YWCA Opens Applications For Bursary For Women Who Have Experienced Gender-Based Violence

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Education Awards Committee has opened applications for its 2025 Hazel Education Bursary.

Photo courtesy of the YWCA.

It is intended to help women who have experienced gender-based violence reach their goals through education or training

The bursaries offer amounts between $1,500 and $2,500 to eligible applicants.

The following are the bursary requirements:

• Have experienced barriers related to the impact of violence and abuse

• Have a dream to strengthen their economic security

• Are a resident of Peterborough or Haliburton County

• Seek to further their formal or informal education or develop skills.

Applications are due on May 1.

The bursary is named Hazel, known as a consumer, advisor and volunteer of several community services. She passed away in 1996 after a long struggle with breast cancer.

Since 1998, the YWCA has honoured Hazel’s vision of helping women pursue their dreams and overcoming barriers related to their experiences of violence and abuse.

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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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YWCA Seeks Board Directors and Volunteers

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton seeks volunteers to join the Board of Directors and committees.

File Photo.

“We are looking for volunteers who are passionate about women’s issues and have the desire to be involved with an organization that provides life-saving programs, tools and resources that help women and children thrive,” said Sherri Ireland, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Board President. “The YWCA plays a vital role in our community and its sustainability depends on women who will make impactful decisions in support of our mission: YWCA Peterborough Haliburton exists to help women and children in our communities live safely and know satisfaction and joy in their daily lives. We offer shelter, educational programming, counselling, and advocacy, in collaboration with the community and women themselves. The YWCA knows that its fiscal management, community reputation and most importantly, valued staff are the basis for these trusting relationships.”

"YWCA Peterborough Haliburton is committed to Reconciliation and encourages women from all backgrounds and age groups to join our organization; especially women 30 years of age and younger. As a learning board, we offer the opportunity to share our experience with those who may be new to Board governance. We know the value of having varied skillsets and experiences, and are particularly interested in the areas of finance, Truth and Reconciliation, governance and recruitment. As an organization, we will always be committed to ensuring diverse perspectives that reflect the communities we serve.”

Roles require roughly six hours a month. Applications can be submitted online.

Applications will be accepted until April 1.

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Morton Family Foundation Makes $50,000 Donation to YWCA For the Fifth Consecutive Year

The Morton Family Foundation has donated $50,000 to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton for the fifth consecutive year to support the YWCA’s services for women and children in Haliburton County, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the YWCA.

Patricia and David Morton have donated to the YWCA for 12 years and have given $50,000 each year since 2020.

The money will support YWCA’s programs in Haliburton County, which provide rural women experiencing violence and abuse with vital services including safety planning, counselling, and legal assistance.

Patricia, a professor emerita who taught history and women’s studies for 26 years at Trent University, said that their commitment to the YWCA stems from the epidemic of gender-based abuse and violence against women in our country.

“About 44 per cent of Canadian women (6.2 million people) have reported experiencing psychological or physical abuse in an intimate relationship,” she explained. “Gender-based violence has severe ramifications on the health of the victims – including traumatic brain injuries that can result in lasting mental health challenges and even death, as well as lasting traumatic impacts on their children. David and I feel very fortunate to be able to contribute again to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s vital support services and safe shelters for the many women who are endangered by gender-based abuse and too often deadly violence.”

Patricia notes that close to 200 women in Canada were killed by femicide last year with over 60 cases in Ontario. YWCA states that the true numbers are even higher, as many instances of violence and abuse are never reported,and statistics only include those cases ruled as femicide by authorities.

“Clearly femicide must be stopped, and all levels of government must enact legislation that provides protection, safety, support, and affordable housing for the survivors of gender-based abuse and violence,” said Patricia. “Isolated rural women are especially vulnerable to intimate partner abuse and violence and to femicide.

