New Canadians Centre Continue To Monitor Ukraine Crisis And Potential Refugees Says Peterborough Residents Are Already Offering To Help

The New Canadians Centre (NCC) is monitoring the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, and ready to accept refugees when Canada announces initiatives.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Kaczmarczyk says the Canadian government is currently focusing more on getting Ukrainians to Canada on a temporary, short-term basis.

According to a government press release, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has created the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel, available to individuals fleeing Ukraine. There will be no limit to the number of Ukrainians who can apply. This is the fastest, safest, and most efficient way for Ukrainians to come to Canada and eliminates many of the normal visa requirements, according to the release.

“For us, our staff will likely help local folks who maybe have family members in Ukraine navigate those applications,” said Marisa Kaczmarczyk, director of client services at the NCC Peterborough agency. “Some of these applications can be confusing, they may need someone to hep them walk through the process.”

Currently, Canada is focusing on Ukrainians already located in Canada. For example, Kaczmarczyk says an international student that may have to return to Ukraine soon because of a soon-to-be expired visa will be given the opportunity to stay past the expiration of their visa.

Kaczmarczyk says the NCC is already getting phone calls from Peterborough residents wondering what they can do to help.

“People have offered their time, spaces in their house, they’re ready to house a refugee,” she says. “At the moment because there isn’t a refugee program there is not a need for that - yet.”

She says anyone that calls is being put on a list and will be contacted when applicable.

The NCC is also directing people to established organizations that are accepting donations and providing help directly on the ground in Ukraine.

Donations directed to the Red Cross will be matched by the Canadian government until March 18. The NCC also suggests donating to UNICEF, which is helping children affected.

NCC continues to support refugees from around the world and have an ongoing need for refugee support team members. Those interested in helping can sign up here.

The crisis in Ukraine is ongoing, and ever changing. The NCC will continue to update the public as new information arises.

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Douro-Dummer Woman Receives Order Of Canada

Doctor Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ McGregor of Douro-Dummer was awarded the Order of Canada, in a list released on Wednesday.

Dr. McGregor was awarded the Order of Canada for her promotion of women in science and for her commitment to nurturing Canada's next generation of leaders.

She is the author of "Women on the Ballot: Pathways to Political Power" featuring 95 powerful personal stories across Canada at different levels of politics and party affiliations and capturing five decades of gender leadership advice.

Her LinkedIn profile boasts an extensive list of experiences and qualifications.

Dr. McGregor is the head coach for Team Canada Special Olympics Soccer, and has been since 2009. She is on the board of directors for the Rotary Club of Peterborough, and has received many awards and recognitions.

The Order of Canada is a Canadian national order and the second highest honour for merit in the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada, after the Order of Merit.

It recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation.

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Michelle Ferreri Tells A Story Of A Peterborough Woman In Her Maiden Speech

Member of Parliament Michelle Ferreri gave her maiden speech at the House of Commons on Dec. 16.

In Ferreri’s first ever speech she brought to light the mental health crisis in Peterborough-Kawartha.

She told the story of Cassie, a Peterborough local who struggled with her mental health.

On Sept. 20, Cassie passed away. Ferreri made a promise to Cassies’s mother that her story wouldn’t end in vain, and that she would work to help the other ‘Cassies’ in Peterborough.

“Cassie is the real example of what needs to be solved and the crisis we’re living in,” said Ferreri. “Her mom wanted her story shared. She wants people to know what happened.”

When Ferreri posted a video of her clip on Facebook, members of the community and Cassie’s family members expressed their praise in the comments.

“I wrote the speech myself, I didn’t have any help or input on what I chose to write. I think I’ll be able to look back on my maiden speech in the future and it will remind me of why I started this. There’s days when it gets hard and overwhelming but I can go back to my maiden speech and be reminded of why I’m doing this and what I’m trying to achieve.”

Ferreri also noted how COVID-19 has magnified the opioid and mental health crisis, and that Canada needs to learn to live with COVID.

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Random Acts Of Green Is Hoping For An Eco-Friendly Holiday With Their JollyGreen Holiday Challenge

The JollyGreen Holiday Eco-Challenge hosted by Random Acts of Green is hoping to encourage people to switch to more eco-friendly habits during the holidays this year.

According to Zero Waste Canada, globally during the holiday season, waste levels increase by 25-30 per cent. With all the wrapping paper, packaging, cards, glitter, decorations, and food waste, the planet desperately needs people to rethink these wasteful traditions.

