PRHC Names Cardiac Centre After James Neill Who Donated $5 Million, Largest Contribution in Hospital's History

James "Jim" Neill has been immortalized in Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) history as the Cardiac Centre has been named after him after he made a $5 million donation in a sign-unveiling ceremony on Thursday afternoon.

Photo by Samantha Bianco.

The donation is in support of cardiac care and was given back in 2021. The sign was revealed at the exterior northeast corner of the hospital, naming it the James B. Neill Cardiac Centre.

Neill had ‘no idea’ that it was the largest donation PRHC had ever received when that information was made known to him.

“To have my name on the side of the building, to see it associated with such an outstanding hospital and such exceptional and talented healthcare professionals, is a great honour,” said Neill. “It’s my hope that when patients, visitors and staff look up and see it, they’ll be encouraged and inspired to support their hospital in whatever way they can, much as the donors who came before inspired me.”   

Photo by Samantha Bianco.

PRHC and its foundation Foundation members were present with Neill, his family and friends at the ceremony to commemorate the event. The former expressed their gratitude to Neill for his generous donation.

“Mr. Neill is saving and improving the lives of thousands upon thousands of present and future patients and for that, as well as the inspiration his donation will provide to so many, we’re incredibly grateful,” said Lesley Heighway, PRHC foundation president and CEO.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Bobcaygeon Brewing Company Launches Second Community Brew To Benefit Otonabee Conservation

Bobcaygeon Brewing Company and McThirsty’s Pint have launched the second edition of their ‘Community Brew’ collaboration series called “Dan’s Kolsch” to support Otonabee Conservation and the Jackson Creek Trail announced on Friday.

Daniel Longfield, McThirsty’s bartender; Richard Wood, BOBCAYGEON Brewery president and Janette Loveys Smith, Otonabee Conservation CAO enjoying “Dan’s Kolsch” as the second installment of the Community Brew collaboration series. a raspberry gose was the first incarnation. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The beer is a Kolsch or lagered ale, brewed in collaboration with McThirsty’s bartender Daniel Longfield.

Bobcaygeon Brewery describes the beer as a golden yellow, clean and crisp lager with a mild bitterness.

One dollar for each pint sold and 50 cents from every can is being donated to Otonabee Conservation.

“We are honoured to be the recipient of donations from Bobcaygeon Brewery’s Community Brew,” states Janette Loveys Smith, Otonabee Conservation CAO. “Funds will be directed to the beloved Jackson Creek Trail, which continues to provide so many residents with a place to rejuvenate, exercise, and enjoy nature in the heart of Peterborough.”

The new beer is publicly available this Saturday at Bobcaygeon Brewing Company to try both on tap and for purchase to go. Starting Monday, the beer is available at McThirsty’s Pint at 166 Charlotte St. and the Bobcaygeon Brewing Company Taproom at 649 The Parkway.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Honour An Animal Lover and Help the New Peterborough Animal Care Centre Through Memorial Donations

A generous memorial donation was made to the Peterborough Humane Society’s new Animal Care Centre by Gloria Porter-MacDonald in tribute of her late son Drew MacDonald.

Drew MacDonald and his dog. photo courtesy of the peterborough humane society.

She chose to donate to the Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC) in memory of her son who passed in January 2020. A dog adoption suite has been named in his honour and will also be displayed on PACC’s Donor Wall.

“Drew was an owner/operator in the transportation industry. He was a gentle giant; kind, a loyal friend, a team player and willing to help,” his mother shared. “Drew had a sense of humour, a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for those who risk life and limb for others.”

Gloria says Drew’s experience with dogs began with a Doberman Pinscher.

“Later he brought home two bonded Beagle puppies from the Peterborough Humane Society rather than leave one behind unadopted. Drew loved his dogs,” said Gloria. “When it was necessary for our family to re-home Drew's two Beagles, Buddy and Sam, we felt comfortable knowing there was a service available to assist in finding a new home for them. We wanted to support the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre in improving the needs of our local community for pets and animals in memory of Drew's love of dogs.”

