Trent Giving Day Raises Over $2.6M in Support of Student Opportunities

The Trent University community raised more than $121,000 during the 2026 Trent Giving Day, bringing Giving Day contributions over $2.6 million in support of students over the past six years.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Thank you to the Trent community for your generosity that strengthens our student supports and reflects our shared commitment to their future and the momentous impact they will have on the world,” said Sandy Marett, Trent associate vice president of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement.

Launched in 2021, Trent Giving Day is a 24-hour campaign that supports students where it matters most, including on-campus employment, experiential learning, wellness initiatives, scholarships, and enhancements to collegiate and campus spaces.

This year’s campaign saw major support from alumna Joanne Dereta, who increased her matching gift to $18,000.

“Seeing the level of engagement and participation on Trent Giving Day to support Trent students encouraged me to increase my match and gift to the Trent Fund so that even more students can access opportunities and support,” said Dereta.

Trent Giving Day also highlighted the Trent Fund, the University’s most flexible source of support, helping address students’ most pressing needs, including financial assistance, on-campus employment, experiential learning opportunities, and wellness supports.

Tabytha Wells benefited from the Trent Fund by securing on-campus employment that aligned with her research interests in Aging. Wells worked with the Trent Centre for Aging & Society and gained invaluable experience launching an intergenerational classroom model that fosters connection between Trent students and older adults.

“My work with TCAS was the ultimate launchpad,” she said. “It gave me the professional velocity to transition from a student to a researcher, providing the skills to ensure that academic work actively makes life more accessible and equitable for our neighbours.” 

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Carl Oake Rotary Swim Breaks $1.5 Million Milestone After Raising Over $51,000 At 40th Fundraising Event

The Rotary Club of Peterborough’s 40th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim hit its $1.5 million fundraising milestone by raising $51,286.35, announced at the McDonnell Activity Centre on Monday afternoon.

(From Left to Right) Ken Seim, Former Rotary Club of Peterborough president; Vanessa Oake Hogan, Century 21 United Owner; Jeff Taylor, Baker Tilly Managing Partner; Andrea Peterson, Easter Seals Ontario Development Officer and Tony Grady, Rotary Club of Peterborough President. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

The goal was to raise $50,000 which was met.

The fundraising Swim was on Feb. 27 at the YMCA of Peterborough, marking its 40th anniversary.

This year’s theme was the 80s, reflecting 1986, when Oake founded the event to celebrate music, fashion and pop culture of the time.

A cheque for $12,000 was presented to Andrea Peterson of Easter Seals Ontario and another for $3,000 was presented to the YMCA for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. The remaining funds go towards the Rotary’s community projects.

Two teams of participating swimmers were also awarded prizes. The top fundraising swim team, Team World Barbie, was awarded tickets to see The Century 21 Lakers and the swim team with the best costumes. The Crocodile Dundees won a game-worn Peterborough Petes helmet and game-worn Century 21 Lakers gear.

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Kinsmen Club of Peterborough Donates $6,000 to Riverview Park and Zoo For Accessible Playground

The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough has donated $6,000 to support the accessible playground project at Riverview Park and Zoo in a cheque presentation on Monday morning.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The proceeds were from the 2025 Father’s Day Classic Car Show and Fundraiser. 

The accessible playground project focuses on improving access, reducing steep slopes and enhancing play opportunities for visitors of all abilities. These upgrades include widened pathways between play areas for people using strollers and mobility devices, new surfaces throughout the playground to make getting around easier, and relaxing, shady spaces with great sightlines to make it more comfortable for visitors and their caregivers.

Riverview Park and Zoo, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Peterborough, is raising $1.5 million through Project ROAR, a community-driven campaign to support the development of a fully accessible and inclusive playground. 

“The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough’s contribution is helping advance efforts to improve accessibility and play opportunities at Riverview Park and Zoo,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Through Project ROAR, and with support from community partners and donors, this work is moving forward to create a more accessible playground that better supports residents and visitors. Donations raised through community events like the Father’s Day Classic Car Show hosted by the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough continue to play an important role in this progress.” 

Project ROAR is dedicated to transforming the Riverview Park and Zoo playground into an inclusive space for all. Donations can be made online or by visiting the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s website.

