Soroptimist International Peterborough Donates to Five Community Partners on 75th Anniversary

It may be the 75th anniversary of Soroptimist International Peterborough (SIP) but they gave presents out by donating $1,000 cheques each to five organizations on Friday.

Soroptimist International of Peterborough (SIP) was chartered on November 17, 1945. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The donations went towards community partners of SIP to help women’s and girls’ lives through programs leading to economic and social empowerment.

Cameron House (Brock Mission), Elizabeth Fry Society, The Daughter Project Girls’ Home, YWCA Crossroads and Homeward Bound were the recipients of the donations including a commemorative plaque.

Joyce Fee, former SIP president said she was “certainly proud” of the organization to fund the five recipients.

The money acquired was possible through fundraising efforts such as special dinners, fashion shows and an affiliation with the local bingo hall according to Fee.

Mayor Diane Therrien has proclaimed the week of Oct. 3rd as ‘Soroptimist Week’ in Peterborough to acknowledge the 75th Anniversary of SIP and the 100th Anniversary of Soroptimist International.

SIP has over 40 members who work to make a difference in the lives of women and girls in our own community and around the world.

“We are mediators for then for the girls,” said Fee. “We give them tools to achieve their education and career goals. Empower them to break cycles, poverty, violence and abuse.”

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Community Fridge in Peterborough Pops Up To Battle Food Insecurity

The fight for food insecurity takes one step forward as volunteers have launched a stocked community fridge that is open to the public in Peterborough.

The Community Fridge fully stocked. Photo Courtesy of Community Fridge PTBO.

The fridge and pantry are located in front of a private residence at the corner of Dublin and Aylmer.

At a community fridge, food is provided by people who drop off fresh fruits and vegetables, unexpired non-perishables, menstruation products, pet food and personal protective equipment. Restaurants can drop off pre-made meals that list all ingredients contained inside.

Community members are encouraged to “leave what you can, take what you need.” Anyone can drop off or take items at any time with no restrictions.

The project models itself on a growing movement of community fridges across the globe including sites in Toronto, Calgary, Kitchener, Hamilton and cities across the USA.

Volunteers have been working towards launching the Peterborough/Nogojiwanong Community Fridge since the winter of 2020.

After unsuccessfully asking several local businesses and organizations to host the fridge on their property, one of the core volunteers named Sunny, agreed to host the fridge on the front lawn of their house.

“The project has only brought smiles to people’s faces,” said Sunny. “Lots of people from the neighbourhood have already been filling up the pantry and fridge space and the past few weeks the only advertising for the fridge is the pantry itself.”

The newly established community fridge is looking for local citizens and businesses to support the project by dropping off fresh food and dried goods. Dedicated volunteers are also needed to help stock and clean the fridge on a regular basis.

For more information or to get involved, click here.

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YWCA Crossroads Shelter receives $20,000 donation from The Peterborough District Masonic Association

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton announced a charitable contribution of $20,000 from The Peterborough District Masonic Association, on Wednesday.

YWCA’s Ria Nicholson receives a donation from The Peterborough District Masonic Association, presented by Right Worshipful Brother Tom Mortlock, District Deputy Grand Master (centre), and Worshipful Brother Philip Lake, District Secretary (right) Photo courtesy of YWCA Crossroads Shelter.

This donation will help ensure safe shelter and support services for local women and children experiencing violence.

“Community leaders like the Masonic Association who prioritize equity, safety and an end to gender-based violence are absolutely vital to our organization,” said Kim Dolan, Executive Director of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. “We sincerely appreciate the commitment of local Association members, and those who generously support their fundraising efforts on behalf of the YWCA each year.”

Tom Mortlock, District Deputy Grand Master of the Masonic Association, and his family, has been actively involved in the YWCA’s fundraising events for many years.

YWCA Crossroads Shelter provides physical safety, 24 hour support, nutritious meals and personal care essentials for women in crisis.

Fundraising support from community groups like The Peterborough District Masonic Association is critical in order to bridge the gap that remains beyond government funding, ensuring that local services are available 365 days a year.

Anyone interested in learning more about corporate and community partnership opportunities is asked to please contact Ria Nicholson directly at 705-743-3526 x113 or rnicholson@ywcapeterborough.org.