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

The Peterborough Animal Care Centre is now open at 1999 Technology Dr. in Peterborough with a grand opening event scheduled for June. The centre features a state-of-the art Animal Adoption & Education Centre, Publicly Accessible & High-Volume Spay/Neuter Clinic and a Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre.

“We are honoured to recognize Drew and his love for animals through our new Centre. This donation to the Centre will not only impact the lives of the animals in our care but our entire community and beyond,” said Peterborough Humane Society executive director Shawn Morey. “Memorial gifts are an incredible way to leave a lasting impact, and we are truly thankful to be a part of Drew’s memory. His love for animals will live on for generations to come through this gift.”

Donations are still needed to reach the capital campaign goal. To learn how to contribute, visit the website.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Petes Booster Club Donates $3,000 To Assistant Coach Andrew Verner's World Kidney Day Fundraiser

The Peterborough Petes Booster Club surprised assistant coach Andrew Verner with a $3,000 donation towards his fundraiser on World Kidney Day on Wednesday.

Lynda Johnson (left) sharing a moment with Petes assistant coach Andrew Verner (right), Johnson is part of the Petes Booster Club that sell 50/50 tickets during games. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The money was donated by Lynda Johnson of the Booster Club who has been a member for over 21 years.

The Petes Booster club was founded at the beginning of the 1967-1968 Peterborough Petes season at the suggestion of the late Roger Neilson. It was a group of devoted Petes fans who attended games since 1956. They typically are seen at the games selling 50/50 tickets to help raise money to aid the cost of the players’ education.

The fundraiser is in support of obtaining equipment used in the lifesaving delivery of dialysis treatment at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).

Verner was a goaltender for the Petes from 1989 to 1992 coached in the Ontario Hock League since 2012. He was diagnosed with glomerulonephritis while playing hockey in Germany in 1999. He received a new kidney on March 9, 2021 through the Paired Kidney Donation Program. His wife Allison donated her kidney three days later to save another life after receiving one through the program for Andrew.

The team held a World Kidney Day last Thursday during their game against the Kingston Frontenacs raising over $16,000.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Community Care Peterborough Donates $500 in Leftover Grocery Gift Cards to North Kawartha Food Bank

Community Care Peterborough (CCP)’s Apsley office presented $500 in leftover grocery gift cards to the North Kawartha Food Bank announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Katie Bryck presenting Diane Rothnie, President of North Kawartha Food Bank with the $500 of leftover grocery gift cards. Photo courtesy of CCP.

“The cost of food, temporary loss of our grocery store and the high cost of gas has had a significant impact on our community,” said Diane Rothnie, North Kawartha Food Bank president. 

“Our ‘Be A Lifeline’ donors have allowed us to enhance our current services and provide delivery of food bank hampers to isolated food bank clients on a weekly basis, with the support of our volunteer drivers,” said Katie Bryck, CCP’s Community development coordinator. “They have also allowed us to give away $11,500 in grocery gift cards to community members in need over the holiday season.”

Community Care staff and volunteers provide a variety of essential services to seniors and adults with physical challenges helping them to live at home.

Some of their services include, Exercise and Falls Prevention, Friendly Visiting, Volunteer Transportation, Meals on Wheels, Brokered Home Help and Home Maintenance, Medical Equipment Program and more.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Minor AAA Petes Fundraising For Breast Cancer Research Through Hockey Battles Cancer

The AAA minor Petes’ teams will be supporting the U12 team’s fundraiser honouring Melissa Hinze; hitting the ice in their pink jerseys to raise awareness for Metastatic Breast Cancer from Jan. 27 to 29.

Photo courtesy of AAA Minor Petes.

The cause is near and dear to the hearts of many in the local hockey community, who believe specialized research into metastatic cancer is so needed.  

This fundraiser is in memory of Melissa Hinze, who lost her battle of stage four Metastatic Breast Cancer in the spring of 2022.

It was Melissa who began this fundraiser through the AAA minor Petes’ last year in hopes that more funds would be raised for cancer research through the Canadian Cancer Society. Her son’s U11 team raised just over $3,000 in this first fundraising event.

While in palliative care she mentioned one of her wishes was for this event to continue. Her husband Chris Hinze, along with their son Blake (11) and daughter Jasmine (13) were determined to see it through for another year.