The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough is hosting the Father’s Day Classic Car Show and Fundraiser again on June 21 at Riverview Park and Zoo, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event features live music, a BBQ, a prize table and a 50/50 draw. Admission is by donation. A rain date has been scheduled for June 28. 

Those wishing to participate in the Classic Car Show must register their vehicle. 

Registration can be completed online or by contacting Barry Craft at 705-292-5171 or bcraft@nexicom.net. Advanced online registration is open. The fee to register is $10. Participants can also register vehicles at the gate on the day of the event, beginning at 8 a.m. The registration fee at the gate is $15. 

All vehicle entries must be model year 1999 or older. 

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Donor Wall Design Unveiled For Rotary Club of Peterborough and Riverview Park & Zoo's Accessible Playground Project; First Major Donors Honoured

The Rotary Club of Peterborough and the Riverview Park & Zoo have unveiled a proposed design for the major donor recognition wall for the Rotary Accessible Playground, which was announced on Wednesday morning.

Rotarians, donors and zoo staff having a blast at the playground in the approximate area of where the accessible playground will be. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Several major donors were recognized at the event for their contributions towards the playground. The project costs $1.5 million and was first presented to the Rotary Club of Peterborough in 2024.

“Rotary is thrilled to take the lead in making this playground accessible because we believe everyone and every child deserves a place to play, learn, and grow – regardless of ability,” said Betty Halman-Plumley, then-president of Rotary. “This project reflects our commitment to inclusion, community service, and building spaces where everyone feels welcome. Together with the Riverview Park & Zoo, we are building more than just a play space – we’re building a stronger, more inclusive community for families to thrive.”

The Club pledged $500,000 and has raised over half of its total, with approximately $288,250 raised, according to Club president Tony Grady.

The following donors were recognized at the event:

Climber Level ($5,000)

• Grady’s Feet Essentials

• Darling Insurance

• AON Inc.

• Rotarians Jim Coyle and Wendy Hill

• BWXT

Activators ($10,000)

• Part Time CFO Services

The proposed donor wall for the accessible playground at Riverview Park & Zoo. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

Special recognition went to Merrett Home Hardware for building materials donations, Rotarian Mike Evans and his family foundation pledged $40,000 and Paul Hickey announced a contribution of $50,000.

“Our family is honoured to pledge $40,000 in support of this project because we believe everyone - of all ages - should be included and able to enjoy this space within our community,” said Evans.

Barry Craft, representing the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough, is hosting the annual Father’s Day car show. The Kinsmen pledged to donate proceeds from their annual Father’s Day Car Show, $6000, to the project.

Last August, the Rotary Club of Peterborough and the Riverview Park & Zoo first unveiled their preliminary plans for a new, totally redesigned playground at the zoo which would be accessible to people of all ages and all abilities.

Upgrades include widened pathways between play areas for people using strollers and mobility devices, new surfaces throughout the playground to make getting around easier, and relaxing, shady spaces with great sightlines to make it more comfortable for visitors and their caregivers.

Mary Kate Whibbs, Zoo operations and support manager, has invited residents to learn about proposed upgrades to the accessible playground at Riverview Park & Zoo and provide feedback to help shape the project at a public drop-in session set to take place on Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Riverview Park & Zoo, Rotary Education Centre.

“The level of support we’ve seen so far has been incredibly motivating. It really speaks to the kind of community we have supporting this project, one that values inclusion, accessibility, and spaces where everyone feels welcome,” said Whibbs. “It’s been especially inspiring to see this project bring people together around a shared vision. That momentum is helping us move forward with confidence, and we’re excited to keep building on it as we work toward a space where every child and family can play, connect, and enjoy the playground together.”

@ptbo_canada The Rotary Club of Peterborough has unveiled its donor wall design for its accessible playground to be built at the Riverview Park & Zoo! #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #dailynews ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

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Order of the Eastern Star Peterborough Chapter Donates $25,000 to YES Shelter

The Order of the Eastern Star Peterborough Chapter has made a $25,000 donation to the YES Shelter for Youth and Families.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

The donation, made possible through proceeds from the sale of the Chapter’s building several years ago, reflects the organization’s commitment to supporting the community.

