize positive change within our community.’

The award sub-committee selected Armstrong based on his work, research and advocacy over the last several decades.

Nancy Fischer, chair of the Community Impact Committee, reflected on her long history working alongside Armstrong during her career with the City of Peterborough.

They first met in 2002 on a housing committee.

“Paul has tirelessly and tenaciously promoted information about the housing market to make sure it gets out into the community,” Fischer said. “For me, it isn’t important to recognize what a person does, but who they are. Paul is tenacious and respectful, showing us how advocates can work together with government for a better Peterborough.”

The first edition of ‘Housing is Fundamental’ was published in 2005 with the 19th edition of the report set to be released by the United Way this fall, written by Armstrong.

“The United Way is near and dear to my heart,” Armstrong said. “Volunteers gain a sense of fulfillment from their work, but it isn’t possible to do this type of work without an avenue for it. United Way has provided me with this avenue and the opportunity to continue to do this work.”

“I have known Paul for 13 years. First and foremost, Paul is a strong advocate and champion for housing within Peterborough,” added United Way Peterborough & District CEO Jim Russell.

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Peterborough Petes General Manager Wins Award

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) has awarded Petes GM and vice-president of Operations Mike Oke with the 2024 Naresh James Champion of Mental Health Award.

Photo supplied by peterborough petes

The annual award recognizes an individual who has championed, critical challenges, pioneered initiatives and achieved lasting impacts in support for those who live with mental health issues.

CMHA HKPR’s Jack Veitch nominated Oke for the award, citing his dedication to the work on the OHL’s Talk Today Program as well as his commitment to the mental health of his players and staff.

The award was presented at Wednesday's CMHA HKPR Annual General Meeting.

“Mike Oke transformed the Peterborough Petes' approach to mental health and wellness,” said Veitch. “In 2013, he and the Petes partnered with the CMHA to pilot the 'Talk Today' program, which became a national movement in Canadian junior hockey.”

“We piloted the Talk Today program in 2013 after the initiative was brought to us by Dave and Heather Pogue,” Oke added. “We were the first team to implement the program with our players and staff here in Peterborough, it then became mandatory in the entire CHL, growing to involve other junior hockey leagues in Canada.”

Oke noted they know of at least one situation where the work of the team’s support staff has had direct life saving impact in the community.

“These individuals work very closely with our players and staff daily to help eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health,” Oke said.

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City of Peterborough Hands Out 2023 Civic Awards

The 2023 Civic Awards were presented by City Council at the McDonnel Street Community Centre on Tuesday.

civc awards photo

The awards recognize contributions to the community that enriched the lives of residents and outstanding individual and group achievements in the city in 2023, according to a City of Peterborough media release.

“It’s an honour to recognize the outstanding achievements and efforts of these exceptional individuals who have gone above and beyond in contributing to the life of our community,” mayor Jeff Leal said. “Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to making our city a better place is truly inspiring.”

Award Recipients:

Community Betterment

• Peterborough Police Auxiliary Unit

• Myles Conner

• Irish Millie

• Jennifer and Braden Glasbergen

• Marie Gulliver

• Dave Rumball

• Peterborough Lions Club

Cultural Betterment

• Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay

• Tina Avlonitis

Environmental Stewardship/Sustainability

• Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group

Athletic Award of Merit

• Holy Cross Secondary School Girls Hockey Team

• Chelsea Burton

• Kenner Senior Boys Basketball Team

• MacKenna Hancock

Holnbeck Award

• John McNutt

Junior Athlete of the Year

• Alexis Jenkins

Youth Volunteer of the Year

• Titus Ngouepo

Volunteer of the Year

• Greg McLeod

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Ron Cambridge

“On behalf of the entire city, I extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all of this year's recipients,” Leal said.

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Peterborough County Family Recognized For Sports Volunteer Efforts With Commemorative Plaque

Township Council, Staff and community members gathered to celebrate the unveiling of the Wilford Family plaque at the Douglas Sports Centre Ball Diamond in Lakefield on Thursday evening.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough County.

This plaque has been installed to acknowledge the Wilford family (Jim, Yvonne and children Jessica and her husband Shawn, and Jimmy) for contributing to youth sports in our community.

“What stands out about the Wilford family is their deep commitment to the members of our community. They haven’t just supported our sports programs—they’ve helped build them,” said Sherry Senis, Selwyn Township Mayor. “Whether through countless volunteer hours, coaching, organizing, or contributing to the construction and maintenance of our ball diamonds, the Wilford’s have poured their hearts into making sure our kids have the opportunities and facilities they need to thrive and play.”

The Township of Selwyn would again like to thank the Wilford family for their commitment to our community.

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