Put Your Skills On Display With Third Annual "Peterborough's Got Talent" In Support of Good Neighbours Care Centre

Those looking to showcase their skills can compete at the third annual Peterborough’s Got Talent at Market Hall on April 26.

The Care Centre services an average of 2,000 people per month of which 30 per cent are children. Photo courtesy of Kawartha Home & Health Care Services Inc.

The event is hosted by Kawartha Home & Health Care Services Inc. in support of Good Neighbours Care Centre. The latter is a nonprofit organization that provides food, clothes and personal care items at no cost to people in need in the Peterborough area.

Contestant auditions are being accepted until mid-next week. There will be 12 selected applicants to compete on the big stage on April 26. Donations or audition videos can be submitted to PtboGotTalent@gmail.com.

Tiffany Arcari, “The Tiffany Show,” is the master of ceremonies for the event. Dani Guppy, 100.5 FM Fresh Radio on-air personality; Jason Wilkins, artist; and Sarah Evans of Ball Real Estate are this year’s judges.

Tickets are $30 to attend the event.

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Trent University Surpasses Fundraising Goal Raising $134,543 For 2024 United Way Campaign

Trent University has exceeded its fundraising goal of $120,000 for United Way Peterborough and District, raising $134,543, announced on Friday.

(From Left to right) (Top) Rona Jualla Van Oudenhoven, Julie Davis, Cathy Bruce, Marcus Harvey and Cris de Clercy. (Bottom) Adele Devlin, Alison Scholl, Elyse Sawdon and MK Millard. The United Way supports 20 partner agencies that address key social challenges, including homelessness, domestic violence, mental health, unemployment and addiction. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Trent’s United Way campaign is a testament to the power of community. The generosity of Trent’s faculty, staff, and retirees is crucial to building a more resilient, supportive, and inclusive community,” said Dr. Marcus Harvey, executive director of the Trent University Faculty Association and United Way Board Chair. “By supporting the United Way, we make a collective investment in the vital services that provide shelter, food, support, and opportunities for individuals and families throughout the Peterborough and Durham regions.”

The fundraising effort was through employee and retiree donations and special events. The United Way’s ‘Double Your Difference’ gift matching drive gained 36 Trent employees as new donors, resulting in $19,000 through matching, according to a press release.

With the proceeds, United Way can provide 160 nights in a shelter, serve more than 1,400 meals, offer 700 home care visits and create 109 social learning opportunities. This is part of United Way’s $1.5 million campaign goal that was set back in September.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of the Trent community,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “As valued United Way champions they set the pace for this year’s campaign, inspiring others to give and be part of something bigger. In a time of rising costs that have especially impacted the agencies we fund and the vulnerable clients they serve, Trent’s commitment makes our community a better place to live, work, and thrive.”

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53rd Easter Seals Telethon Looking to Raise $100,000 With Live Event For March 23

The 53rd Easter Seals Telethon fundraiser is aiming to raise $100,000 for children with physical disabilities with their live event broadcasting on March 23 on YourTV and Global Peterborough from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., announced at Lansdowne Place on Thursday morning.

Stu Harrison, Easter Seals Telethon honest (left), talks to Mitchell McMcoll (middle) and Yvonne McColl about how Easter Seals has benefitted their family. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Mayor Jeff Leal was in attendance and proclaimed March to be Easter Seals Month in Peterborough.

Stu Harrison is returning as Telethon host and Graham Hart, former CHEX TV on-air personality, is doing his 51st Telethon.

Easter Seals is its 103rd year with the 53rd as a fundraiser. Proceeds provide support for children and youth with physical disabilities. This includes mobility and accessibility equipment, communication devices and attending summer camps.

“I honestly call the Telethon a legacy event,” said Jenn Bheemsingh, Easter Seals community engagement officer. “Easter Seals is such a signature event, especially in this community. In Ontario, we're doing the Telethons all across the regions but Peterborough, you guys are expecting the Telethon to come, it's a great community-based event. 

The televised event celebrates success stories, showcases Easter Seals kids and their families and recognizes donors and sponsors.

“We're going to be showcasing a lot of the Peterborough families that are in the area,” said Bheemsingh. “We've got over 75 families that we serve just to Easter Seals alone so we're hoping to have quite a few of the families come in, share their stories and see their journeys.”

Supporters can donate during the Telethon or at anytime online.

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United Way Brings Fifth-Annual Homelessness Benefit Concert With 'Peterborough Performs' For United Way at Showplace On March 26

Showplace Performance Centre is hosting United Way’s fifth-annual ‘Peterborough Performs, Musicians United to End Homelessness’ fundraiser for homelessness initiatives announced Wednesday morning.