Melissa passed away on May 11, 2022 after her six-year battle with cancer.

“It was very sudden, she went in for a day procedure and never came back out,” recalls Chris. “She had a great six years when she was battling it, she was an absolute trooper.”

Photo courtesy of Chris Hinze.

Photo courtesy of Chris Hinze.

Photo courtesy of Olivia Smith.

Chris reached out to head coach of the U12 team Wayne Clark, and they began the efforts to celebrate Melissa’s life and raise money for cancer research through the second annual event.

He says 100 per cent of the money raised from this fundraiser, including toque sales and silent auction donations, will go towards cancer research.

“Our goal is to raise awareness. If women are feeling a sensation, or feeling a lump, don’t wait. Go in and get things looked after sooner rather than later,” says Chris, who hopes these earlier cancer measures and precautionary steps can ensure women don’t reach the stage four phase.

The U12 AAA Petes are being joined by the U10, U13, U14 and U15 teams repping their bright pink jerseys at their upcoming games. Chris says this is the first year having this many teams on board.

Schedule for the upcoming Hockey Battles Cancer Minor Petes Games.

The main event, taking place Sunday at 4:15 p.m. will have the U12 Petes facing Kingston at the Healthy Planet Arena. The event is free admission and is set to feature speeches and a ceremonial puck drop with Neave Alderson.

Alderson, a 15-year-old Ewing sarcoma survivor, handed the boys their pink fundraiser jerseys at the Kinsmen Civic Centre on Wednesday.

“My son handed her the jersey and she handed the hockey players their jerseys,” says Chris. “We tried to make it a really special thing, we want to make sure these boys know the importance of what it is they’re doing.”

At the time of this article, the fundraiser currently sits at $2,785 raised of their $4,000 goal.

“We really want to get the research out there, and to help doctors and scientists to figure out how to deal (passed) stage 1, and what happens when these women are at stage four,” says Chris. “Stage four should not be a death sentence. My wife lived six years via cancer (clinical) trials, research dedicated to just stage four cancer. You can’t put a price on that.”

To donate to Hockey Battles Cancer and support Metastatic Breast Cancer research, visit the link.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

The 63rd Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament Returns After Two-Year Hiatus; Volunteers Honoured Ahead of Event

After a two-year hiatus, one of Peterborough’s biggest hockey traditions makes its return as the 63rd Annual Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament returns to the ice from Thursday to Sunday.

(form left to right) Bill Auckland, Teena & Jack Flood and Mike Dennis were recipients of Frank Lustic, Steve Casey and Don McCrory’s Referee’s Award respectively at the 63rd Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament. The tournament was formerly called the Peterborough Liftlock Atom Hockey Tournament. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Opening ceremonies of the house league begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Healthy Planet Arena while Rep Division opening ceremonies are at the Peterborough Memorial Centre at 9 a.m. Callum Perks better known as ‘Coach Cal’ is doing the ceremonial puck drop before the game.

This year features 87 teams in 11 divisions playing throughout 10 arenas in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. It is also the return of AAA divisions. While the number of teams dropped from 114 in 2019, chairman Dan McNamee is just happy to have the tournament back for the children.

“The kids are happy to be back, the parents are excited to see the tradition back,” he said. “If it weren’t for the volunteers and directors who were working behind the scenes for this tournament, they’re the ones who get all the accolades for putting on this tournament.”

This year is without the skills competition due to lower numbers but it is not being shelved permanently for future tournaments according to McNamee.

“We’ll give it a little bit of a break and we’ll look at bringing it back in the future,” he explained. “It’s not like it’s gone forever, it’s a great show and those kids are the all-stars for the night and I hope we’ll get it back soon.”

Several awards were distributed ahead of the opening ceremonies recognizing some volunteers for their contributions to the tournament over the years:

• Don McCrory Referee’s Award for exemplifying McCrory’s dedication to officiating - Mike Dennis

• Steve Casey Award for a volunteer going the extra mile to contributing to the tournament’s success – Teena and Jack Flood

• Frank Lustic Award for exemplifying all Lustic’s qualities who volunteered for over 25 years in minor sports – Bill Auckland

A cheque presentation of $2,500 was also donated to Autism Central East Ontario as the chosen beneficiary as the tournament supports a local charity annually.