“The holiday season is full of light, joy, and cheer. But it also has a dark environmental side that no one really seems to be talking about,” said Jessica Correa, CEO, Random Acts of Green. “It doesn’t have to be like this, though. We can all act together to change wasteful traditions and rituals in favour of new ones that are less harmful to our shared home.”

Citizens, families, school boards, classrooms, and businesses are being encouraged to take the virtual JollyGreen™ Challenge during the month of December. The challenge builds awareness about things we can do for the planet this holiday season.

The challenge encourages participants to perform tasks like using a reusable mug for Christmas drinks like hot chocolate, shopping locally, and using eco-friendly de-icers when needed.

Pledge to participate in JollyGreen here to receive a pledge badge to share on socials and get green tips along the way.

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Completely Canadian 24 Good Deeds Charity Advent Calendar is Launched Out of Lakefield

After selling out quickly in 2020, 24 GOOD DEEDS Charity Advent Calendar is back for the 2021 holiday season, this time with a completely Canadian edition.

Bob Gainey displays an advent calendar. Photo Courtesy of 24 GOOD DEEDS.

Much like a tradidional Advent Calendar, each day gives the opportunity to reveal something new. Though instead of a toy or a treat the calendar offers the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way, as well as an educational opportunity for donors to learn about various charities and their initiatives both locally and globally.

Behind every door, there is a different charity and cause that donors have supported with the charitable donation to 24 GOOD DEEDS.

24 GOOD DEEDS was launched in Europe in 2011, though it was just this year that a Canadian edition was launched in Lakefield by Ute Shaw, and spouse Carlos Daniel. The idea came to them while staying at their cottage on Katchewanooka Lake.

“The good thing is that with one donation you’re giving to 24 different charities, but the important thing is you’re not just giving to charities - you’re giving to specific projects within those charities. The money can not go to administration, or paying bills. It has to go to a direct cost of a project,” said Daniel, co-founder. “Charities report back to us next year so we can really see that the money went towards completing a project.”

The calendar is available in English and French, and all 24 Charities are from Canada with projects nationally and internationally.

Bob Gainey, who played for the Montreal Canadians from 1973 until 1989 is a big supporter of 24 GOOD DEEDS and also plays the voice of Santa Claus in the television. commercial.

To order a calendar click here.

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Local Man Andrew Parnell Is On a Mission To End Nation Wide Hunger With Panda Feeds Canada

Peterborough local, Andrew Parnell, has his sights set on ending nation wide hunger - and he is going to do it on Instagram.

Photo courtesy of Panda Feeds Canada.

In early March of 2021 Parnell started the Instagram page PandaFeedsCanada.

The name comes from the nickname ‘Panda Parnell’ given to him in elementary school.

The goal is to gain enough followers to have the ability to present advertisements and sponsorships via the social media platform. Once he is able to do so 100 percent of revenue generated on Instagram will be donated to food shares across the country, he says.

Before he started on this journey a close friend of his passed away and he was laid off from his construction job for the winter.

“I just decided ‘you know what, I need to do something more productive with my time,” Parnell said. “ I figured this was the best way I could possibly make an impact of my community, follow in my parents footsteps and be a hardworking volunteer.”

Parnells parents, Don and Lesley Parnell, spend much of their time volunteering around the community. Lesley represents the Otonabee Ward on City Council and plays a major role in the Festival of Lights. She is a recipient of a Peterborough Volunteer of the Year Award.

Don is a recent inductee into the Peterborough Pathway of Fame having played a major role in the staging of the annual Victoria Day fireworks presentation over Little Lake and serving as a full-time member of the Pedal For Hope support team.

Amanda Shaw from Real Canadian Superstore, Ashlee Aitkins from Kawartha Foodshare and Andrew Parnell from Panda Feeds Canada. Parnell often stands outside of grocery stores accepting monetary and food donations for Kawartha Food Share. Pictures is Aitkins accepting a $1000 donation to Kawartha Food Share on June 10, 2021. Photo courtesy of Panda Feeds Canada.

“Most donations to this point have been my close friends and family really wanting to help out and launch the name Panda Feeds Canada,” said Parnell.

Panda Feeds Canada does not currently accept donations, but Parnell directs those interested in donating to Kawartha Food Share and will celebrate the donor on his Instagram page.