“The Morton Family Foundation has reached a milestone in their tradition of generosity, after five years of leadership giving,” said Kim Dolan, YWCA executive director. “I am truly grateful every day for Patricia and David’s dedication to supporting so many worthwhile community initiatives. I offer them thanks on behalf of every woman and child we serve in Haliburton County, for providing them with the resources and support they need to feel safe again.”

“I believe it is so important to support YWCA Peterborough Haliburton in their effort to protect women who are in very vulnerable situations,” said David. “I urge others to support the YWCA in this effort.”

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100 Women Peterborough Raises Over $10,000 For YWCA At First Meeting

100 Women Peterborough in their first meeting, raised $10,000 for YWCA Peterborough Haliburton following a majority vote from the membership at the Venu on Monday.

100 Women Peterborough has supported local charities since 2018 donating over $190,000 to support local community causes. Photo courtesy of 100 Women Peterborough.

“I’d like to extend our utmost gratitude to 100 Women Peterborough for selecting us as the beneficiary for their first event of the year,” said Tina Thornton, YWCA director of philanthropy. “It was truly an honour to share our mission with some of our community’s most dynamic women, and we are so proud to be part of a city and region that clearly demonstrates its caring and commitment toward helping people in need.”

The funding supports YWCA's core programs and services that are meant to provide crucial assistance to thousands of women and children every year, where they offer support, shelter, counselling and crisis intervention for those dealing with the impacts of gender-prejudiced violence and abuse according to a press release.

“The generous donations from 100 Women Peterborough will support the YWCA’s core programs and services through our Journey of Care which helps thousands of women and children each year as they deal with the impacts of gender-based violence and abuse,” said Thornton. “Last year that included over 6,000 nights spent at Crossroads Shelter; almost 1,300 client contacts for the Court Support program; about 350 clients in our Outreach Support program; and more than 3,000 support and crisis calls by phone and text. Our key services also include the START program, which gives women access to over a dozen community support agencies through a centralized meeting; our Women’s Well-Being counseling and peer support program; and providing basic necessities and food for women and children staying in our safe spaces.”

“It’s incredibly moving to witness the collective effort of women in our community rallying together to support the vital cause of the YWCA,” said Rosalea Terry, 100 Women Peterborough founding member. “Our membership’s unified support is not only powerful but also a testament to the strength of our community’s solidarity.”

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YWCA 'Walk a Mile In Their Shoes' Fundraiser Returns to Peterborough On May 24

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s Walk A Mile In Their Shoes returns on May 24 to raise funds for YWCA programs and services helping women and children recover from gender-based violence.

Photo courtesy of YWCA Peterborough.

The YWCA is asking everyone to dig out your red shoes, grab your friends, family or colleagues and join them at Confederation Park for a walk around downtown Peterborough. Check-in for participants will open at 11 a.m. and the walk will begin at noon.

Participants can sign up as solo walkers or with a team. Local groups and businesses are encouraged to join and challenge others to a fundraising contest.

Registration for the event is $40 for a limited-time Early Bird rate. The fee includes lunch at the event, a custom water bottle and a t-shirt.

Proceeds support the YWCA's Journey of Care, which encompasses each of the signature programs and services offered to the women, children and gender-diverse people it serves.

Registrants can go online to create their personal fundraising page or sponsor someone with a donation.

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19th Annual YWCA Empty Bowls Raises Over $33,000 in support of YWCA Nourish Food Programs

The 19th Annual YWCA Empty Bowls campaign raised $33,104 to support their Nourish Food Programs held at The Venue on Feb. 25, announced on Wednesday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF YWCA.

“Our hearts are so full,” said Kim Dolan, YWCA Executive Director. “When I pause to think about all the people and all the time that goes into making this event possible year after year, I’m overwhelmed by the good in our community.”

Ticket holders received a handcrafted ceramic or wooden bowl and a restaurant coupon card, entitling them to discounts from 12 participating local restaurants. These include Amandala’s, Baked 4U, Black Honey, Central Smith, Fresh Dreams, Naked Chocolate, Pastry Peddler, Sam’s Place, That’s a Wrap and The Cheesy Fromage. 