“We’re very proud to be able to provide this help to the YES Shelter,” said Patti James, Worthy Matron of the Peterborough Chapter. “The heart and soul of the members of the Order of the Eastern Star has gone into raising money to help local charities and it feels meaningful to invest in something that will have a lasting impact on young people in our community.”

The Order of the Eastern Star is one of the largest fraternal organizations in the world, open to both women and men, with a long-standing commitment to charity, community service and supporting those in need. The $25,000 donation will directly support the renovation of one of YES’ RISE Youth Housing locations. Once complete, the project will create six additional housing units for young people who would otherwise be experiencing homelessness, along with a dedicated Youth Drop-In Space open to all youth in Peterborough who are navigating housing instability.

“This gift is incredibly significant,” said Aimeé Le Lagadec, Executive Director of YES Shelter for Youth and Families. “Not only does it help us move closer to completing this much-needed space, but it also reflects a strong belief in the potential of the young people we serve. We’re so grateful to the Order of the Eastern Star for choosing to invest in youth in our community in this way.” 

The RISE Youth Housing Program is a supported housing program that provides young people with the support needed to permanently resolve their homelessness. Once complete, the expanded RISE site will help more young people find stability, build life skills and move forward with confidence while also creating a welcoming space where youth can access support, connection and care.

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Empty Bowls Community Fundraising Event Celebrates 22nd Year

Attendees filled their bowls and their stomachs at the Showplace Performance Centre Friday for Empty Bowls 2026; a fundraising event aimed to address hunger in the local community, with all proceeds supporting One City Peterborough.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

After 21 years of Empty Bowls supporting the YWCA Nourish Food Program, which ended in 2025, One City Peterborough has partnered as the new beneficiary for the fundraiser. All proceeds will support One City’s daily meal program at Trinity Community Centre.

180 event attendees received a handmade artisanal bowl from Kawartha Potters Guild, opportunity to participate in the silent auction and an array of food options from local restaurants and vendors including:

• Hanoi House

• St. Veronus

• The Vine

• La Mesita Restaurante

• Hard Winter Bakery

• By the Bridge

• The Food Shop

• Sam's Place

• Love You Mean It

• Ashburnham Ale House

• Silver Bean Cafe

@ptbo_canada 180 attendees filled their bowls and their stomachs Friday at Empty Bowls 2026; a fundraising event aimed to address hunger in the local community, with all proceeds supporting One City Peterborough! 🥣 Visit ptbocanada .com to read more! #ptbocanada ♬ Does it Really Matter? - Boyan

“It’s really exciting that so many people wanted to participate in this event,” said One City’s Mackenzie Clark-Smith. “So many community members have told me they’ve been coming to this for 10 years, and others have said that this is their first time. It is very exciting that people who have liked the event in the past and those who are newcomers are all here supporting.”

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City of Peterborough Employees Raise Nearly $25,000 For United Way Peterborough and District

City of Peterborough employees have raised $24,914.14 in support of United Way Peterborough and District’s 2025 campaign at their City Council meeting on Monday night.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

From that amount, $20,521.11 was deducted from employee payroll.  

An additional $4,393.03 was raised through a series of engaging workplace events, including a Chili Cookoff and Jar Wars which encouraged employees to donate loose change and dollar bills and a popular online auction with items donated by employees.  

“I want to sincerely thank City employees for their incredible generosity and strong sense of community,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Their commitment to supporting United Way Peterborough and District reflects the values and passion for community that make our organization and our city stronger.” 

“The level of support and enthusiasm for this campaign from City employees was truly inspiring,” said Laken MacFarlane, the City’s United Way Campaign Chair. “The energy behind our fundraising activities reflects the pride and compassion City staff have for the United Way and the programs it delivers in our community. On behalf of the campaign team, I would like to sincerely thank all staff who donated, volunteered or helped organize events.”

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2025 Downtown Holiday Parking Program Raises Over $16,000 For Kawartha Food Share

The City of Peterborough’s free holiday downtown parking program raised $16,627.85 for Kawartha Food Share (KFS) which was collected from voluntary parking payments, announced on Wednesday.

The Kawartha Food Share currently assists 14,000 people each month through its 36 member agencies, and supports 17,000 schoolchildren at 51 area schools through breakfast and nutrition programs. The free two-hour program first began in 2003. Since then, downtown patrons have helped donate $268,255.50 to Kawartha Food Share. Photo courtesy by David Tuan Bui.