Singer-Songwriter Georgia Rose is one of 14 acts joining ‘Peterborough Performs."‘ In 2024, United Way partner agencies served 742 people in finding housing, and another 1,754 people were supported to prevent losing their housing and becoming homeless. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The one-night event takes place on March 26 at Showplace (290 George St. N.) at 7 p.m. with tickets for $50 or two for $80.

In September, United Way had a goal of raising $1.5 million. They are $27,000 away from hitting their mark as this event could put them over the top, according to Jim Russell, United Way CEO.

“We are at 98 per cent of our goal of $1.5 million,” he explained. “We are so proud of how our community has shown up to support our most vulnerable neighbours. Peterborough Performs marks the end of our annual campaign, and we believe that the community’s support will make it possible to achieve our goal for the first time in many years.”

The event has generated over $100,000 since its establishment in 2021. This funding goes towards United Way’s 20 partner agencies, specifically those who provide services to people experiencing homelessness or in immediate need of support in their housing situations.

Event coordinator Paul Rellinger is back for the event. He has been a longtime member of the United Way’s Campaign Cabinet and looks forward to help the show running smoothly as United Way is at the homestretch of its $1.5 million goal.

“I have never not been in awe of the power of people united behind a common cause, project or initiative,” he said. “Therein lies my delight to again be entrusted with organizing Peterborough Performs. Besides speaking to my love of locally presented music and those who bring it to us, the fundraiser inspires and energizes me, reminding me of what I love most about this place I call home. It’s the people I’m fortunate to work with on projects such as this, specifically their unselfish willingness to roll up their sleeves and get busy when an identified need deserves our full attention.”

“Great music and a great cause,” said David Goyette, Peterborough Performs founder. “With Peterborough Performs, we are building a terrific tradition that continues to prove its value to the community. Thanks to all who make it happen.”

The following are the acts performing at this year’s concert:

• The Spades

• The Weber Brothers Band

• Rick ‘n’ Gallies Peterborough All-Star Band

• Little Fire Collective

• Kate Suhr & Melissa Payne with Nicholas Campbell, Kate Brioux, Paul Craough & Brandon Monroe

• Michael Bell & Lizeh Basciano (Michael Bublé & Adele Tribute)

• The Hippie Chicks

• Dan Hick

• Bread & Soul

• Phil Stephenson & Glen Caradus

• Jacques Graveline

• Alyssa Morrisey & Kyler Tapscott

• Georgia Rose

• Danny & Joanna Bronson

An online virtual auction with roughly 40 items runs until March 6 at 10 p.m. Local businesses, sponsors and organizations have donated all the lots for the auction. Winners who are in attendance can pick up their prizes at Showplace on March 26. Otherwise, they can pick up their prize from the United Way Peterborough & District office at 277 Stewart St.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Makes Big Splashes At the 39th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim

The 39th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim dipped into the YMCA Central East Ontario pool to fundraise their goal of $50,000 for Easter Seals Ontario and Rotary Club of Peterborough on Friday morning.

Vanessa Oake Hogan (left), Renee Oake (middle) and Lesley Oake triumphant after finishing their swim. Renee has had professional swimming experience and swam 129 laps. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Around 15 teams/organizations signed up to participate in the Swimathon. Groups and individuals signed up to do swim lanes, catwalk and cannonball challenges to support Easter Seals and Rotary Projects in our Community for the event’s 39th rendition.

“It's amazing to have an event go on this long,” explained said Vanessa Oake Hogan, event organizer. “I think it means a lot to the community and it's had so much support that we're able to carry that support forward and we don't plan on stopping anytime soon.

This is the first swim without Carl Oake, as the family announced his passing in early January. He started this event 39 years ago.

“I hope he's here watching over us and I think he'd be really proud,” said Oake Hogan.

At the end of the swim, Century 21 Realty presented the Oake family with a bench dedicated to Carl Oake’s memory and legacy to remain at the YMCA.

“It was hard coming back into the pool after dad passed because he swam here all the time but to be able to come here now and see that bench, I think it's going to be really special for us,” explained Oake Hogan.

Since its inception, the Swimathon has raised over $1.4 million for Easter Seals and Rotary Projects. Other recipients of the proceeds are literacy programs, various shelters (Brock Mission, Yes Shelter and more), Breakfast for Kids, Camp Kawartha, Rotary Trail and more.