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Peterborough Canoe and Kayak Club Paddles On From Government Grant

After the last day of a canoe program, the Peterborough Canoe and Kayak Club (PCKC) received a $15,500 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) on Friday.

The PCKC was established in July 2017. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Club members and city officials gathered at Johnson Park to watch young paddlers in fun races at Little Lake just off Beavermead Park. The final day was a showcase of the skills learned by the young paddlers as well as a recognition ceremony for the grant funding.

The club has seen a huge growth in numbers this year since 2020 where COVID-19 made it difficult for them to run its events.

“The year before, we've had 50 paddlers,” said Jim Stewart, PCKC commodore.” This year, we've had 150 plus padders plus another 30 in masters, paracanoeing and in learn-to-paddle programs.”

Most PCKC boats are racing boats that are expensive and unstable which are not rented out to the public. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The grant was used to help with staffing costs, buying new fencing, a rescue boat motor, installing new storage capabilities and a sanitizing station.

MPP Dave Smith presented the check at the presentation ceremony on OTF’s behalf. He said the PCKC fit the bill perfectly for the grant.

“It was about doing something for volunteers with a not-for-profit organization that provided an opportunity for youth,” he said. “It really was perfectly designed what Trillium was designed for.”

The OTF has nearly invested $112 million into 1,384 community projects and partnerships. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Both Smith and Stewart agree that these programs that promote physical activity are beneficial for kids on several different levels.

“It's good for their physical health but the key is that it's good for their mental health,” said Smith. “They learn an activity they can do their entire life and they have fun doing it which is one of the best things that come out of it.”

“People are very pleased to be in the open air in the water,” reflected Stewart. “A sport that provides them with new friends, a learning experience and a chance to gain self-respect for being on the water.”

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Pirate Ghost Ship Looting Community Solidarity For Smiles and Charity

UPDATED: Aug. 21 11:26 a.m.

It may seem like an overly elaborate Halloween decoration but the pirate ghost ship on Jenn and Braden Glasbergen’s property has brought communities together while supporting charity.

Jenn (left) and Braden Glasbergen (right) have had four different elaborate front-yard decorative displays such as Easter, dinosaurs, a ghost pirate ship and a gingerbread house. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Built last year, the ship was primarily built for Halloween decoration that took about 10 weeks but has received upgrades in 2021 such as a second walkway and more decorations.

The Glasbergen’s built it largely for the community to enjoy — and partially to enjoy the decorating and holiday celebrations — but also added a charity element after onlookers asked about making donations.

The ship weighs roughly 300 pounds according to the Glasbergens. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The family did not want money but accepted non-perishable food and drink for donors to see the ship. The items went to food banks like St. Vincent de Paul for the last two years. Animal food and goods such as pet litter, toys and accessories would also be donated to local animal shelters, as the Glasbergen’s are self-proclaimed animal lovers.

“The whole entire car was filled to the brim with food and pet supplies,” send Jenn.

The ship set a good example for kids to be involved in their communities added Braden.

“It was good for the kids too, they would bring a can of soup or a box of mac and cheese or something like that to donate,” he explained. “It helps them learn to give back as well.”

The ship is fully detachable from the house and is stored in the garage when not in season. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Located on Ravenwood Drive, the decorated ship has attracted communities and even out-of-town residents to see the spectacle.

"We had a family on Halloween that saw the ship, they went back home, the whole entire family dressed up in pirate costumes,” mentioned Jenn. “We have people that have to pass every single night because the kids have to say goodnight to the ship.”

Some decorations were purchased however there were building materials and other ornaments were community-donated towards the cause.

The ship has attracted a large amount of community attention and is now open to the public including the donation box. It gets put up around late summer and taken down right after Halloween.

A treasure cove display that has a built walkway path independent of the the ship’s entrance. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The family is currently expecting more decorations to be delivered.

The ship has served as a community spotlight for the family’s neighbourhood, creating a mentality where everyone helps everyone according to the couple.

"It's a good way to give back to the community," said Jenn. "If the community would still like to keep giving, then let's pay it forward."

The family advises that anyone driving to see the ship to exercise caution and to pull over and not obstruct any traffic behind them by driving slowly.