“We are so appreciative to be the recipients of this amazing campaign again this year and love to see community members shopping and visiting our wonderful downtown restaurants, organizations and businesses,” said Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager. “These funds will allow us to purchase nutritious food items for our member agencies, and help ensure everyone in our community has access to emergency food supports. Thank you so much to the City of Peterborough for their continued support in the fight against hunger,”

The program offered free, two-hour parking in all municipal spaces in the downtown core from Nov. 28 to Dec. 31 and was sponsored by Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers.

“We’re proud to have sponsored the downtown holiday parking program since 2021 and to continue supporting an initiative that brings people together during the holiday season,” said Bill Wolfe from Wolfe Lawyers. “Seeing the generosity of downtown visitors translate into meaningful support for Kawartha Food Share each year is incredibly rewarding, and we’re pleased to play a small part in helping make the holidays brighter in Peterborough.” 

@ptbo_canada The Downtown Peterborough Holiday Program (sponsored by Wolfe Lawyers) raised $16,627.85 for Kawartha Food Share! All voluntary parking fees collected from Nov. 28 to Dec. 31 went towards the campaign. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #fundraising ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

“Peterborough residents once again showed the true spirit of the holiday season through their generosity,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “By choosing to donate while enjoying free downtown parking, people helped raise vital funds for Kawartha Food Share and supported neighbours in need at a time when it matters most.” 

“The downtown holiday parking program demonstrates the incredible impact of community support,” said Town Ward Councillors Alex Bierk and Joy Lachica in a joint statement. “Visitors to the downtown core not only contributed to Kawartha Food Share through their generosity but also helped support local businesses during the busy holiday season. It’s a great example of how coming downtown strengthens both our local economy and our community.”

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BWXT Donates $5,000 to Rotary Club of Peterborough Towards Accessible Playground Project

The Rotary Club of Peterborough’s Accessible Playground Project is $5,000 closer to its $1.5 million goal, as BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada (BWXT) donated $5,000 at its facility on Friday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The project was launched in August to be developed at Riverview Park & Zoo.

Upgrades for the playground include widened pathways between play areas for people using strollers and mobility devices, new surfaces throughout the playground to make getting around easier and relaxing, shady spaces with great sightlines to make it more comfortable for visitors and their caregivers.

@ptbo_canada The Rotary Club of Peterborough has been donated $5,000 towards their Accessible Playground Project courtesy of BWXT Peterborough! #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #donation ♬ Awards Epic - Celebrity

“The Riverview Park & Zoo has been welcoming generations of families in our community since 1933 and this project is a powerful example of what can be achieved when local businesses come together to support our community,” said Betty Halman-Plumley, Chair of the project steering committee.-Truly for the community by the community.”

"At BWXT, we truly value the strength of community. We're excited to support the Rotary Club of Peterborough with a donation for their Rotary Accessible Playground Project,” said Andy Collyer, Vice President, Fuel and Fuel Handling at BWXT Peterborough. “Giving back to the community where our employees live and work means a lot to us, and we're honoured to help create inclusive spaces that everyone can enjoy.”

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Canadian Blood Services Peterborough Urging Public to Donate For the Holidays

Canadian Blood Services Peterborough is asking everyone to get their giving spirit going this holiday season as the organization is in need of blood and plasma donations during the holiday season.

A member of the Peterborough Fire Services donated blood as one of several first responders who gave during the holiday season. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Donations typically decline during the holiday season due to busy schedules, year-end activities and statutory holidays. At the same time, the need for blood and plasma increases according to Jill Gemmiti, Canadian Blood Services community services manager.

“It's in greater need because more people are on the roads, there's more accidents and more people are going to the hospital,” she said. “We just want to make sure that Canadian patients are supplied with enough blood and plasma to take them through the holidays.”

Groups and individuals — including first-time donors — are welcome and encouraged to give to Canadian Blood Services during the holiday season.

“Through Dec. 24 until the new year and after, we just need you to come out,” said Gemmiti. “There are many appointments that are still open so we're just asking people to go to blood.ca and book their appointment.”

The following are the Peterborough location’s operating days and hours over the holidays:

• Dec. 24: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Dec. 26: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• Dec. 27: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Dec. 30: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Jan. 1: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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