Over $17,500 of the $50,000 goal was already raised online at the publication of this article but more funds have yet to be accounted for with a final tally.

Anyone can donate at any time online at the Rotary’s website.

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Community Care Peterborough Returns Meals to Go Fundraiser In Commemoration of 60 Years of Meals On Wheels

To celebrate 60 years of Meals on Wheels, Community Care Peterborough has announced the return of its Meals to Go fundraiser on March 26.

In Ontario, more than 68,000 people rely on Meals on Wheels, and Peterborough was home to one of Canada’s earliest programs, established just months after the country’s first. Community Care Peterborough delivers over 50,000 meals annually throughout the City and County of Peterborough. Photo by David Tuan bui.

This semi-annual event allows local businesses to enjoy lunch delivered to their workplace by dedicated Meals on Wheels volunteers to support seniors and adults with physical challenges in the community.

Each meal sold helps subsidize the cost of Meals on Wheels in Peterborough according to Community Care Peterborough.

This year’s meal features a Greek Chicken Pasta Bowl with a Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake dessert. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free alternatives are also available. The menu has been crafted in collaboration with Mapleridge Retirement Residence, which prepares hot Meals on Wheels in Peterborough.

Meals must be ordered in advance by groups of co-workers, with one representative submitting the full order. The order deadline is March 18 and orders can be placed online.

Businesses and community members are invited to donate non-perishable food items in support of the Saint Vincent De Paul Food Pantry in Peterborough. A donation collection will be available at the time of meal delivery.

Community Care Peterborough continues in our community.

“We are so grateful for the incredible support that has sustained Meals on Wheels for 60 years,” said Chris LeBlanc, Director of Donor and Public Relations at Community Care Peterborough. “It takes the entire community—businesses, volunteers, donors, and partners—to keep this essential service going. Meals to Go is a fantastic way for businesses to enjoy a great meal, support Meals on Wheels, and now, give back even more by donating non-perishable food items to help those in need.”

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Photos: Peterborough's Appetites Kept Full at YWCA Empty Bowls Fundraiser

The YWCA hosted the 2025 edition of its Empty Bowls Fundraiser that aids food insecurity in our communities at The Venue on Friday afternoon.

All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Proceeds from the fundraiser were split between One City’s food programming and Kawartha Food Share.

Roughly 140 participants ate lunch from 11 restaurants while shopping for hand-crafted bowls created by local artisans of the Kawartha Potters Guild.

The following were participating local restaurants that served food at the event:

• By the Bridge

• Revelstoke Café

• Vanilla room

• La Mesita

• Hard Winter Bakery

• Ashburnham Ale House

• Levantine Grill

• St. Veronus

• Fresh Dreams

• Hanoi House

• Sam’s Place

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Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation 2025 Butterfly Run Slated For April 27 at Millennium Park

The Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s (GPHSF) 2025 edition of its Peterborough Butterfly Run 5K Run/Walk is returning to Millennium Park on April 27, announced on Wednesday.

Since 2018, 800 bereavement kits have been created to be provided to families and individuals by health care providers. Photo by David Tuan bui.

We are happy to welcome Ashley Hickson and Kori Zwarych as the new Co-chairs of the Peterborough Butterfly Run Executive Committee. 

Ashley and Kori have been involved for a number of years (you may have seen them cheering on the runners at the half way point each year) and had this to say about their new role

“After years of involvement on the backend of things, curating and distributing bereavement kits in the community, we are excited to have a more prominent role on the Executive Committee for the run itself this year,” said Ashley Hickson and Kori Zwarych, Butterfly Run co-chairs in a joint statement. “We are working on furthering initiatives with the money raised to help support families with their grief. We are looking forward to another successful event.”

“Since 2022, GPHSF has taken the lead role in organizing the Peterborough Butterfly Run, which has been a great privilege. It is both humbling and gratifying to see the impact that it has made,” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “We look forward to working with Ashley and Kori as they take on a more prominent role this year. We are excited to bring everyone together again on April 27 in Millennium Park.”

The following is the run’s schedule:

• 9 a.m.: Registration opens

• 10 a.m.: 1K Kids Fun Run

• 10:20 a.m.: 1K Memorial Walk starts

• 10:45 a.m.: Opening ceremonies

• 11 a.m. 5K chip-timed run/walk starts

The Memorial Walk will remain free as in previous years, with 1km Kids Fun Run registration at $5 and the 5K Run/Walk registration at $45 (plus applicable fees). 

All registrants receive include a medal and customizable race bib. All 5km Run/Walk participants who register before the April 4 deadline will also receive a race shirt and other items in their race kit.