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Local Man Collects Donated Lacrosse Equipment For Local Clubs and Abroad

After gathering over 1,200 pounds of community-donated lacrosse gear, John Davis Jr. is giving the equipment to local clubs and underprivileged Ugandan children this fall.

Anything deemed unusable has been discarded from being donated. Photo Courtesy of John Davis Jr.

Davis Jr. has collected gear since the start of the pandemic in the spring of last year through a Facebook campaign. Sticks, helmets, gloves, shoes and more are many of the things given to the cause.

Peterborough, the rest of Ontario and Quebec have donated their gear to Davis Jr. in honour of the cause. The Peterborough Minor Lacrosse Association and Peterborough Lakers have given two sets of home and away jerseys as part of the collection.

The equipment will go to the Uganda Lacrosse Foundation to provide underprivileged Ugandan youth to have access to play lacrosse. Any leftover gear that will not be sent overseas will be donated to local clubs and organizations according to Davis Jr.

“I intend on reaching out to different communities who need equipment for their house leagues,” he said. “I probably have 1,200 to 1,300 pounds of gear.”

Majority of the gear intended for Uganda will be field lacrosse equipment as opposed to box lacrosse. Photo Courtesy of John Davis Jr.

The Davis family have been born with lacrosse in their blood. Davis Jr. is the son of Peterborough Sports Hall of Fame inductee Johnny “Shooter” Davis —who has the Major Series Lacrosse playoff MVP trophy named after him — who won the Mann Cup in his rookie year in 1966.

John Davis Jr. (pictured) is a contributing writer for the New Jersey-based lacrosse website, crossecheck.com. Photo Courtesy of John Davis Jr.

Though Davis Jr. opted not to play professional lacrosse, his desire and passion for the game remained. He got the idea of helping Uganda lacrosse through contacts he made working as a writer for crossecheck.com.

After meeting with Ugandan players and Jaffari Makanda Ibrahim, president of the Ugandan Lacrosse Network and hearing their stories, inspired Davis Jr. to help a campaign with the University of Michigan.

Johnny “Shooter” Davis (pictured) has won two consecutive playoff MVP awards in 1966-67. Photo Courtesy of John Davis Jr.

Davis Jr. has been grateful for the generosity of the communities that have supported his cause since he started it last year.

“The people are just unbelievable, it’s been endless,” he explained. “I had to put a stop on equipment because of how much I’ve been getting.”

The lacrosse writer would have people drop off donated gear at his house or he would come to pick it up himself when people wanted to donate. Lacrosse sticks are something he will always accept and wants to send 50 sticks in the fall. He noted that he has yet to receive any goalie sticks.

A GoFundMe organized by the University of Michigan has been launched to pay for the shipping costs of the gear to Uganda. Click here if you would like to donate.

“Lacrosse is in my blood,” said Davis Jr. “Peterborough is the lacrosse capital, there’s no doubt about it.”

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Showplace Launches New Initiative to Raise Funds for Renovations

Showplace Performance Centre is getting a new look after being open for 25 years.

Linda Kash - Ambassador, Pat Hooper - Champion, Beth McMaster - Champion, Megan Murphy - Ambassador. Photo Courtesy of Showplace.

The Take a Seat for Act II project is underway and aims to replace the tired seats that Showplace reports millions of spectators have sat in.

This initiative is led by Showplace Champions Pat Hooper and Beth McMaster and Ambassadors Linda Kash and Megan Murphy and hopes to allow community members to enjoy a space where music, live theatre and professional presentations will come to life for many years to come.

A donation of $1000 will allow donors to have their name or the name of someone they would like to honour on a seat. Donations will also go towards floor replacement, lighting and electrical work and painting.

Donations and seat purchases can be made by calling the box office at 705-742-7469 or by clicking here.

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Kawartha Food Share Receives $5,000 For Reliable Emergency Food Sources

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Association of REALTORS (PKAR) has donated $5,000 to Kawartha Food Share (KFS) for reliable access to emergency food sources Monday morning.

Ashlee Aitken (left), Kawartha Food Share General Manager and Jon Maxwell (right), PKAR President at the Kawartha Food Share facility with the cheque presentation of $5,000 towards reliable emergency food sources. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The donation will help to fight food insecurity in the community through the KFS programs that help to feed over 8,900 men, women and children each month.