“If a small business wants to make a donation to the Food Share, I can do a little write up and post their business on my page,” he said. “I’m starting small but I’d love to get some bigger companies on board when I gain more followers.”

Panda Feeds Canada also hosts giveaways and raffles on Instagram with any monetary proceeds going directly to the Kawartha Foodshare.

In June Parnell hosted the first annual Panda Feeds Canada Golf Tournament at Keystone Links Golf and Country Club and donated $6100 to Kawartha Food Share.

Parnell presents the Kawartha Food Share with $6100 raised at the first annual Panda Feeds Canada Golf Tournament. Photo courtesy of Panda Feeds Canada.

“I’d love for people to put some energy into this, and encourage their friends to follow us on Instagram,” said Parnell.

While Parnell’s main goal right now is building his following on Instagram to help launch his idea, he hopes if anything he is able to inspire others to pursue their own aspirations.

“Try and make a difference. You might put some hard hours into it but you’ll feel good about what you’ve done, even if you only make a minor change and help one person it’s worth it,” said Parnell. “There’s too much negativity in this world right now so any kindness and compassion that we can put out into the universe is only going to help everyone in the long run.”

To donate to Kawatha Food Share click here. To be featured on Panada Feeds Canada send a screenshot of your donation via direct message.

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City of Peterborough Giving Out Free "Celebrate at Home" Kits for Canada Day

The City of Peterborough will be handing out 500 free Canada Day “Celebrate at Home” kits on Tuesday announced on June 18 after the cancellation of the annual Canada’s Day parade.

Photo Courtesy of City of Peterborough.

The cancellation occurred since it could not comply with step one of the Province of Ontario’s Reopening Roadmap that restricts outdoor gathering to a maximum of 10 people.

The kits include Canada Day-themed decorations, crafts, activities, contests, scavenger hunts and fun giveaways to help celebrate the nation's birthday safely.

Families can participate in the contests and activities and share their photos online using #PtboCanadaDay2021. The kits are a way for the community to celebrate together.

“Brighter days are ahead and we look forward to celebrating future holidays together when it’s safe but we’re not there just yet,” said Diane Therrien, Peterborough Mayor. “The health and wellbeing of residents is our priority and it’s important that we follow the measures of Ontario’s Reopening Roadmap. We hope the ‘Celebrate at Home’ kits deliver some Canada Day fun to families.”

Peterborough’s Canada Day Parade runs on George Street from City Hall to Morrow Park annually. Photo Courtesy of City of Peterborough.

Peterborough families are invited to pick up one kit per family at one of the four pickup locations and celebrate Canada Day at home this year. Pick up locations are as follows:

• City Hall, 500 George St. N

• Peterborough Memorial Centre, 151 Lansdowne St. W

• Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. N

• Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.

Kits can be picked up starting at 10:00 a.m. on June 29 on a first-come, first-serve basis. Staff will be at City Hall to hand out the kits until 6:00 p.m. or until all kits are distributed.

Curbside pick-up and all COVID safety protocols will be followed. Residents are reminded that face coverings are mandatory and are asked to maintain physical distancing of two metres from people who are not from their household.

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Peterborough Giving Out Free "Celebrate at Home" Kits for Canada Day

The City of Peterborough will be handing out 500 free Canada Day “Celebrate at Home” kits for June 29 announced Friday after the cancellation of the annual Canada’s Day parade.

Peterborough’s Canada Day Parade runs on George Street from City Hall to Morrow Park annually. Photo Courtesy of City of Peterborough.

The cancellation occurred since it could not comply with step 1 of the Province of Ontario’s Reopening Roadmap that restricts outdoor gathering to a maximum of 10 people.

The kits include Canada Day-themed decorations, crafts, activities, contests, scavenger hunts and fun giveaways to help celebrate the nation's birthday safely.

Families can participate in the contests and activities and share their photos online using #PtboCanadaDay2021. The kits are a way for the community to celebrate together.

“Brighter days are ahead and we look forward to celebrating future holidays together when it’s safe but we’re not there just yet,” said Diane Therrien, Peterborough Mayor. “The health and wellbeing of residents is our priority and it’s important that we follow the measures of Ontario’s Reopening Roadmap. We hope the ‘Celebrate at Home’ kits deliver some Canada Day fun to families.”

Peterborough families are invited to pick up one kit per family at one of the four pickup locations and celebrate Canada Day at home this year. Pick up locations are as follows:

• City Hall, 500 George St. N

• Peterborough Memorial Centre, 151 Lansdowne St. W

• Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. N

• Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.

