Fourth-Annual Darkness to Light Event Brings Community Members Impacted By Suicide Together In Sunrise Gathering

Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) is hosting its fourth-annual Darkness To Light for community members impacted by suicide and overdose on Dec. 21 at Rogers Cove.

Photo courtesy of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation.

The outdoor sunrise gathering marks brighter days ahead after the solstice which is the day with the smallest amount of daylight.

Julie Brown — who led last year’s event — is returning to lead the group with a message of support and a moment of silence as the sun rises on the winter solstice morning.

The event will be held rain, snow, or shine and is free to attend thanks to the support of Seven Hills Developments. Those wishing to attend can show up the morning of the event but are encouraged to pre-register. Organizers ask guests to arrive by 7:30 a.m., as sunrise is expected at 7:45 a.m.

“The holidays can be a difficult time for those struggling with bereavement. After feedback about how impactful the last three ceremonies have been, we are glad to be able to offer once again some comfort for people impacted by suicide and overdose in our community.” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “All are welcome to join us at Rogers Cove on the morning of December 21st and we would encourage people to come for 7:30 am, have a coffee and join us in a moment of silence as the sun rises over the lake.” 

Donations can be made to the event and proceeds can be used to support the Suicide Bereavement work at Hospice Peterborough.

“Our community has been significantly impacted by suicide and overdose and we hope that this gathering will help create a space where those directly touched can come together for a quiet moment.” said Julie Brown.

“We are very grateful to GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation and Seven Hills Developments for enabling this event to take place again and offering the opportunity for people impacted by suicide and overdose deaths to come together in this meaningful, safe way.” Said Hajni Hős, Executive Director of Hospice Peterborough.

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GPHSF Accepting Registration For Inaugural Charity Volleyball Tournament to Support Concussion Education and Awareness For Youth Sport

In support of concussion education and awareness for youth sport, the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) has announced its inaugural Charity Volleyball Tournament at Adam Scott CVI on Feb 1.

Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

Only 12 teams are available for the recreational coed tournament. Teams are $240 with a $50 tax receipt. Registration includes prizes and swag, six guaranteed games (sets) plus playoffs (single elimination knockout), referees, 50/50 and activities throughout the day. Register before Jan. 26 by clicking the link to register online.

“Concussion education and awareness is something that our Foundation has funded for a very long time” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “Over the past few years, we have been able to provide funding to two very important initiatives; PACA (Peterborough Athletics Concussion Awareness) and the H.O.P.E Bursary in Honour of Steve Montador. This recreational coed tournament will be a fun day that helps us continue supporting these important concussion programs.”

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. If you would like to sponsor or learn more about the event, please email Vince@GPHSF.ca or call 705 740 8074 ext.101.

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Registration Open For Third Annual GPHSF Charity Bonspiel

Registration is now open for the third annual Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) Charity Bonspiel, held on Feb. 15 at the Peterborough Curling Club.

Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

“We are really excited for our 3rd Bonspiel in partnership with Imprinted Apparel Store. This event continues to grow each year. The response remains incredibly positive. We have a great time putting it on and being part of this event” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “Funds raised from this event will continue our mission to broaden health equity and access to healthcare for the residents in Peterborough City and County as well as Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations.  Funds will support our partnership with the Peterborough Family Health Team, along with many other community organizations we work with.”

Registration is $300, with a $60 tax receipt. The day includes two games along with breakfast and lunch. There are $2,000 in prizes to be won provided by Imprinted Apparel Store and $500 in prizes provided by Goldline. Other activities such as trivia challenges, raffle draws, cornhole boards and many other opportunities to win prizes will be at the event.

Participants can register online. Only 24 teams are available. GPHSF notes that participants should have some experience with the game and their equipment. They will not be able to provide on-ice training for beginners.

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GPHSF Announces New Senior Care Microgrant

The Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) has announced its new Senior Care Microgrant program to support senior care projects and healthy aging initiatives in the Peterborough area.

These grants have been made possible due to funding provided by the June Towle Trust. She passed away in 2023. Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

Two grants are available with the application deadline on Sept. 30. Find out more about the grants and criteria below. 

The new Senior Care Microgrant program is meant to be a low-barrier applicant process according to GPHSF. The grants can be used as seed money to address a new need or as financial support to an existing program in Peterborough, County, Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation. 