The eagerness of all the volunteers and committee members showed as they were happy to see the event return after a two-year hiatus, according to McNamee.

“Let’s just get on the ice,” he exclaimed. “I just want to see the kids get skating and see the smiles on their face and hear the parents cheering them on. It feels like two decades and not two years, it’s been a long time coming so let’s play hockey.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Canadian Blood Services Announces Immediate Need for Donors

The Canadian Blood Services announces there is an immediate need for donors from all communities to help grow the blood and plasma supply for patients in need this winter season.

Heavy snowfall, extreme cold and icy conditions in many parts of Canada have led to a shortfall of about 1,500 or ten per cent of expected blood and plasma collections. Continuing winter conditions illness may further impact collections, and the poor weather can also create an increase in trauma events and the demand for blood.

The Canadian Blood Services claim the national inventory of several blood types remains “far below optimal” according to a press release. 

“The national blood inventory has declined by over 35 per cent since the start of October. Currently, we have three or four days on hand of several blood types. The ideal inventory of fresh blood products is between five and eight days. We can and will turn this around and we need donors to fill all open appointments,” said Rick Prinzen, chief SC officer and vice president of Donor Relations for the Canadian Blood Services. “We are extremely grateful to the donors that regularly donate and also respond to these immediate needs. We also strongly encourage new donors to join Canada’s lifeline. Ensuring that the national supply meets patients’ needs over the coming weeks is an imperative for all of us. We also ask that donors, to the extent possible and reasonable, keep their appointments this week and throughout January.”

O-negative blood donors are especially needed as this blood type can be transfused to any patient. In times of emergency or for newborn patients, the universal blood type O-negative can make a lifesaving difference.

Same-day and open appointment slots are available at many donation events across Canadian. Book your appointment online at blood.ca, on the GiveBlood app, or by calling 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283).

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Local Restaurant Owner Offering 900 Meals to Those In Need for Christmas Day

The Original Spaghetti House Pizzeria is offering 900 hot lunches to anyone in need on Christmas Day according to a Facebook post by owner Ilir Sino posted on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Ilir Sino.

“I will like to thank all 900 people who share my invitation for Christmas Day for free hot lunch for people in need,” said Sino. “I'm blessed to be part of this community and I will do anything to help the people of this community.”

The Original Spaghetti House Pizzeria is located at 512 George St. S. off the corner of Lansdowne Street. The hot lunches will be available for carryout from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sino is no stranger to philanthropy as he has donated $1,500 to Alternatives Community Program Services Peterborough last month. He has also donated to local sports teams and other charities.

“This is the first time we invite our friends to be part of our family for Christmas but it will not be the last,” remarked Sino.

He opened his own production facility, Sino’s Fine Foods, located at 597 Monaghan Rd. in the summer. The business produces his sauces, dressings, soups, oven-ready dinners and more.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Animal Care Centre Receives Cabinet Donation From Varcroft & Bianco

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) has received cabinet donations for the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre’s (PACC) staff office space and Spay & Neuter clinic courtesy of Varcroft & Bianco announced on Wednesday.

The animal care centre is located at 1999 Technology Drive, with plans for completion and occupancy targeted for early 2023. Photo courtesy of PHS.

“Everyone at our shop has pets and understands the important role the Peterborough Humane Society plays in the health and well-being of the animals in our community,” said Brad Bates of Varcroft & Bianco. “We thought we could use our expertise and manufacturing facility to help out where we can with what we do best.”

“We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of resources and support our community has put into this new Centre. Varcroft & Bianco were very generous to not only donate the custom-made cabinetry but also to put their incredible talent and efforts into the space through the design, build and installation,” said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director. “These kitchens will service our staff, community members, as well as organizations that will utilize our Humane Education & Multipurpose Room, which will be available to the public for rentals.”

The donation is valued at around $25,000 and Varcroft & Bianco is being identified as a community partner within the PACC.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.