Kits can be picked up starting at 10:00 a.m. on June 29 on a first-come, first-serve basis. Staff will be at City Hall to hand out the kits until 6:00 p.m. or until all kits are distributed.

Curbside pick-up and all COVID safety protocols will be followed. Residents are reminded that face coverings are mandatory and are asked to maintain physical distancing of two metres from people who are not from their household.

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Local Boy Shares Inspiring Immigration Story After Five Years In Canada

Life changed at a young age on a whim for Jorge Escalera Arroyo immigrating to Canada but the 11-year-old shared his story in a podcast by New Canadians Centre Peterborough (NCC) last Wednesday.

Arroyo has expressed some interest in streaming video games like Fortnite or Spanish lessons on Youtube in the near-future. Photo Courtesy of Sarai Arroyo.

Arroyo moved from Monterrey, Mexico when he was six after his father received a job opportunity at Quaker Oats Peterborough.

The grade 5 student received an invitation from the NCC to record a 12-minute podcast of his experience living in Canada. He talks about his struggles, adjusting to a new culture and eventually expresses his love for living in Canada.

“I like the community because they’re so kind,” said Arroyo. “People are generous too. I also like the school because I understand it more than Mexico.”

Arroyo highlights his early struggles in school from learning both English and French and being bullied by other students. He credits his teachers for helping him learn them quickly.

He initially had a difficult time since he was learning three languages at once (including his native language of Spanish) and says kids were teasing him for not knowing them well right away.

The Westmount Public School student wanted to share his story to inspire others while the world is under a pandemic.

“I know we’re going through a very rough time,” he said. “I thought if anyone is moving or having a rough time, I wanted to share them my story so they could feel a bit better and know what everybody else is going through.”

Gym is one of Arroyo’s favourite school subjects. He is a big fan of the Canadian dessert, Nanaimo bars. Photo Courtesy of Sarai Arroyo.

He also wanted to spread the message of anyone being open to others about their struggles rather than bottling them up.

“I wanted to let people know if they have something bad (experiences) to say, they should say it to get that pressure off your mind,” he said.

Arroyo says his favourite Mexican food is tamales and is fan of their street food. Photo Courtesy of Sarai Arroyo.

Arroyo often keeps in contact with friends and family in Mexico and helps children learn English he said. He is the oldest of three with a brother Roberto, 5, and sister Sofia, 3.

He is no longer bullied in school and overcame his initial shyness when he came to Canada. Arroyo’s hobbies include karate, video games and drawing.

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BMO Financial Group Announces $650,000 Gift To Support New Canadian Canoe Museum

BMO Financial Group has announced a $650,000 investment in The Canadian Canoe Museum’s new 85,000 square-foot-facility at the water’s edge.

This generous gift is the $65 million capital campaign’s first from a financial institution and in recognition, the new museum’s archives and archives workroom will be named the BMO Financial Group Research and Knowledge Centre.

To be built alongside the Peterborough Lift Lock on the Trent-Severn Waterway, the new museum will feature a dedicated space for the organization’s growing collection of rare books, maps and archival materials, as well as film, video and recorded oral histories.

This space, which doesn’t exist in the current museum, will be built to a Class A controlled environment standard that is designed for the materials it will house. Guests using this space will be surrounded by a unique reference library with access to individual study spaces and large work surfaces, along with a comfortable environment for knowledge sharing and the digital documentation of new stories.

”BMO is proud to support The Canadian Canoe Museum,” says Sheri Griffiths, Regional President, Business Banking, Greater Ontario Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. “The new BMO Financial Group Research and Knowledge Centre will offer a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with—and gain a deeper understanding of our country’s history.”

The new museum has been designed by the award-winning team of heneghan peng (Dublin, Ireland) and Kearns Mancini Architects (Toronto, Canada). The building, purpose-built for the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft, will blend almost seamlessly into its landscape, emerging from the drumlin and complementing the waterway.

“The Research and Knowledge Centre is an integral space in the new museum—one that will offer opportunities to learn and collaborate that right now, we can only imagine,” says Carolyn Hyslop, Executive Director. “The Centre will be an inclusive and safe space for First Peoples, Métis and Inuit, Indigenous Knowledge Holders, and academics to share, encourage understanding and conduct cultural and ceremonial practices.”

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