Jon Maxwell, PKAR President brought the $5,000 cheque to Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager at their facility at Neal Drive.

Aitken says food donations typically diminish over the summer since people typically associate giving with the holidays. KFS receiving this money comes as a nice and welcomed surprise.

“(The money) will all go towards food purchasing,” she said. “This week, we’ll get that money spent and get it to the food banks.”

The $5,000 donation gives KFS $30,000 of purchasing power according to Aitken. Food purchased includes tuna, pasta sauce, canned soup and canned vegetables.

The money spent on food will go towards four meal programs, four City food banks, six housing projects, seven county food banks and over 20 food cupboards across the City & County of Peterborough. Last year their warehouse distributed over $5 million worth of food and emergency care needs.

“As an association, we love to give back to the community that we’re part of”, said Maxwell. “There are so many families struggling to make ends meet. It’s just a great feeling to give back and be part of the solution.”

KFS’s first truck was purchased with the help of a PKAR donation over seven years ago.

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Peterborough's Walk About Clown Spreads Smiles Upon the City

Carolyn Collins has been dubbed Peterborough’s Walk About Clown and is spreading smiles - and donations - to the community.

Photo Courtesy of David Bui.

When Collins began to sense that a close friend of hers was struggling with the ongoing lockdown, she took it upon herself to cheer her up.

Though she is retired, Collins worked as a clown in the past. She found her best clown outfit and took to the sidewalk in hopes that walking past her friend’s window would put a smile on her face. During the short five-minute walk, she got more attention than anticipated.

“I had at least a dozen vehicles honking and waving at me,” she said. “So I thought I should keep it going.”

Collins now sports fun outfits and hula hoop tricks on the corner of Cherryhill Road and Brealey Drive every weeknight from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. dependent on the weather.

She also leaves encouraging chalk messages on sidewalks and posters on nearby posts.

Photo Courtesy of David Bui.

“The smiles are the best part,” she says.

Fans of Collins have given her money though she does not keep it for herself.

“I’ve decided any money I’m given will go to charity,” she explained. “I was just able to drop off $365 to Community Living in Peterborough. The way I see it, somebody else needs the money more.”

She has now begun collecting money for Five Counties Children’s Centre and has decided every month she will donate to a different charity.

While clowning around is raising money for various charities around the city, Collins says she does it is to spread joy.

“One smile turns into two. Two turns into four and next thing you know we have a million smiles.”

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Local Peterborough Businesses Donate Canada Day Sales For Indigenous Issues

Peterborough businesses have donated proceeds during Canada Day and the following weekend in support of Indigenous causes.

Mohawk children cheering for Team Haudenosaunee at the 2019 World U19 Women's Field Lacrosse Championships at Justin Chiu Stadium at Trent University in Peterborough. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Planet, Silver Bean Café, KitCoffee, The Night Kitchen, Le Petit Bar and St. Veronus were participating restaurants that have donated a portion of their earnings made on Canada Day or the following weekend.

The inspiration came after the trending hashtag #CancelCanadaDay surfaced as a part of truth and reconciliation for Indigenous people. Community members would not celebrate the country’s anniversary and reflected Canada’s involvement of Residental Schools’ treatment towards Indigenous people until the 1980’s.

The Planet and Silver Bean Café have donated 25 per cent of their Canada Day proceeds to Legacy of Hope Foundation; an Indigenous charity to educate and create awareness and understanding about the Residental School System according to their website.

“The recent news of more mass graves being discovered at residential schools is so upsetting,” said The Planet on a Facebook post. “We can't change the past but we can work towards a better future.”

Mohawk children ran across the stands flying the Six Nations flag after every Team Haudenosaunee goal. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

KitCoffee is donating all its Canada Day profits to the Indian Residential School Survivor Society (IRSSS); an organization that provides services to Indian Residental School Survivors.

Le Petit Bar and St. Veronus are donating 15 percent of all their weekend sales towards IRSSS. In addition to them, The Night Kitchen donated all their Tuesday proceeds to Mnoominkewin festival held in Curve Lake during the month of September.

Donations to Legacy of Hope Foundation and IRSSS can be made on their official websites.

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