Registration is available online or in person at Runner’s Life at 174 Charlotte St. Runner’s Life’s Dave Dame is this year’s race director.

Proceeds will provide ongoing specialized education in Perinatal Bereavement Care to healthcare providers across Peterborough City and County according to GPHSF. It will help establish more than 10 lending libraries for individuals and their families located across Peterborough City and County, as well as the development of bereavement kits for families and individuals who experience early and later pregnancy loss and infant loss. 

GPHSF also states that money raised at the race also keeps costs affordable for participants, continuing to offer the free 1km Memorial Walk/Run, providing memorial bibs to all runners to write a personalized name or message.

Donations to an individual or team can be made online.

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Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival Sets 2025 Fundraising Goal; Team Registration Opens Saturday

The 24th-annual Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival has set its 2025 fundraising goal of $260,018.01 for the PRHC Foundation and registration for the event opens this Saturday.

To date, the Festival has raised over 4.5 million dollars. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival.

Michelle Thornton, festival chair, explains the precise amount of this year’s fundraising goal.

“The two represents the two out of five Canadians who will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime. The 60 is to bring attention to the PRHC Foundation’s 60 million dollar ‘ReImagine Health Care’ campaign that we are a part of,” she explained. “In keeping with our mandate of raising awareness about breast cancer, the 18 is for the one in eight women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and the 0.01 is the percentage of men who will also face a breast cancer diagnosis.”

“But most importantly, what’s raised here, stays here,” said Thornton. “We all know someone who has been affected by cancer and if we keep paddling together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of family, friends and neighbours in our region, who are facing this rotten disease.”

The event is hosted by the Survivors Abreast Peterborough Dragon Boat Team. It has fundraised for the PRHC Foundation since 2001.

Ann Stabler, Survivors Abreast team President, said they are proud of the outstanding community work the team has done since its inception in 1999. 

“We’ve always focussed on breast cancer awareness and raising funds for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre,” she explained. “We know firsthand the importance of the work the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation (PRHCF) does and their continuing mission to bring the best cancer care the world has to offer right here to our hospital.” 

“We’re excited to get back out on the water this June, paddling for a cause that has touched so many lives,” said Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President and CEO. “As cancer volumes continue to rise in Peterborough and the surrounding area, it’s more important than ever to invest in state-of-the-art technology and equipment our regional hospital needs to care for our family, friends and neighbours. The support from Peterborough's Dragon Boat Festival is absolutely vital to ensuring PRHC has the tools to provide world-class cancer care, close to home. We're so grateful for the Festival's commitment to cancer care and the Campaign for PRHC.”

This year’s event is back at Del Crary Park and features Dragon Boat Races, artisan and food vendors, a Family Fun Zone, a beer garden and more.

All pledges support the cause as the Festival is funded through local businesses and organizations.

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United Way In Final Stretch Of Reaching $1.5 Million Fundraising Goal

United Way Peterborough & District is in the final stretch of its community campaign as it approaches its goal of fundraising $1.5 million, announced on Monday.

United Way had announced its 2025 campaign goal of $1.5 Million to be raised in September last year. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The organization is down to its last $117,000 and have until March to reach the goal since they started in September.

“The work of the campaign is not done yet though; with an ambitious goal of $1.5 million, United Way needs to raise a final $117,000 before March 31st in order to achieve the goal. The campaign goal is so much more than just a number,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “It serves as both a sign of the level of need in our community, but also as a beacon of hope. Achieving the campaign goal means that our community came together, recognized the need, and responded.”

“Being a part of this effort has been truly inspiring,” said Shirley Turner, United Way campaign cabinet. “Seeing our community come together—neighbours, businesses, and even strangers—united by a shared purpose and working hard towards a shared goal is amazing. We set a priority of having fun this campaign and it has paid off.”

All eligible donations made by Feb.28th can be claimed on your 2024 taxes after the federal government extended the deadline.

United Way’s ‘Double Your Difference’ campaign is still in effect. Any Donation made by individuals who did not give in 2023 will be matched entirely. Individuals who gave in 2023 can participate by increasing their gift by 10 per cent or more and the increased amount will be matched.

The public can d onate by March 31 through one or more of the following methods:

• Donate in person at 277 Stewart St. on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

• Donate over the phone by calling 705-742-8839 ext. 3

• Donate online at https://give.unitedway.ca/donate/WPETER

• Purchase tickets to United Way’s upcoming events such as Peterborough Performs and its associated online auction (details to come)

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