As the Peterborough Lakers approach their 2024 season, they have reached a three-year agreement with Century 21 United Realty Inc. Brokerage to continue as their main sponsor, announced at the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday afternoon.
The team will continue as the ‘Peterborough Century 21 Lakers’ with the renewed agreement.
“The Lakers partnership has been part of the fabric of our company for so many years now that it makes sense to continue it,” said Vanessa Oake Hogan, Century 21 owner. “I think we all benefit from this partnership. It's a win-win situation and it makes sense to keep going.”
“To have them on board gives us the ability to reach our dreams,” said Ted Higgins, Lakers president. “We're delighted to have them back on.”
As part of the symbiotic relationship between the two organizations, the Lakers donated $1,000 towards the 38th-Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim Fundraiser on March 1. The event is named after the now-retired Carl Oake, father of Vanessa.
The swim goes towards projects run by the Rotary Club of Peterborough to help the community. Over $1.4 million has been raised to date.
“It really blew me away with their generosity. I was not expecting this,” explained Vanessa. “The monetary financial support of our event, that means so much to us. It’s touching. It feels like they have our back too.”
“The time, effort and financial ability that Carl has given us over the years was a no-brainer for us to jump in real quick,” said Higgins. “It did not take a lot of thinking.”
The public is encouraged to participate in the swim as an individual or a team and can register online. A cannonball and floating catwalk challenge has been added to this year’s event. Those registered will be assigned a fundraising page. The public can also donate directly via the website and receive an instant tax receipt.