Two grants are available, with up to $5000 in funding available with each grant.

Applications are open to community and not-for-profit organizations, including medical organizations, that run programming and services or propose to run programming and services within the boundaries of Peterborough City and/or Peterborough County, Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation.

Proposed projects must be general in scope (including and impactful on as many people as possible). Project completion must occur within one year of approval unless GPHSF grants an extension. Grant funding can be applied to existing projects or used as seed money for new projects.

A maximum of $5,000 is available for each gran, and a maximum of $10,000 is available across all grants (two total).

The project timeline and budget must be provided.

Senior Care Microgrant projects may include.

• Research

• Equipment

• Nutrition

• Physical Activity

• Mental Health

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Have a lasting impact on our community.

• Support emerging needs in our community.

• Improve the quality of life for seniors in the community.

Applications can be submitted online.

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Petes AA Assistant Captain Named Recipient of H.O.P.E. Bursary 2024 Steve Montador Bursary

Peterborough Petes AA assistant captain Jack Crawford has been named the recipient of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s (GPHSF) and Helping Others Participate Equally’s (HOPE) 2024 Steve Montador Bursary.

(From left to right) Vince Bierworth (GPHSF), Amanda McInnes (St. Peter’s Secondary), Laura Kennedy (H.O.P.E.) Jack Crawford and Dave Crawford. Photo courtesy of Susan Owen and GPHSF.

The H.O.P.E. Bursary, in honour of Steve Montador, was established to support students transitioning from high school to college/university who suffer the long-term effects of a sports-related concussion and require a reduced academic course load due to injury.

Crawford has been suffering long-term ramifications of a concussion but he has remained a positive influence in his community according to his coach, Scott Hartwick.

“(Jack) was always willing to help when asked and who tried his best with everything he did. He is an extremely dependable and trustworthy individual and was made assistant captain of the team on numerous occasions.”

Crawford is graduating from St. Peters Catholic Secondary School this year and has been accepted to attend the University of Guelph in the fall.

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1,000 Participants Help Peterborough Butterfly Run Raise Over $92,000

Over 1,000 people got their feet moving for the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s (GPHSF) Peterborough Butterfly Run, raising over $92,000 at Millennium Park on Sunday.

Since 2018, more than 800 bereavement kits have been created to be provided to families and individuals by health care providers with the Peterborough Family Health Team and PRHC. Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

Participants could participate in the one km Kids Fun Run, one km Memorial Walk or the 5 km Run/Walk. The run was in support of anyone who has experienced a loss during pregnancy, the loss of a child, or is unable to conceive.

The proceeds were used to provide ongoing specialized education in Perinatal Bereavement Care to healthcare providers across Peterborough City and County, establish more than 10 lending libraries for individuals and their families located across Peterborough City and County and develop bereavement kits for families and individuals who experience early and later pregnancy loss and infant loss.

“It was great to feel the fellowship, support, and comradery of the crowd which is what the event has always been about,” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “No matter what format the event has taken, there are so many that support its mission. For that we are very grateful.”

The top three fundraising teams were: Macks Pack, The White Family and Team Bene’s Buddies. 

The top three individual fundraisers were Stephanie Sutton, Rebecca Mcevoy and Cally White.

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Applications Open For 2024 Steve Montador H.O.P.E Bursary For High School Students With Sports-Related Injuries

Applications for the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) H.O.P.E. Bursary in honour of former NHL defenceman Steve Montador are open with the deadline on May 1 at midnight.

(from left to right) Mike Martone (H.O.P.E.), David Graham , Eliza Graham and Chad Cavanagh (H.O.P.E.). Eliza was last year’s recipient of the bursary. Photo courtesy of Vince Bierworth and GPHSF.

The bursary is for high school students who have a reduced academic workload due to the suffering effects of sports-related injuries and are transitioning into college or university.

A committee consisting of H.O.P.E., Team 55, GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation and the Canadian Mental Health Association will review all applicants. Applicants will be notified of their status by May 20.

To be considered for the Bursary, you need to be:

• A student at a Peterborough City/County-based high school and registered in a first-year program at college/university

• Suffering from post-concussion syndrome sustained from a sports-related injury

• Be in satisfactory academic standing

• Have financial need

Students can apply for the bursary by downloading the registration form online.