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Tickets Are Now On Sale for YWCA Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser

Tickets are now on sale for the 19th annual YWCA Empty Bowls fundraising event at The Venue on Feb. 25.

photo courtesy of Ywca.

YWCA Empty Bowls ticket holders will visit The Venue (286 George St. N) between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will have 30 minutes to browse and select a hand-crafted bowl. These bowls were generously donated by local artisans of the Kawartha Potters Guild and Kawartha Woodturners Guild.

Each $50 ticket also includes a local restaurant coupon card featuring discounts from various partnering restaurants and businesses, redeemable for six months.

“In Peterborough, 1-in-7 households are experiencing food-insecurity,” says YWCA manager of nourish Joëlle Favreau. “Every ticket for YWCA Empty Bowls helps individuals and families most at risk of experiencing food insecurity put fresh, local, affordable food on their tables, while also supporting the systemic changes required to end food insecurity and poverty.”

All proceeds from the event directly support YWCA Nourish Food programs throughout Peterborough City and County.

“We’re extremely grateful for the continued support of our community and our sponsors, including Kawartha Cardiology Clinic, Cornerstone Family Dentistry and The Venue, who truly understand that food insecurity is a critical health issue and a core barrier for women experiencing gender-based violence,” says YWCA executive director Kim Dolan.

Purchase you tickets online or by calling YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. For more information, contact Ria Nicholson at 705-743-3526 x113 or via email.

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YWCA and Local Donors Matching Donations For Women and Children During the Holidays

Double the impact for local women and children this holiday season with the YWCA as they are matching donations up to $88,500 until midnight on Dec. 31.

Photo courtesy of YWCA Peterborough.

On any given night, over 6,000 Canadian women and children sleep in shelters because they aren't safe at home according to the YWCA. The funds raised aid women and children experiencing gender-based violence.

YWCA’s Crossroads Shelter, Haliburton Emergency Rural SafeSpace (HERS) and other support programs receive only partial government funding and are unable to cover basic operating costs without fundraising as stated in a press release. As demand for gender-based violence support continues to grow, the need for funding has reached critical proportions YWCA says.

Supporters are encouraged to register as holiday sponsors or donate gift cards to provide extra support for local moms and kids.

Donations can be made by donating online at ywcapeterborough.org or by phone at 705-743-3526.

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YWCA Hosts 'Challenge For Mom' To Raise Fund For Programs That Help Mothers In Need

YWCA invites local businesses and community members to show their support for women experiencing gender-based violence by joining the YWCA Challenge for Mom, a fundraiser on from May 1 until Mother’s Day (May 8).

Stock Photo.

“The YWCA Challenge for Mom is an opportunity to engage with members of our community and ensure that there is widespread knowledge of the resources that continue to be available at the YWCA for women and their children, while also working together to raise funds for core shelter and support services,” said Ria Nicholson, YWCA.

Community members are encouraged to visit www.ywcapeterborough.org, set a fundraising goal, and invite family, friends and coworkers to make a donation online or support them in accomplishing a fundraising activity.

Participants who raise $250 or more will be entered in a draw to win one of three prizes, kindly donated by local businesses (details available online).

“Violence against women has intensified. Locally, the need for YWCA shelter and support services for women and children increased by 30% during the pandemic. We’ve also witnessed an alarming increase in the severity of abuse being inflicted,” said YWCA Executive Director, Kim Dolan.

Proceeds from the initiative will fund YWCA programs that receive only partial government funding, including Crossroads Shelter, Haliburton Emergency Rural SafeSpace (HERS), Family Court Support, Transition Support, Nourish, and more.

To learn more about how the pandemic has intensified violence against women, or to discuss possible corporate partnership opportunities visit www.ywcapeterborough.org or contact Ria Nicholson, YWCA Lead Philanthropic Advisor at 705-743-3526 x113 or rnicholson@ywcapeterborough.org.

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