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Third-Annual Darkness to Light Event Brings Community Members Impacted By Suicide Together In Sunrise Gathering

Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) is hosting its third-annual Darkness To Light for community members impacted by suicide and overdose on Dec. 21 at Rogers Cove.

Photo courtesy of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation.

The outdoor sunrise gathering marks brighter days ahead after the solstice which is the day with the smallest amount of daylight.

Julie Brown — who led last year’s event — is returning to lead the group with a message of support and a moment of silence as the sun rises on the winter solstice morning.

The event will be rain, snow or shine and is free to attend thanks to the support of Seven Hills Developments. Those wishing to attend can show up the morning of the event but are encouraged to pre-register. Organizers ask guests to arrive by 7:30 a.m. as sunrise is expected at 7:45 a.m.

“The holidays can be a difficult time for those struggling with bereavement. After feedback about how impactful the last two ceremonies have been, we are glad to be able to offer once again some comfort for people impacted by suicide and overdose in our community,” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “All are welcome to join us at Rogers Cove on the morning of December 21st and we would encourage people to come for 7:30 a.m., have a coffee and join us in a moment of silence as the sun rises over the lake.”

Donations can be made to the event and proceeds support the Suicide Bereavement work at Hospice Peterborough.

“Our community has been significantly impacted by suicide and overdose and we hope that this gathering will help create a space where those directly touched can come together for a quiet moment,” said Julie Brown.

“We are very grateful to GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation and Seven Hills Developments for enabling this event to take place again and offering the opportunity for people impacted by suicide and overdose deaths to come together in this meaningful, safe way,” said Hajni Hős, Hospice executive director.

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Applications Open For Steve Montador H.O.P.E Bursary For High School Students With Sports-Related Injuries

Applications for the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) H.O.P.E. Bursary in honour of Steve Montador are open with the deadline on May 1 until midnight.

(from left to right) Mike Martone (H.O.P.E.), David Graham , Eliza Graham and Chad Cavanagh (H.O.P.E.). Eliza was last year’s recipient of the bursary. Photo courtesy of Vince Bierworth and GPHSF.

The bursary is for high school students that have a reduced academic workload due to the suffering effects of sports-related injuries and are transitioning into college or university.

All applicants will be reviewed by a committee consisting of H.O.P.E., Team 55, GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation,and the Canadian Mental Health Association. All applicants will be notified of their status by May 16.

To be considered for the Bursary, you need to be:

• A student at a Peterborough City/County-based high school and registered in a first-year program at college/university

• Suffering from post-concussion syndrome sustained from a sports-related injury

• Be in satisfactory academic standing

• Have financial need

Students can apply for the bursary by downloading the registration form online.

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Mombassadors Partner With GPHSF to Raise Funds For Youth Mental Health

GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation, announced on Wednesday that they have partnered with the fundraising group the Mombassadors, with a joint goal of raising $100,000 for youth mental health programming provided by Peterborough Youth Services.

File photos.

Their first fundraiser will be an online Christmas auction that will run Dec. 8 through to Dec. 14.

The auction will feature toy bundles, gift cards, art pieces, lifestyle products and more thanks to many local businesses and Mombassador supporters.

“We are so excited to be working with GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation to support youth mental health in our community,” said Erin Marshall, Mombassadors. “GPHSF has a long history of supporting mental health programming in the community and together we are working to increase capacity and decrease wait times for children accessing mental health programming at Peterborough Youth Services. We know this pandemic has hit many children very hard and we want to ensure they have timely access to mental health programming and counselling.”

All funds raised from the Mombassadors’ Christmas auction will go directly to Peterborough Youth Services.

PYS are a non-profit social service agency that has been providing counselling and support to youth and their families locally for over forty years. With additional activities planned for the coming months from the Mombassadors and GPSHF, a goal of $100,000 will mean decreasing wait times and increasing capacity with PYS mental health programming.

“The Mombassadors are a powerhouse of passionate women dedicated to improving life for residents of our community and it is an honour to be their charitable partner,” said Laura Kennedy, Executive Director, GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation. “Youth Mental Health programming has been an area we have been funding for a number of years and we are excited to be setting a goal of $100,000 to raise with the Mombassadors.”

GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation, works to enable the Peterborough community to improve and increase their control over health, by funding initiatives that broaden equity and access to healthcare. As a non-profit Foundation their vision is to fund and support programs that positively impact the social determinants of health.

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